Health Technician (Emergency Department)
- 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.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
- To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
- All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
- Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required.
- You may be required to serve a probationary period
- Subject to background/security investigation
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Required Documents" below for details.
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
Qualifications
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.
You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:
- Diagnostic Medical Testing
- Emergency Care
- Infection Control
- Specimen Collection
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at .
Education
There is no educational substitution at this grade level.
Additional information
"Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit at ."
Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at .
- Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. .
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
- To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
- All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
- Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required.
- You may be required to serve a probationary period
- Subject to background/security investigation
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Required Documents" below for details.
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
Qualifications
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.
You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:
- Diagnostic Medical Testing
- Emergency Care
- Infection Control
- Specimen Collection
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at .
Education
There is no educational substitution at this grade level.
Additional information
"Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit at ."
Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at .