Medical Instrument Technician (Lead Anesthesia Technician)
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Application
Details
Posted: 30-Aug-24
Location: Mather AFB, California, California
Salary: Open
Categories:
Allied Health
Internal Number: 806936100
RECRUITMENT INCENTIVE AUTHORIZED FOR HIGHLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES. The Medical Instrument Technician (Lead Anesthesia Technician) is located in Anesthesia Service at VA Northern California Health Care System. The incumbent performs autotransfusion services to ensure that the patient is receiving the safest possible blood transfusion; and prepares the patient for surgery by establishing arterial or venous access for the anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists. Basic Requirements: 1. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 2. English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English. Grandfathering Provision: 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). All persons employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Such employees in an occupation that does not require a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted, or demoted within the occupation. Such employees in an occupation that requires a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or demoted within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. Such employees in an occupation that requires a licensure/certification/registration only at higher grade levels must meet the licensure/certification/registration requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. If an employee who was retained in an occupation listed in 38 U.S.C. ? 7401(3) under this provision leaves that occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. Grade Determinations: Medical Instrument Technician (Lead Anesthesia Technician), GS-9 Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. This would include specialized experience as an anesthesia technician which demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to provide all aspects of anesthesia technician services including specialized duties. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of laboratory testing procedures to include maintenance, calibration, and quality control procedures. This includes the ability to perform these lab tests accurately and correctly. Advanced knowledge of electronics and anesthesia equipment with skill in repairing and maintaining this equipment and repairing complex problems. *Comprehensive knowledge of central venous and pulmonary artery (Swan-Ganz) catheterization procedures including measuring cardiac outputs and intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation procedures (i.e., balloon pump). Knowledge and ability to assist with airway management techniques. *Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. *Ability to manage and supervise employees. *Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Preferred 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. Reference: FORMER VA HANDBOOK REFERENCE: PART II APPENDIX G27, EFFECTIVE DATE: JUNE 7, 2012. For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["Major Duties include but are not limited to: Advanced technical expertise in the calibration, maintenance, operation, and troubleshooting of a broad spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic medical instruments and equipment. With biomedical engineering technicians, jointly develop routine maintenance and repair schedules based on regulatory standards, manufacturer recommendations and equipment requirements. Service anesthesia equipment within level of expertise, perform preventative maintenance, evaluate and replace worn or failed components and assemble as needed. Order, maintain and arrange allocation and distribution of anesthesia equipment and supplies to ensure timely availability for all anesthesia care providers in or out of the Operating Room Suite. Ensure all drugs and emergency equipment are available; set up, calibrate and troubleshoot ventilators and all routine monitors; assist in preparation of IV solutions, medication infusion equipment, invasive monitor fluid lines and transducers; perform blood test analysis; and assist in monitoring patient vital signs and lab results as ordered by the anesthesia provider. Assist anesthesia personnel in many intense complicated procedures including: controlled and emergent airway management, establish and maintain invasive monitoring, various medication infusion systems, position and transport of unstable patients. Recognize abnormalities in patient responses to treatment, lab results or equipment function. Notify team and troubleshoot cause of erroneous result. Efficiently make adjustments as necessary within realm of expertise to optimize immediate situation, and inform appropriate personnel for follow up as needed. Knowledge of pharmacology including the classification and administration of anesthetic gases, possible drug interactions and patient responses, and common dosages. Possess a thorough understanding of and constantly abide by \"Standard Precautions\" protocol, be able to set up and maintain infection control surveillance standards. Work safely with hazardous material using all safety equipment and procedures set forth by governing agencies, protecting self and others. Provide orientation and training in the proper use and maintenance of equipment and instruments and assist in development and training of other anesthesia technicians. Oversee and provide guidance to other anesthesia technicians in carrying out their functions. Collect and document all necessary statistics and quality control data. Develop, write, and maintain policy and procedure manual. Report anesthesia technician issues at monthly staff meeting or to Anesthesiology Service Chief as needed. Demonstrate age appropriate, respectful communication with patients and families. Use initiative to learn new developments in the field and to recommend changes to improve service, correct deficiencies, and improve reliability of test and treatment results based on hospital, infection control and safety standards. Work Schedule: Full-time Compressed/Flexible: Compressed tours available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: RECRUITMENT INCENTIVE AUTHORIZED FOR HIGHLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.