Medical Instrument Technician (Anesthesia)

Description:

The Medical Instrument Technicians (Anesthesiology) are performed as part of the treatment of patients in conjunction with Surgery Service at our Level 1A facility. The work of the positions in this area involves operating or monitoring medical instruments and equipment associated with surgeries.

Requirements:

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.
• Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation.
• Licensure or Certification. Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-6 and above; desired certification:
  • Anesthesia Technologist certification (Cer.A.T.T.) or
  • Anesthesia Technician certification (Cer.A.T.) through the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT)
  • Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS)

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 :
GS-6
Experience . At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS 5-entry 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, in their resume, the following Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
1. Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology (specifically cardiac and pulmonary) and Medical terminology.
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 7
Experience . 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, in their resume, the following Knowledge, Skills & 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 8
Experience . 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, in their resume, the following Knowledge, Skills & 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: Minimum of two years of recent experience assisting with anesthesia service in a surgical or procedural setting. Prior experience in a VA medical center or larger hospital system highly desirable

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/ .

Promotion Potential: 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. The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.

Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over); Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); Light carrying (under 15 pounds); Pulling hand over hand (5 hours); Pushing (5 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (4-8 hours); Standing (4-8 hours); Crawling (0.5 hours); Kneeling (0.5 hours); Repeated bending; Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors.