Health Technician

Summary

The New Mexico VA Healthcare Network is recruiting a Health Technician. The Health Technician is located in Nursing Specialty Service, Nursing Specialty Clinic Section of the New Mexico VA Health Care System. The primary purpose of the position is to provide medical and administrative support assistance in the Nursing Specialty Clinics.

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to: Provides support to the clinics by performing technical and administrative tasks. Technical tasks, such as EKGs, bladder ultrasounds, ear irrigation, specimen collection of urine/blood, vital signs including oxygen saturation and abdominal girths, height and weight measurements, peak flow, orthostatic blood pressure, visual acuity, CBGs and downloading glucometers, monofilament foot exams and influenza immunizations for both the PACT team and Annual Facility Influenza Clinic which covers both employees and veterans. Operates and maintains medical instruments and equipment for diagnostic and treatment procedures such as, EKG machines, CBG monitors, ABI dopplers, bladder scans, spirometers, vital sign monitors, etc. Operating guidelines to determine technical factors, sets controls, calibrates, and operates equipment and instruments such as EKG machine, CBG monitor, ABI doppler, bladder scan, and vital signs monitor. Incumbent sets up and adjusts any required accessory equipment for the aforementioned equipment and instruments. Adjusts equipment placement for patient's comfort if needed. Incumbent utilizes knowledge base, general instructions and guidelines to perform a variety of routine and difficult diagnostic tests and procedures such as CBG, orthostatic blood pressure, oxygen saturation, visual acuity, 12-lead EKG, ABI, PFT, bladder scan for post void residual and monofilament foot exams (diabetic patients), vital signs; documents aforementioned test results in Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) Graphic User Interface (GUI). Notifies health care professional of any abnormal or unusual results. Independently cleans exam rooms and re-stocks supplies as indicated by the needs of the patient or health care professional. Orders and maintains all supplies utilized in the clinic. Observes patient during procedures and identifies changes in patient condition; monitors patient for adverse reactions and takes corrective action based on established policy and knowledge base. Incumbent performs any prerequisite tests on patients prior to procedures and notifies health care professional of any abnormal results. Provides training to new clinic staff regarding equipment or instruments used. Provides assistance of a technical, specialized or support nature to health care professionals in the diagnosis or treatment of patient illnesses or medical conditions. Supports health care professionals in tests and procedures to diagnose and treat medical conditions. Collects and labels specimens (blood, urine, sputum, stool) for testing. Incumbent documents in CPRS GUI all procedures/treatments performed. Utilizes equipment to administer prescribed treatments such as ear irrigation. Provides oxygen therapy based on established guidelines; notifies health care professional of abnormal readings. Documents all specimens collected in CPRS GUI. Provides technical assistance utilizing established guidelines and under the immediate supervision of the health care professional to complete assignments related to preventative health care measures that are included in the External Peer Review Program (EPRP), Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO), Medical Center Performance Improvement (PI) indicators and nationally established performance measure goals. These assignments include documenting in CPRS GUI patient education provided relating to preventative health care measures such as cancer screening, alcohol and tobacco use, diabetes care, COPD, depression screening, CHF, and advance directives. Documents patient information relating to pre-testing or post-procedure activities. Incumbent performs direct patient support to include gathering information from patients, providing personal patient care and patient education on home use of medical equipment such as glucometers, blood pressure monitors, peak flow meters, etc. Provides assistance to patients with bowel and/or bladder needs. Promotes physical independence of patient by encouraging and teaching patient self-care techniques and activities. Incumbent applies/adjusts immobilization devices to stabilize extremity. Work Schedule: Rotating tour 8:00am- 4:30pm / 7:00am-3:30pm Position Description/PD#: Health Technician/PD10189A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/23/2026. This position has an Individual Occupation Requirement (IOR). You must meet the following: Possess technician experience that requires application of knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled. (This position is part of the series that range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists.) In addition to meeting the IOR above, you must meet the experience as described below:GS-06 grade level: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade lever GS-05. Specialized experience includes but is not limited to: setting up equipment for procedures; performing personal patient care; utilizing an automated system to maintain and retrieve patient data; assisting with patient test and procedures; and answering phones and directing phone calls to appropriate personal. 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

There is no educational substitution for the GS-06 level.