The Medical Instrument Technicians (Anesthesiology) are performed as part of the treatment of patients in conjunction with Surgery Service at our Level 1A facility. The work of the positions in this area involves operating or monitoring medical instruments and equipment associated with surgeries.
Basic Requirements: 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 and above; desired certification: Anesthesia Technologist certification (Cer.A.T.T.) or Anesthesia Technician certification (Cer.A.T.) through the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT) Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) 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-6 Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS 5-entry 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, in their resume, the following Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 1. Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology (specifically cardiac and pulmonary) and Medical terminology. 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. GS 7 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, in their resume, the following Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 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. GS 8 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, in their resume, the following Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 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. Preferred Experience: Minimum of two years of recent experience assisting with anesthesia service in a surgical or procedural setting. Prior experience in a VA medical center or larger hospital system highly desirable References: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over); Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); Light carrying (under 15 pounds); Pulling hand over hand (5 hours); Pushing (5 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (4-8 hours); Standing (4-8 hours); Crawling (0.5 hours); Kneeling (0.5 hours); Repeated bending; Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors.
Duties of the Medical Instrument Technicians (Anesthesiology) are to include, but not limited to: Performing support to anesthesiologists, surgeons, and nurse anesthetists and subordinate technicians; maintaining anesthesiology supplies and equipment; setting-up anesthetizing locations; operating, monitoring, calibrating anesthesia related equipment; using non-invasive patient monitoring anesthesiology equipment. In some cases, Anesthesia Technicians perform equipment preventive maintenance/repair. The technician assists anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists in routine and difficult anesthetic procedures under minimal supervision. The technicians connects and operates invasive hemodynamic monitoring equipment, blood and fluid warmers, anesthesia machines, ventilators, intubation bronchoscopes, ultrasonic scanning devices and patient warming devices. The technician exercises a high degree of independent judgment in anesthesia technology duties. Independently performs the full range of anesthesiology procedures and related duties. Receives request and/or, consults for procedures. Interprets request from physician for appropriateness of requested procedure for patient's ability perform prescribed test. Receives assignment for which clear precedents exist. Receives assignments that require application of standard procedures or that have special procedures identified and explained. Employee understands and carries out the appropriate requests made by practitioners or seeks assistance of the supervisor when an uncommon, unique or new procedure is requested. Performs clinical laboratory tests for the unit (ACT & Glucose). Performs Medical Instrument Technician (Anesthesiology) work independently as part of a surgical team. This requires experience in operating, supervising the operation of and the instructing in the operation of specialized equipment related to the specialization of the position. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 10am-6pm Compressed/Flexible: available Telework: not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:92015-A, 92016-A, 92017-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized