Medical Instrument Technician; Anes

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. THE TWO PAGE RESUME REQUIREMENT DOES NOT APPLY TO THIS OCCUPATIONAL SERIES. FOR MORE INFORMATOIN - REFER TO THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS BELOW.

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://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/
• The full performance level of 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.

• - 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…