The VA New Jersey Healthcare System is recruiting GS-0640-6 Health Technicians (Acute Care) at the East Orange, NJ campus. The primary purpose of the position is to perform routine clinical procedures and tasks for which the incumbent has been deemed competent that do not require the judgement of a licensed health care professional. The incumbent functions under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse and is responsible to the Nurse Manager in the assigned clinical area.

Duties

The incumbent functions as a member of an interdisciplinary team in the acute inpatient acute and critical care setting. The incumbent may be trained in new procedures within scope and then assume duties as required to support clinical operations and patient care. Clinical Activities - 90% Operates and supports providers and Registered Nurses in designated clinical area using diagnostic and therapeutic medical instruments/equipment including Electrocardiogram, Spirometry, Visual Acuity Screening, and Bladder scan according to established procedures and with documented competency. Locates and sets up equipment needed for complex diagnostic procedures. Operates, calibrates, and maintains medical instruments or equipment. Monitors and plans equipment inventory, routine equipment maintenance, and serves as a unit resource for cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of non-critical, semi-critical, and critical Reusable Medical Devices. Demonstrates leadership in advocating patient safety and educate multidisciplinary staff in assigned area on RMD. Supports health and medical staff during diagnosis and treatment of patients. Gathers screening data on patients admitted to the hospital to include fall risk, allergies, current medications, homelessness, abuse, means and mode of arrival, danger to self or others, and exposure to communicable diseases. Recognizes and informs appropriate multidisciplinary health care team of deviations from baseline screening parameters. Performs phlebotomy in designated areas. Applies basic splints and performs dressing changes in designated areas. Performs Point of Care testing using glucometer devices according to established unit procedures and with competency validation. Educates other HT staff and serves as the expert resource in specialized equipment/supply maintenance, operation, and quality assurance monitoring. Performs 1:1 patient observation according to policy. Performs TMO monitoring as assigned. May be designated as a Rapid Response Team member when assigned to the ICU. Assisting patients with swallowing disorders with meals, bowel and bladder hygiene and assisting patients with oral/bath hygiene. Specimen collection procedures and point of care testing. Additional clinical duties as assigned. Personal Patient Care. The HT performs a wide variety of duties aimed at increasing the comfort and spirit of the patient including transporting patients via wheelchair or gurney, and/or accompanies ambulatory patients who need assistance to various areas within the hospital including clinics, diagnostic areas, and treatment areas. The HT performs simple personal care duties such as bathing and demonstrates nursing standards for patient hygiene including bathing, oral, nail, and hair care. The HT assists patients with toileting needs, providing incontinent care. The HT performs basic nursing care that requires knowledge of standardized procedures such as performance of active/passive range-of-motion activities, ensuring that catheters and oxygen cannula are maintained intact, etc. Applies protective devices such as body holders/vests, soft restraints, padded mitts, side rails, etc. Identifies physical, social, psychological, and cultural needs of patients by applying relevant growth and development processes specific to the age of the patient. Takes care of patient's non routine care and comfort needs for psychological/social/spiritual wellbeing, personal hygiene, physical comfort, nutrition, elimination, prevention of skin breakdown, rehabilitation, safety, etc. Identifies and reports data relative to more complex patient situations including subtle changes in patients' behavior or condition, or variances related to neurological signs, vital signs, and other parameters. Administrative Duties - 10 % Schedules procedures, provider evaluations, and coordinates appointments with other services. Documentation and Record Keeping. The HT performs administrative tasks and manages medical support functions for clinic or practice such as maintaining control records for specimens and tests and documenting measurements taken. Initiating work orders and following up to ensure the work is complete. Documents treatments and procedures that they have conducted in the electronic medical record. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Full-Time, 6:00AM-6:00PM with rotation Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Health Technician (Acute Care)/PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• May serve a probationary period
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. GS-06 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology Skill taking vital sign measurements, documenting deviations, and reporting results and recovery-oriented care Ability to assist patients safely, including patient handling Knowledge of infection control practices Knowledge of Direct Line of Sight procedures Knowledge of emergency situations such as cardiopulmonary failure, hemorrhaging, and shock and how to assist in the performance of resuscitation measures. Knowledge of lead placement for 12 lead electrocardiogram and telemetry monitoring, monitor alarm parameters, operation, and maintenance of cardiopulmonary and electrocardiogram equipment. Pulse oximetry monitoring, peak flow measurement, and incentive spirometry. There is no educational substitution for the GS-06 level. 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.

Education

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Contacts

• Address VA New Jersey Health Care System 385 Tremont Avenue East Orange, NJ 07018 US
• Name: Allysa Getman
• Phone: 680-322-5685
• Email: [email protected]