This position is located at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the Acute Outpatient Nursing Division, Zablocki Integrated Health Program. The incumbent is assigned as a Health Technician (HT) for the Zablocki Integrated Health Program (ZIHP) Team. The incumbent functions as a non-licensed member of the nursing care team and combines the responsibility and selected aspects of a productive team member carrying out and ensuring quality and timely delivery of care.

Duties

CLINICAL: Operates and maintains (at the user level) a wide variety of physiologic monitoring, measuring and computing devices (such as vitals machines and EKG machines) to display and record vital patient parameters for review by clinical staff; Obtains and documents patient vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, oxygen saturation, and orthostatic vital signs), recognizes and reports abnormal values to the Registered Nurse (RN) or provider staff; Initiates cardiac monitoring correctly and can print vital sign history; Prepares patients for and obtains 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs); provides privacy and emotional support during test, able to retrieve and print 12-lead ECGs from computer system (CPRS-VISTA imaging) and/or MUSE system Performs venipuncture to obtain serum blood samples and blood cultures as ordered according to policy and procedure; Inserts peripheral intravenous (IV) angiocatheter into peripheral arm veins and convert to saline lock according to policy and procedures - able to discontinue peripheral IVs; Collects, labels, and sends laboratory specimens as ordered according to policy and procedure; Performs point-of-care testing, documents and reports results according to policy and procedure, takes appropriate action for critical values; Performs a variety of specialized treatments within ZIHP not involving medication administration such as changing wound dressings, assisting with patient positioning, and setting up appropriate equipment for the specialized treatment; Moves, lifts, transfers and transports patients as necessary using proper safe patient handling techniques and equipment. Assists patients to ambulate and transfer safely; Observes changes in patient condition and reports signs and symptoms in such cases to the LPN, RN, or provider; Recognizes emergency situations and responds to them appropriately; Follows standard procedures set by infection control in all aspects of daily duties, disposes of infectious material per facility policies; Verbally reports and documents in the medical record observations and treatments given to patients, using standard nomenclature and approved forms; Initiates and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) according to American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Cleans reusable equipment according to policy and procedures; Assists in maintaining adequate inventory of equipment and supplies. When stocking ensures supplies are rotated and not expired; Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients to achieve desired results; Provides emotional support, friendly assistance, sympathetic understanding and encouragement to patients and families; Motivates patients, their families, and caregivers to learn proper health maintenance by reminding of and reinforcing educational instructions/messages. ADMINISTRATIVE: Uses sound judgment to work with staff to prioritize patient needs and institute timely interventions; Contributes to creating a work climate that encourages positive staff morale, motivation, and commitment for all who participate in the care of patients; Assists with answering phones and placing calls/pages as needed and relays messages in a timely manner; Is respectful for safeguarding patient records during visit in accordance with the Privacy Act and medical center policies; Attends and participates in training opportunities in order to plan high quality patient care. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, variable tours 7:00am-5:00pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Health Technician/PD20246O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/27/2023. EXPERIENCE: Must have (1) one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 grade level that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, methods, and techniques to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position. Specialized experience includes, but is not limited to: demonstrating knowledge of the changes associated with aging and the principles of growth and development relevant to the adult and geriatric patient group; successfully function as a phlebotomist and medical instrument technician for EKG and Respiratory care; recognizing abnormal respiratory status; ability to set-up of equipment for a variety of tests, adjust the equipment, position patient, and take down equipment and replenish supplies; demonstrating the ability in using computer programs and standard office machines to accomplish office activities. Certification in Basic CPR is required. OR EDUCATION: Must have you successfully completed a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) OR COMBINATION of Education and Experience: Must possess equivalent combinations of successfully completed post-high school education as stated above and experience to meet total experience requirements. Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirement. One full academic year of study (i.e. 30 semester hours) beyond the second year is equivalent to 6 months of specialized experience. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:Attention to DetailComputer SkillsCritical ThinkingInfection Control Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: Physical Requirements: The work involves periods of prolonged extensive or considerable standing/walking. Lifts, positions, pushes, and/or transfers patients. Lifts supplies/equipment. Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and crouching. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Education

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Clement J Zablocki Veterans Administration Medical Center 5000 West National Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53295 US
• Name: Trisha Juanez
• Phone: 414-384-2000 X44342
• Email: [email protected]