The Medical Instrument Tech performs diagnostic exams or medical treatment procedures on patients. The work involves operating or monitoring diagnostic and therapeutic medical instruments and equipment associated with cardiac catheterization, and requires knowledge of the capabilities and operating characteristics of one or more kinds of instruments, a practical knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, and a practical understanding of medical data generated by patient/equipment connections.
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. English Language Proficiency: Proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407. Licensure or Certification. Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable for positions above the GS-6 as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. For certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments, specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations". For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition. 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 (6/7/2012)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. GS-09 Grade Determinations: Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, GS-08, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. This would be experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of cardiac catheterization technician services. Examples of experience at the GS-08 includes but is not limited to: Ability to scrub, circulate, and monitor advanced procedures (including electrophysiological) to include rotoblation, intravascular ultrasound, RADI or wave-wire, angiojet, 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to at least 1 year of experience comparable to the GS-08, the candidate must demonstrate in their resume the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*). 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. *Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. 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. Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Special Assignments. Non-supervisory medical instrument technician (cardiac catheterization) may have assignments that because of their nature substantially exceed the full performance level. The Professional Standards Board will review proposed non-supervisory special assignments for the GS-9 level and make a determination regarding their appropriateness. These assignments are expected to be relatively few in number and must represent substantial additional responsibility over the full performance level. Preferred Experience: BLS and ACLS Certification. Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) or Registered Cardiology Electrophysiology Specialist (RCES). 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-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds.
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Cardiac Catheterization Technicians perform, under a physician's direction, diagnostic tests, both invasive and noninvasive, of the pulmonary system (lung) and the cardiovascular system (heart and circulation). They operate, monitor, and collect data from instruments used in procedures such as cardiac catheterization, angiography, valvuloplasty, angioplasty, electrophysiology studies, cardiac pacing, or cardiac pacemaker or leadwire insertion. Major Duties: Performs at an expert level for all essential functions and responsibilities as listed for lower grade levels (See GS 6, GS 7, GS 8). Ability to scrub, circulate, and monitor and trouble shoot with all procedures as well as advanced CCL procedures (including lead for electrophysiology program) to include but not be limited to intravascular ultrasound, filter wires, permanent pacemaker insertions, peripheral studies etc. Sets up computers to acquire, reconstruct, and analyze data using various computer software and peripheral devices to quantify coronary lesions and to generate ventricular analysis reports, cardiac output, gradients, valve areas, and other diagnostic parameters for patient reports. Ensures that all procedural data is accurately recorded and mentors and monitors peers for precision. Will always adhere to radiation safety: for patients as well as for staff. Anticipates patient needs and meets them. Assists with collecting radiation monitoring data. Acts as collegial resource and point of contact for obtaining needed supplies from outside facilities. Appropriately documents all transactions. Actively participates and serves as an example promoting Quality Assurance/ Improvement processes. Ability to solve standard and nonstandard technical problems that the technician must coordinate with others to resolve. Applies a practical knowledge of the basic theories and principles of the scientific discipline (s) supported. Combining their knowledge with resourcefulness, initiative and independent judgment in locating precedents and resolving the details inherent to application. Knowledge of electrophysiology, proper lead placement, as well as normal and abnormal EKG and hemodynamic tracings. In depth knowledge of infection control procedures and protocols. Participates in rotational CCL on call activities and serves as technical team leader. Incumbent will ensure productivity is maintained at the established level for the program for which he/she is responsible. Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques to provide training and supervision in these procedures, to participate in evaluation of and initiate performance improvement projects, to write policies, procedures, and protocols that pertain to the CCL. Serves as a guide for trainees and CART-CL documentation. Knowledge of Joint Commission and other regulatory requirements. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Advanced knowledge of equipment, medications, and supplies used in the CCL and the ability to set up, calibrate, operated, and troubleshoot this equipment. Work Schedule: Rotating tours of duty: 7:00 am -3:30 pm, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm, 9:30 am - 6:00 pm. Tours will vary to meet the need of the organization. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA. Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized