The purpose of this position is to assist the service chief in the coordination of the administrative and clinical duties. The MIT (Anesthesia) practices within the PACU, GI lab, Cath lab, IR suite, and Operating Rooms. The MIT (Anesthesia) assists the Anesthesiologists, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and Anesthesia Residents in difficult anesthetic procedures under minimal supervision.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to the following: Performs logistical and technical support directly to the anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists. General technical knowledge in the calibration, maintenance, operation, and troubleshooting of routine diagnostic and therapeutic medical instruments and equipment. Many equipment systems consist of complex integrated computer controls with multiple interconnected subsystems. Ability to adapt and integrate equipment to new or difficult procedures or settings with frequent direction (i.e., ability to modify a blood pressure manometer to measure CPAP in one lung ventilation). With direction from the Chief CRNA or Service Chief, participates in routine maintenance and repair of routine equipment based on regulatory standards, manufacturer recommendations and equipment requirements. Services routine anesthesia equipment within level of expertise, performing preventative maintenance, evaluating and replacing worn or failed components and assemblies as needed with frequent direction. Assists in ordering, maintaining and distributing anesthesia equipment and supplies to ensure timely availability for all anesthesia care providers in or out of the Operating Room Suite. Some understanding of the seriousness of common illnesses, equipment parameters and limitations, procedure objectives with the ability to provide appropriate equipment and assistance as needed with frequent direction. 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. Set-up anesthetizing locations and monitor and collect data from anesthesia related equipment. Set-up of equipment including transducers, cardiac output computers, echocardiography equipment, computerized Clinical Information System, patient monitor and invasive lines. Preparing intravenous lines, drug infusions, drugs for bolus injection and emergency medications. Has some understanding of, and with direction can assist anesthesia personnel in some complicated procedures including: controlled and emergent airway management, establishing and maintaining invasive monitoring, various medication infusion systems, positioning and transporting patients. Able to recognize obvious abnormalities in, lab results or equipment function. Notifies team and requests assistance or troubleshoots cause of erroneous result based on level of expertise. Ensures safety in the immediate situation and informs appropriate personnel for follow up as needed. Appropriately removes malfunctioning equipment from service according to policy. Performs test on an emergent basis and assist Anesthesia staff in responding appropriately. Basic knowledge of anesthesia drug pharmacology including the drug names, general classification and administration routes. Must possess a thorough understanding of and constantly abide by "Standard Precautions" protocol. Maintains existing infection control surveillance procedures as directed. Adheres to all RME cleaning instructions according to the SOP. Works safely with hazardous materials 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 routine equipment and instruments. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 7:00am - 3:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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 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. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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). Medical Instrument Technician (Anesthesia) Anesthesia Technicians 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. In some cases Anesthesia Technicians will perform clinical laboratory functions, equipment preventive maintenance/repair, and specialized cardiac procedures such as cardiac output measurement, intra-aortic balloon pumping, vessel cannulation, and autotransfusion services. Certification at two distinct levels is offered by the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the criteria discussed in the applicable headings, or that defined in the appendices, must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Basic Developmental Levels: GS-4 Medical Instrument Technician (Trainee) 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 position to be filled. Six months of this experience may have been in medically related fields such as nursing assistant, practical nursing, or similar fields. The remaining six months must have been in operating diagnostic and therapeutic equipment covered by this occupation. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited at this level. -OR- Education: Successful completion of two years of education above high school or an associate's degree with a major field of study directly related to the medical instrument technician occupation. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of basic medical terminology. Ability to learn the components, operating characteristics, and settings of the equipment to be used. Ability to learn typical patient reactions to the basic procedures involved and ability to recognize signs of distress. Ability to learn the standard positions for the procedure being conducted. Ability to communicate orally and in writing. GS-5 Medical Instrument Technician (Trainee) 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 position to be filled. This would be experience in operating equipment related to the particular specialization for which application is made or in related functional areas. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited through this grade level. -OR- Education: Successful completion of [4 academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, or a bachelor's degree in a major field of study appropriate to medical instrument technician functions. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions. Knowledge of common physical disabilities and ability to position patients for the examination or treatment. Ability to learn the normal and abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize and report obvious abnormalities. Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or procedures. Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on the equipment including the ability to disassemble, clean, reassemble, and calibrate the machine. GS-6 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: Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology (specifically cardiac and pulmonary). Knowledge and application of safety and infection control processes. Ability to serve as a circulating technician for supplies and to assist with documentation of hemodynamic patient data. Knowledge of anesthesiology supplies and equipment appropriate to less complex anesthetic procedures, such as those found in Ambulatory Surgery. GS-7 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: Knowledge of the fundamentals of standard equipment operation, calibration and function. Knowledge of correct use of non-invasive patient monitoring equipment specific to anesthesiology. Ability to appropriately interact with patients during anesthetic procedures. Knowledge of anesthesiology supplies and equipment appropriate to routine anesthetic procedures, such as those found in typical inpatient settings. GS-8 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: Knowledge of the correct use of invasive patient monitoring equipment specific to anesthesiology. Knowledge of basic electrocardiography (EKG). Skill and ability to troubleshoot equipment, often while the patient is anesthetized. Skill and ability to maintain sterility during procedures. 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. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27 Medical Instrument Technician (Anesthesia) 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-4 to GS-8.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address VA Nebraska-Western Iowa HCS - Omaha 4101 Woolworth Avenue Omaha, NE 68105 US
• Name: Kimberly Harvey
• Phone: 208-891-5798
• Email: [email protected]