The incumbent in this position, located at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL (537)-a Level 1b Complexity VHA facility. The incumbent is primarily responsible for the set-up, maintenance, and calibration of anesthesia equipment. Cleaning, restocking, and supplying management of anesthesia carts. Ensure that the preparation and maintenance of the Anesthesia flexible bronchoscopes, TEE probes, and other anesthesia scopes are in good working order.

Duties

Major duties: Calibrate, operate and maintain the diverse physiological monitoring devices which are used to observe and record vital patient parameters, including temperature, ECG, EEG, direct intravascular and intracardiac pressures, cardiac output and respiratory gas levels. Maintain the anesthesia carts, a constant inventory of the medication, intravenous solutions, inhalation anesthetic agents, endotracheal tubes and many other expendable supplies required by the Anesthesiology Service. Assist the physician in draping and positioning of patients during spinal, epidural and regional block procedures. Ensure correct anesthesia equipment and necessary supplies are available for each anesthetic procedure. Ensure proper decontamination procedures when cleaning equipment or preparing re­usable devices for sterilization. Prevent patient cross-contamination or the spread of nosocomial infections. Use aseptic technique when assembling sterile monitory systems or assisting the anesthesiologist. Assist with training on the Anesthesia Record Keeping System (ARK) system for providers and ancillary personnel. Manage anesthesia supply inventory and ensures appropriate level of stock consistent with department demand. Maintains sterile supplies within the expiration date. Initiate contact with Pharmacy/Procurement to determine options for obtaining needed pharmaceuticals. Maintain awareness of funds available in the Anesthesia budget. Maintenance of confidentiality of patient/employee information, electronic and print. Additional duties or tasks may be assigned by leadership to ensure efficient daily operations. Work Schedule: Full-Time 8:30am - 5:00pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 537-01576-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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-06 Specialized Experience: Must possess at least one (1) full year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Aiding anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists in less-complex anesthetic procedures such as regional anesthesia (epidural and spinal), laryngeal mask anesthesia, and monitored anesthesia care under close supervision; Exercising minimal independent judgment in anesthesia technology duties. In addition, you 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-07 Specialized Experience: Must possess at least one (1) full year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-06) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Assisting anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists in routine anesthetic procedures under general supervision; Connecting and operating noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring equipment, blood and fluid warmers (e.g., Hot Line and Belmont) and patient warming devices (e.g., Bair Hugger); Exercising moderate independent judgment in anesthesia technology duties. In addition, you 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-08 Specialized Experience: Must possess at least one (1) full year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Assisting anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists in difficult anesthetic procedures under minimal supervision; Connecting and operating invasive hemodynamic monitoring equipment (e.g., arterial pressure monitors), anesthesia machines, ventilators, intubation bronchoscopes, and ultrasonic scanning devices; Preparing and administering medications as directed by the attending physician; Mentoring and training lower graded technicians, nurses, medical students, and anesthesia residents on anesthesia technology procedures and assist the supervisor/manager with quality control and performance improvement activities; Exercising a high degree of independent judgment in anesthesia technology duties. In addition, you 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. Preferred Experience: Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification (preferred, not required) References: VA Handbook 5005/54, Part II, Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standard, GS-0649 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-06 to GS-08. Physical Requirements: 1. The work requires standing or walking for a major portion of the work day. The walking will often require carrying supplies or pushing carts and equipment. Standing will require holding patients or stocking supplies. This may occupy half of the work day and will hence be considered demanding physical activity. 2. A certain mechanical dexterity is required in the replacement of parts and the repair of equipment to restore or maintain operability after faults are identified. 3. Maintenance of organized files for support documents, maintenance logs, inventory and other records. He/She will have to create inventory procedures, logs, and files where none currently exist.

Education

There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation at this grade level.

Contacts

• Address Jesse Brown Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 820 South Damen Avenue Chicago, IL 60612 US
• Name: Gemil Lewis
• Phone: 910-488-2120
• Email: [email protected]