This position is assigned to one or more of the following areas overseen by the Nursing Service of the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System (VAAAHS): Progressive Care Unit Step-down Unit Intensive Care Unit Emergency Department The incumbent functions as a member of an interdisciplinary team in a progressive care, critical care, and/or emergency department setting. Direct Patient Care: Diagnostic Testing and Therapeutic Processes. Supports professional, licensed providers, both nurses and physicians in designated clinical area using diagnostic and therapeutic medical instruments and equipment to perform non-invasive Electrocardiograms, Spirometry tests, Visual Acuity Screenings, and Bladder Scans according to established procedures. Care and treatment of patients with critical and emergent conditions. The incumbent assists professional, licensed providers, including nursing staff and physicians, in the care and treatment of the critically ill and those with emergent needs. Observes and reports to the provider changes in patient behavior, attitude, bodily complaints, and appearance. Reports observations of the condition of acute or chronic phase patients such as excessive vomiting, bleeding, type and amount of drainage; deviation in baseline cardiac rhythm, pulse, skin tone and integrity, respiration, temperature, blood pressure, protection and patency of airway; changes in wounds and reaction to treatments per protocol. Care and treatment of patients with acute and chronic mental health conditions. The incumbent provides non-professional nursing care to patients experiencing extremes of behavior on a regular and recurring basis. Responds to emergency mental health situations, where danger of physical attack by patients requires special training. Personal Patient Care. The incumbent performs a wide variety of duties aimed at increasing the comfort and spirit of the patient. In the absence of or non-availability of medical escort staff, the incumbent transports patients via wheelchair or gurney, accompanying ambulatory patients who need assistance reporting to various areas within the hospital including clinics, diagnostic areas, and treatment areas. Patient Teaching. Reinforces education presented by a provider or RN including teaching patients and family members the necessity to continue the procedures for proper health care. Educates and empowers patients and their families, encouraging them to acknowledge and address personal healthcare issues and embrace recommended follow up as well as self-care. Ancillary Support: Documentation and Record Keeping. The incumbent performs administrative tasks and manages various support functions for clinic or practice such as maintaining control records for specimens and tests and documenting measurements taken. Initiates work orders, following up to ensure the work is completed. Medical Equipment/Supplies. Works with SPS, Logistics and nursing staff to establish par levels of supplies for assigned unit and ensures supplies are readily available for patient care. Monitors and plans equipment inventory and routine equipment maintenance. Places orders and maintains specialized supplies needed for equipment and instruments used in assigned unit. Assists with stocking and room tum-over to ensure the patient care environment is prepared to receive and care for patients. Provides guidance to other HT staff and serves as the technical resource in specialized equipment/ supply maintenance, operation, and quality assurance monitoring. The care provided frequently involves setting up, operating, maintaining and calibrating various types of medical equipment, including telemetry and pulse oximetry monitors, respirators, surgical wound suction equipment, traction, electrocardiogram machines, bladder scanners, per manufactures' recommendations. Applies hypothermia blankets and orthopedic appliances, such as splints. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 12 Hour Shifts (7:30 AM - 8:00 PM and 7:30 PM - 8:00 AM); may be required to work some evenings and weekends. Weekends and federal Holidays on a rotational basis. Position Description/PD#: Health Technician (Critical Care)/PD05009-A and PD05009-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
