Summary

This position is located in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) - Southeast Network (VISN 7) - VA Augusta Health Care System (VAAHCS) in Augusta - Georgia located in the Surgery Service Name Anesthesia Section.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2 - section D - paragraph 5a - this part
• May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
• Grade Determinations: Medical Instrument Technician (Anesthesia) GS-6Experience
• At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge - skills - abilities - and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled
• In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities 1.Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology (specifically cardiac and pulmonary)
• 2
• Knowledge and application of safety and infection control processes
• 3
• Ability to serve as a circulating technician for supplies and to assist with documentation of hemodynamic patient data
• 4
• Knowledge of anesthesiology supplies and equipment appropriate to less complex anesthetic procedures - such as those found in Ambulatory Surgery
• Certification
• No certification is required
• however - it is desirable that employees at this level have Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification
• GS-7Experience
• At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge - skills - abilities - and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled
• In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities: 1.Knowledge of the fundamentals of standard equipment operation - calibration and function
• 2
• Knowledge of correct use of non-invasive patient monitoring equipment specific to anesthesiology
• 3
• Ability to appropriately interact with patients during anesthetic procedures
• 4
• Knowledge of anesthesiology supplies and equipment appropriate to routine anesthetic procedures - such as those found in typical inpatient settings
• Certification
• No certification is required
• however - it is desirable that employees at this level have Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification
• GS-8Experience
• At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge - skills - abilities - and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled
• In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs :Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities: 1.Knowledge of the correct use of invasive patient monitoring equipment specific to anesthesiology
• 2
• Knowledge of basic electrocardiography (EKG)
• 3
• Skill and ability to troubleshoot equipment - often while the patient is anesthetized .4
• Skill and ability to maintain sterility during procedures
• 5
• Knowledge and understanding of arterial pressure line wave forms including the ability to recognize and distinguish normal from abnormal - artifact from abnormality - and forewarn the physician or anesthetist of an impending life-threatening situation.6
• Knowledge of anesthesiology supplies - medications - and equipment appropriate to more difficult anesthetic procedures such as those found in inpatient settings with more acutely ill patients
• Certification
• No certification is required
• however - it is desirable that employees at this level have Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification
• Preferred Experience: at least 1 year with medical equipment and instrumentation Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 8
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS 6 to GS 8
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Independently perform daily checks monitoring anesthesia machines and other equipment in the Operating Room (OR) suite
• Independently set up pressure transducers for all hemodynamic monitoring activities
• For all cases in or out of the OR Suite: ensure all emergency equipment is available
• set up - calibrate - and troubleshoot ventilators and all routine monitors
• assist in preparation of IV solutions - medication infusion equipment - and invasive monitor fluid lines and transducers
• assist anesthesia providers with administration of regional blocks
• Perform required calibration and quality controls of point of care equipment used by the anesthesia department (e.g. - iSTAT - glucometer) Prepare - stock - and maintain all anesthesia supply carts and equipment (e.g. - IVcart - regional block cart - travel Anesthesia carts) Prepare - stock - and maintain all anesthesia equipment (e.g. - anesthesia machines - ultrasound - Glide Go - Glide Scope towers) Maintains all oxygen analyzer components on anesthesia machines
• Maintain proper par level anesthesia supplies and order as needed
• communicate to the Chief of Anesthesia supply deficits that may impact safety and/or obstructions to the delivery of anesthesia
• Provide technical support for the Anesthesiology Department regarding any facility and national governing inspections (e.g. - The College of American Pathologists (CAP) - Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - The Joint Commission (TJC) Assist nurse anesthetists - anesthesiologists - SRNAs - and anesthesia residents in the correct use and maintenance of physiological monitoring equipment and any newly added innovative medical monitoring systems
• Possess some understanding of and - with direction - assist anesthesia personnel in moderate complexity procedures - including controlled and emergent airway management - establishment and maintenance of invasive monitoring - application of various medication infusions systems - and positioning and transport of unstable patients
• Clean or send for cleaning all non-disposable anesthesia equipment as necessary
• Assist in the preparation for routine cases - including: a) assembling all IV solutions - both for IV therapy and monitoring procedures
• b) assisting anesthesia team with preparing operating room with the appropriate anesthetic equipment and monitoring devices (e.g. - EKG leads connected - arterial line monitoring equipment opened and prepared for insertion - and appropriate equipment level maintained daily)
• and c) setting up and calibrating equipment utilized with radial arterial lines and central venous lines
• Possess a general understanding of and constantly abide by \"Standard Precautions\" protocol
• Maintain existing infection control surveillance procedures as directed
• Work safely with hazardous materials (e.g. - Cidex - LpH germicidal detergent and Clenzime) - using all safety equipment and complying with all procedures set forth by governing agencies protecting self and others
• Demonstrate age-appropriate - respectful communications with staff - patients - and patients' families
• Use initiative to increase knowledge base - skill - and familiarity with anesthesia terminology - equipment - and procedures to improve the ability to anticipate needs of anesthesia personnel
• Readily available to assist anesthesia personnel throughout duty hours including being easily contactable by an approved communication device (e.g. - Vocera)
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am to 4:00pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 60037F - FS#-60035F - FS#-60036F