68W Health Care Specialist

68W Health Care Specialist is a critical component of the United States Army's Medical Department, providing essential medical care to soldiers in various settings, including combat zones, field hospitals, and military bases, often in collaboration with nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and medical doctors from institutions like the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and the Army Medical Department Center and School. The role of a 68W Health Care Specialist is similar to that of a licensed practical nurse or licensed vocational nurse, with responsibilities that include providing emergency medical care, administering medication, and performing various medical procedures, as outlined in the Army Medical Department Center and School's curriculum and the American Heart Association's guidelines. 68W Health Care Specialists work closely with other medical professionals, such as surgeons, anesthesiologists, and radiologists, to provide comprehensive medical care to patients, often in Level I trauma centers, Level II trauma centers, or Veterans Health Administration facilities.

● Overview

The 68W Health Care Specialist is a vital member of the United States Army Medical Command team, responsible for providing medical care to soldiers, civilians, and prisoner of wars, in accordance with the principles of the Geneva Convention and the American Red Cross. They work in a variety of settings, including combat zones, field hospitals, and military bases, often in collaboration with medical corps officers, nurse corps officers, and dental corps officers from institutions like the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and the Brooke Army Medical Center. The 68W Health Care Specialist is trained to provide medical care in a variety of situations, from emergency medical care to routine medical procedures, as outlined in the Advanced Trauma Life Support and Basic Life Support guidelines. They are also responsible for maintaining medical records, patient confidentiality, and adhering to the principles of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and the Joint Commission.

● History

The 68W Health Care Specialist military occupation specialty has its roots in the United States Army Medical Department's history, dating back to the American Civil War and the establishment of the Army Medical Department Center and School at Fort Sam Houston. The role of the 68W Health Care Specialist has evolved over time, with significant changes occurring during World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, as well as the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. The 68W Health Care Specialist has played a critical role in providing medical care to soldiers in various combat zones, including Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021), often in collaboration with non-governmental organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United States Agency for International Development. The 68W Health Care Specialist has also worked closely with other medical professionals, such as surgeons, anesthesiologists, and radiologists, to provide comprehensive medical care to patients, often in Level I trauma centers, Level II trauma centers, or Veterans Health Administration facilities.

● Responsibilities

The 68W Health Care Specialist is responsible for providing medical care to soldiers, civilians, and prisoner of wars, in accordance with the principles of the Geneva Convention and the American Red Cross. Their responsibilities include providing emergency medical care, administering medication, and performing various medical procedures, as outlined in the Army Medical Department Center and School's curriculum and the American Heart Association's guidelines. They are also responsible for maintaining medical records, patient confidentiality, and adhering to the principles of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and the Joint Commission. The 68W Health Care Specialist works closely with other medical professionals, such as nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and medical doctors from institutions like the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and the National Institutes of Health, to provide comprehensive medical care to patients, often in military hospitals, Veterans Administration hospitals, or private hospitals.

● Training

The 68W Health Care Specialist receives training at the Army Medical Department Center and School at Fort Sam Houston, where they learn the skills necessary to provide medical care in a variety of situations, including emergency medical care and routine medical procedures, as outlined in the Advanced Trauma Life Support and Basic Life Support guidelines. The training program includes both classroom and clinical instruction, as well as hands-on training in a variety of medical procedures, such as phlebotomy, electrocardiogram interpretation, and medication administration, often in collaboration with medical schools like the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and the Baylor College of Medicine. The 68W Health Care Specialist is also trained in the use of various medical equipment, including defibrillators, ventilators, and patient monitors, often in simulation laboratorys or clinical simulation centers.

● Certification

The 68W Health Care Specialist is certified as a Certified Nursing Assistant or a Licensed Practical Nurse by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing or the American Association of Medical Assistants, after completing the training program and passing the certification exam, as outlined in the National League for Nursing's guidelines. They are also certified in Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support by the American Heart Association, and may receive additional certifications in specialized areas, such as pediatric advanced life support or neonatal resuscitation program, often in collaboration with children's hospitals like the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia or the Texas Children's Hospital. The 68W Health Care Specialist must also maintain their certification through continuing education and training, as required by the American Nurses Association and the American Medical Association.

● Employment

The 68W Health Care Specialist is employed by the United States Army and works in a variety of settings, including military hospitals, field hospitals, and military bases, often in collaboration with Veterans Health Administration facilities, Department of Defense hospitals, or private hospitals. They may also work in civilian hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes, as a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse, often in urban areas like New York City or Los Angeles, or in rural areas like Appalachian Region or the Ozark Mountains. The 68W Health Care Specialist may also pursue careers in medical research, medical education, or healthcare administration, often in institutions like the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the World Health Organization. Category:Military occupations