Health Technician

This Health Technician serves as a Health Technician located in Diagnostic & Therapeutic Care Line Imaging Service at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas. The Health Technician performs a variety of patient care and administrative tasks in a multi-faceted capacity to support Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Technologists (ADRTs).

Duties: Assist with patient transfer for procedures and or exams, using patient lift or sliding board when needed. Assist the registered nurse/CT technolgist with IV insertion and removals Assist with CT procedures by choosing the correct table accessories (head vs body) to coincide with the examination being performed, positioning the patient on the table, assist with contrast and saline prepartion, help patients on and off table. Prepares patients for imaging procedures, including providing gown and instruction. Places EKG leads on patients that require cardiac gating Receives request for procedures, interprets the request, and verifies exam-related documents for accuracy. Obtains a protocol for imaging order from radiologist. Confirms patient identity using two identifiers (patient name and SSN or DOB). Identifies non-verbal patients by wristband and by verification from a family member, caregiver or healthcare provider. Observes patients during & between exams, addressing any discomfort and monitor potential issues. Transports patients to and from radiology, nursing units, the emergency room, and other areas within the department using appropriate transport methods (DTCL, lobby, etc.). Recognizes emergency situations and responds appropriately by acting, activating code blue, calling a registered nurse/physican, and initiation emergency measures, including CPR. Prepares and restocks exam rooms before and after each patient, ensuring a clean and sanitary clinical environment. Provides answers to diagnostic imaging service questions. Educates competent patients, caregivers, or family members about exams and potential hazards associated with them, explaining in clear, understandable terms. Coordinates with staff to effectively schedule and manage patient exams and appointments. Administers oral contrast agents and provides verbal instructions to patients. Adheres to hospital infection control policies with emphasis on proper hand-washing and universal precaustins. Work Schedule: Sunday- Thursday, 11:30pm-7:30am; subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Health Technician/PD04158-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized