The Supervisory Medical Instrument Technician (Anesthesiology) performs logistical and technical support, assisting and anticipating the needs of anesthesia personnel in direct patient care often during difficult situations. Serves as Supervisor (Anesthesia) Medical Instrument Technician who is responsible for the overall supervision and operation of the supply and equipment support areas of the Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine Service.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to: Individuals in this assignment assume full administrative and professional responsibility for planning and directing the work of subordinate technicians, to include completion of yearly performance evaluations (ePerformance). Typically, these duties include assigning and evaluating the work of subordinate staff; providing anesthesia technician services in more complex cases; reviewing and making recommendations regarding new and emerging procedures; providing instruction and training to new staff; interviewing candidates for positions; recommending selections, advancements, promotions; evaluating performance; taking disciplinary action when necessary; and identifying educational or training needs. Advanced knowledge of technical expertise 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 (OR) 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 OR 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 necessary 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 gases, possible drug interactions and patient responses, and common dosages. Must possess a thorough understanding of and constantly abide by "Standard Precautions" protocol, be able to set up and maintain 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 and assists in development and training of other anesthesia technicians. Oversees and provides guidance to other anesthesia technicians in carrying out their functions. Schedules work assignments of anesthesia technicians for adequate coverage. Collects and documents all necessary statistics and quality control data as per VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS) policy, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Joint Commission (TJC), and the American Pathologists Certification (CAP), and guides others in the cohort of technicians to make sure these guidelines are understood and followed. Develops, writes, and maintains policy and procedure manual. Continually demonstrates age appropriate, respectful communication with patients and families (primarily adult and senior adult). Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 6am-2:30pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 640 03380F 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: 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). Grade Determinations: GS-10 Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 4 and 5 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment. 1. Knowledge of the more complex procedures and techniques in the practice of anesthesiology such as extracorporeal blood salvage, washing and return to patient (also known as autotransfusion or cell saving) and arterial and/or venous cannulation for the establishment of arterial pressure monitoring or intravenous fluid/medication delivery. *2. Ability to plan and assist in the establishment of a completely integrated treatment and procedure program. *3. Ability to evaluate new products and equipment and make recommendations concerning developments which would improve operations. *4. Ability to manage the fiscal matters of the functions supervised (which would include fund controls, contracts and equipment expenditures), forecast resource and equipment needs and administer the allocated budget. *5. Knowledge of and ability to provide the full range of supervisory duties which would include responsibility for assignment of work to be performed; performance evaluation; selection of staff; and recommendation of awards, advancements and, when appropriate, disciplinary actions. Certification. Anesthesia technician certification through the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT) is highly desired. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level. Participation in recognized professional organizations as a Board examiner, in the development of curricula for training, or testing for the Board is evidence of competence. Preferred Experience: Experience working in the Operating Room (OR) as a health tech/medical instrument tech or anesthesia tech (on outside), able to troubleshoot and calibrate medical equipment (anesthesia), knowledge of pharmacology, thorough understanding of anesthesia systems and supplies. Supervisory experience is desirable as well as completing annual evaluations for other anesthesia techs. Able to communicate clearly and effectively with members of the entire OR team in a professional manner. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/54 PART II APPENDIX G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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 Palo Alto VA Medical Center 3801 Miranda Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94304 US
• Name: Timothy McBrian
• Email: [email protected]