The Medical Instrument Technician (here in after referred to as the anesthesia technician) will perform technical and clinical work to support the Anesthesia and Perioperative Technology program segment of the Anesthesiology Service at the San Francisco VA Medical Center. The anesthesia technician at this level assists anesthesiologists, residents and nurse anesthetists in all anesthetic procedures under minimal supervision. 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. This position requires to undergo a pre-employment medical examination/physical, TB test and other related other medical related requirements. 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. Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition. 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: GS-06: (a) 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 the following KSAs: (b) 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. (c) Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification. (d) Assignment. The anesthesia technician at this level aids anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists in less-complex anesthetic procedures such as regional anesthesia (epidural and spinal), laryngeal mask anesthesia, and monitored anesthesia care under close supervision. Technicians will exercise minimal independent judgment in anesthesia technology duties. GS-07: (a) 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 the following KSAs:(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities1. 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. (c) Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification. GS-08: (a) 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 the following KSAs:(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities1. 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. (c) Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification. References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-06 to GS-08. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. This position requires to undergo a pre-employment medical examination/physical, TB test and other related other medical related requirements. ["Major duties include, but are not limited to the following: Demonstrates knowledge and skills with anesthesia-specific equipment to effect maintenance and repairs, especially when the equipment is in use and the patient is anesthetized (e.g. a critical and life-threatening situation). Sets-up the operating rooms and ancillary anesthetizing areas for all cases throughout the day as well as replenishes the anesthesia carts and machines correctly. Sets-up, calibrates and operates anesthesia and perioperative equipment properly. Independently performs daily checks of monitoring equipment and anesthesia machines in the operating suites and ancillary anesthetizing locations. Assists anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists and anesthesia residents in all anesthetic procedures under minimal supervision; draws-up and administers medications under the supervision and direction of an anesthesiology staff physician. Independently balances the pressure transducers for all hemodynamic monitoring activities performed in each anesthetizing location. Assists with Arterial, Central, Swan inline catheter placement; and sets-up and operates fiberoptic and video bronchoscopy systems, nebulizers and Laryngeal Mask Airways. Teaches nurse anesthetists, medical students, Residents, anesthesia techs and staff physicians on the correct use and maintenance of all anesthesiology-related equipment. Provides the technical and administrative support to the Anesthesiology Service for all inspections (such as CAP and JCAHO) and shares the responsibly for seeing to the successful passing of these surveys. Assists and supports in Simulator Center Work Schedule: Full Time. To Be Determined. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Title/Functional Statement #:Med Instr Tech (Anesth)/PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
About Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
