Summary

The Primary Purpose of the Position is: To serve as a member of the Emergency Department team performing a variety of examination - diagnostic procedures and clerical duties. The Health Technician is also certified in Preventive Management of Disturbed Behavior - (PMDB). The Organizational Location of the Position is: Emergency Department - Nursing Service - VA North Texas Health Care System - Dallas - TX.

Qualifications

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until Feb 25 - 2026. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be March 07 - 2025 - with subsequent cut-off dates every two weeks until 02/25/2026. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Applicants who are referred will be considered for 90 days - after 90 days applicants will have to reapply. To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement - 02/25/2026. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-05 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include - but are not limited to: Knowledge of the anatomy - first aid and basic patient care; Ability to establish rapport and interview patients to collect information and data about current health status and immediate needs; Knowledge of medical terminology - drug terminology - and equipment/supply terminology - and skills sufficient to identify and use equipment and supplies properly; Understanding of disease and illness and skill sufficient to teach patients; Provides instruction on self-care at home; Knowledge of electrocardiograph (ECGs - cardiac monitoring) and vital sign measurement equipment; Knowledge of the special applications of technical equipment - abnormal measurements and appropriate steps to initiate. There is no educational substitution for the GS-06 level. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Diagnostic Medical Testing Emergency Care Infection Control Specimen Collection 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. 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/.

Duties

• Duties may include but are not limited to: Obtains and documents patients vital signs (blood pressure - pulse - temperature - respiration - weight - oxygen saturation and postural vital signs)
• Able to set-up and use electronic thermometers - vital sign measurement equipment - and pulse oximetry
• Recognizes and reports abnormal values to Registered Nurse (RN)
• Initiates cardiac monitoring correctly - and is able to admit/discharge patients from monitoring system and print rhythms strips
• Initiates the collection of labs based on approved Nursing Protocols as directed by the RN.-Prepares patient for and obtains 12 lead electrocardiogram (ECG)s using various types of ECG machines
• Prepares patient for exam
• Provides privacy and emotional support
• Recognizes certain abnormalities in the ECG strip - e.g
• premature ventricular contractions - tachycardia - brachy cardia - ventricular fibrillation - etc. - takes appropriate action - and notifies the RN or physician immediately
• Able to retrieve and print patient ECGs from computer system computerized patient record system (CPRS)/ or ECG database via modem.-Performs venipuncture to obtain serum blood samples as ordered according to policy and procedures
• Able to insert angiocaths into peripheral arm veins - obtain blood for laboratory tests
• Collects labels and sends laboratory specimens as ordered according to policy and procedure
• Performs finger stick blood glucose testing and documents and reports results according to policy and procedure
• Takes appropriate action for critical values
• Performs foley catheter insertions and irrigations according to policy and procedure - able to discontinue catheters as ordered
• Documents and reports results appropriately.-Moves - lifts - transfers and transports patients as necessary using proper equipment and correct transfer techniques
• Assists patients to ambulate and transfer safely
• Observes changes in patient condition and reports signs and symptoms in such cases to the professional nurse
• 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 correctly.-Verbally reports and/or documents in the medical record observations of and treatment given to patient to insure accurate records and quality of care - using standard nomenclature and approved forms
• Will initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation according to American Heart Association (A.H.A.) standards
• In the event of disturbed patient behavior - assist in producing a safe resolution of the disturbance without undo injury to patient or staff
• Able to attend to patient needs as \"sitter\" - 1:1 observation for SI/HI patients - and \"close observation\" as indicated
• Cleans stretchers - wheelchairs and equipment according to policy and procedures
• Assists in maintaining adequate inventory of equipment and supplies.-Assist with preparation of patients designated for admission including separation - and inventory of clothing/valuables.-Assist with answering call lights - comfort measures - and provision of fluids/food to patients as needed
• Provides support and reassurance
• Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients to achieve desired results
• Performs sterile dressing changes - ace bandage application - unna boot application - suture removal - application of heat/cold as ordered
• Able to measure and fit patient for crutches and instruct in use
• Assists with teaching patients self-care at home
• Greets and assists arriving patients/families/visitors/ambulances and directs them to the appropriate treatment area
• Assists with maintaining charts/records - filing lab requisitions - placing lab results on correct charts and copying records as needed
• Is responsible for safeguarding patient records during visit in accordance with the Privacy Act and medical center policies
• Facilitates maintaining charts and patient tracking information board.-Orders and maintains special order supplies for the department
• Work Schedule: 8 & 12 hour shifts
• days - evenings - nights
• Rotating weekends/holidays
• Based on the needs of the service
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Position Description/PD#: Health Technician (Emergency Department)/PD07908A and PD7908-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized