Summary

The Medical Instrument Technician (Anesthesia) provides logistical and technical support to anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists - helping anticipate and meet their needs during routine and complex procedures. The technician is responsible for setting up - operating - and troubleshooting anesthesia equipment and monitors - and for maintaining the supplies and equipment support areas for the Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care Service. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is desirable.

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: Citizenship of the United States
• 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 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: GS6: 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: 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
• 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
• GS7: 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: 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
• Assignment
• The anesthesia technician at this level assists anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists in routine anesthetic procedures under general supervision
• The technician will connect and operate non- invasive hemodynamic monitoring equipment - blood and fluid warmers (e.g. - Hot Line and Ranger) and patient warming devices (e.g. - Bair Hugger)
• The technician will exercise moderate independent judgment in anesthesia technology duties
• GS8: 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: 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
• Assignment
• This represents the full performance level
• The anesthesia technician at this level assists anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists in difficult anesthetic procedures under minimal supervision
• The technician will connect and operate invasive hemodynamic monitoring equipment (e.g. - arterial pressure monitors) - anesthesia machines - ventilators - intubation bronchoscopes - and ultrasonic scanning devices
• Technicians prepare and administer medications as directed by the attending physician
• They mentor and train lower graded technicians - nurses - medical students - and anesthesia residents on anesthesia technology procedures and assist the supervisor/manager with quality control and performance improvement activities
• The technician will exercise a high degree of independent judgment in anesthesia technology duties 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: Reference VA Directive and Handbook 5019

Duties

• Major duties include but are not limited to: Technical expert in the calibration - maintenance - operation - and troubleshooting of a broad spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic medical instruments and equipment
• With Biomedical Engineering Technicians - jointly develops routine maintenance and repair schedules based on regulatory standards - manufacturer recommendations and equipment requirements
• Services anesthesia equipment within level of expertise - performing preventative maintenance - evaluating and replacing worn or failed components and assemblies as needed
• Orders - maintains and arranges 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
• For all cases in or out of the Operating Room Suite: ensures all drugs and emergency equipment are available
• sets up - calibrates and troubleshoots ventilators and all routine monitors
• assists in preparation of IV solutions - medication infusion equipment - invasive monitor fluid lines and transducers
• performs blood test analysis
• and assists in monitoring patient vital signs and lab results as ordered by the anesthesia provider
• Assists anesthesia personnel in many intense complicated procedures including: controlled and emergent airway management - establishing and maintaining invasive monitoring - various medication infusion systems - positioning and transport of unstable patients
• Recognizes abnormalities in patient responses to treatment - lab results or equipment function
• Notifies team and troubleshoots cause of erroneous result
• Efficiently makes adjustments as necessary within Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday;11:00 am - 07:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 10455F/10456F/10457F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized