The Medical Instrument (Cardiac Catheterization) functions independently as a member of the cardiovascular lab under the guidance of the interventional cardiologists and reports to the Nurse Manager. The cardiovascular technologist possesses knowledge of all cardiac procedures taking place in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab through knowledge of cardiac anatomy/physiology/pathology. The Cardiovascular Technologist works collaboratively with the patient care team. 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. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions. Licensure or Certification. Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. Certification. Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level. Physical Requirements- This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and object may be required. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. 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: Experience: GS-09 One(1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-8) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. In the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of this experience include: Ability to scrub, circulate, and monitor advanced procedures (including electrophysiological) to include rot oblation, intravascular ultrasound, RADI or wave-wire, Angio jet, filter wires, myocardial biopsies EPS, permanent pacemaker insertions, AICD insertions, and biventricular pacemaker insertion. Advanced knowledge of equipment, medications, and supplies used in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and the ability to set-up, calibrate, operate, and troubleshoot this equipment. Knowledge and understanding of wave forms from the great vessels and all chambers of the heart including the ability to recognize and distinguish normal from abnormal, artifact from abnormality, and forewarn the physician of an impending life-threatening situation. Knowledge of quality control and performance improvement indicators for the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and ability to prepare and analyze quality control of test results. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 4 and 5 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment. 1. Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques in order to provide training and supervision in these procedures, to evaluate and initiate performance improvement projects, and to write policies, procedures, and protocols, that pertain to the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory. 2. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. 3. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. 4. Ability to manage and supervise employees. 5. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Preferred Experience: The preferred candidate will have at least 2 years of cardiovascular experience, posse certification from the American Heart Association (AHA) or Military Training Network (MTN): Basic Life Support (BLS) and /or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) is also highly desirable. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 09. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and object may be required. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. ["The Medical Instrument (Cardiac Catheterization)Technician functions independently as a member of the cardiovascular lab under the supervision of the nurse manager. The technician works with the patient care team that includes registered nurses, cardiovascular technologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other on peripheral vascular disease. Cardiac Catheterization set up (Left Heart Catheterizations/Right Heart Catheterizations). The work requires the incumbent to record and interpret data from highly specialized x- ray, infrared, mechanical, electrical, electronic, ultrasonic, and digital computerized systems. The incumbent understanding and knowledge of supplies (catheters, wires, balloons, stents etc.) and other equipment involved in order to perform these complex procedures. The incumbent has the ability to independently perform technical aspects of highly intense invasive procedure of different types of cardiology studies, hemodynamic calculations, and electrophysiology and adapt equipment to that particular patient's conditions for the best study/imaging quality and results. The incumbent train new fellows on how to use the x-ray equipment, transducers, and catheters based on different technological processes. The cardiovascular technologist work as a team member along with nurses to prep patients, which includes connecting patient to monitors prior to procedure to ensure proper hemodynamics data collection. Work Schedule : 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized. Telework: Not Authorized. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required."]
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.
