Summary

Medical Instrument Technician (Anesthesiology) positions perform logistical and technical support to anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists. They maintain anesthesiology supplies and equipment - set-up anesthetizing locations and operate - monitor - and collect data from anesthesia related equipment.

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: 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
• 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)
• Grade Determinations: GS-08 Medical Instrument Technician (Anesthesia) 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 Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is 08
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-08
• Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity - keen hearing - clear distinctive speech - and manual dexterity
• The position requires potentially long periods of continued walking - standing - stooping - sitting - bending - pulling - pushing - and reaching over head
• The incumbent must be able to stand and move for extended periods of time.

Duties

• Duties for this position 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
• Many equipment systems consist of complex integrated computer controls with multiple interconnected subsystems
• Requires knowledge - judgment and creativity to adapt and integrate equipment to new or difficult procedures or settings (i.e. - ability to modify a blood pressure manometer to measure CPAP in one lung ventilation)
• 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
• Requires familiarity with equipment under service contract and warranty
• 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
• Must understand the seriousness of common illnesses - equipment parameters and limitations - procedure objectives and provide appropriate equipment and assistance as needed to optimize the situation and verify accurate results
• 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
• Many situations are new or emergent and require sophisticated - efficient evaluation and decisive action
• 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 realm of expertise to optimize immediate situation and informs appropriate personnel for follow up as needed
• Knowledge of pharmacology including the classification and administration of anesthetic agents - possible patient responses - and common dosages
• Must possess a thorough understanding of and constantly abide by \"Standard Precautions\" protocol
• Sets up and maintains infection control surveillance standards
• Works safely with hazardous materials {i.e. - Cidex - LpH germicidal detergent and Clenzime) using all safety equipment and procedures set forth by governing agencies protecting self and others
• Provides orientation and training in the proper use and maintenance of equipment and instruments
• Provides guidance to other Anesthesia technicians in carrying out their functions.- Assists in collection and documentation of all necessary statistics and quality control data as per VAPA policy - OSHA - JCAHO - NAFDA - and the American Pathologists Certification {CAP)
• Assists in maintaining policy and procedure manual.- Reports Anesthesia Technician issues to Anesthesiology Service Chief as needed
• Continually demonstrates age appropriate - respectful communications with patients and families {primarily adult and senior adult)
• Uses initiative to learn new developments in the field and to recommend changes to improve service - correct deficiencies - and improve reliability of test and treatment results based on hospital - Infection Control and safety standards
• Work Schedule: 7a-3:30p + call - open to variable shifts Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized