The Medical Instrument Technician (Anesthesiology) is within the Anesthesiology department at the West Los Angeles Veteran's Health Administration. The incumbent assist anesthesia staff, residents, nurse anesthetists, and nurse anesthesia residents in preparing and monitoring of surgical patients in the operating room and recovery room. The incumbent calibrates, maintains and records quality control data from point of care devices and performs assays as needed.

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to: Clean anesthesia machines and equipment w/ appropriate germicide Clean all surfaces including writing worktable, monitor screens, keyboards, drawer pulls, etc. Clean all gas dials, vaporizers, vent on/off buttons, pop-off valves, O2 flush valve, suction control and dials, etc. Clean all EKG/NIBP/Temp/SAT/Pressure cables. Pressure cables placed in bottom drawer of anesthesia machine Clean all IV poles and all attached anesthesia equipment, including electrical cords (includes Forced Air Warmer and hose, fluid warmers, infusion pumps, nerve stimulators, transducer holder, etc) Clean the transducer holder and return to appropriate storage space. Wipe down the top of the anesthesia cart or Omnicell, and the front of drawers including the handles. Check, clean, drain and dry inspiratory and expiratory valves on anesthesia machine. Place a clean anesthesia circuit on the machine, including attaching reservoir bag and ensure its readiness and perform a leak test on the new circuit. Attach ETCO2 tubing and ensure readiness Attach and check suction canister and tubing and ensure its readiness. Assist anesthesia providers with placement of a-lines, central lines, regional anesthetics, etc. Provide & set-up specialty equipment such as Fiberoptic Scopes, Site-Rite, Thermacor rapid infusion system, ClearSight/Flo Trac system, SedLine Brain Functioning Monitors, etc. Provide additional equipment as needed at the request of the anesthesia provider (e.g., extra fluid warmers, forced air warmers, etc.) Assist with positioning of patient in OR under the direction of the anesthesia provider Send blood gas and lab specimens and retrieve information using appropriate slips and labels Safely transport patients and/or equipment Troubleshoot anesthesia machine and equipment / monitor problems, and if necessary, place appropriate work repair orders. Clean & maintain Fiberoptic Scopes Clean & maintain TEE Probe Troubleshoot equipment & monitor problems, placing work repair orders and coordinating its return with Biomed service Assist with obtaining quotes from vendors for capital equipment Monitor RMD guidelines, maintain RMD binder(s), and maintain RMD competencies. Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, 7:30am-4pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. 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 outlined below regarding educational substitutions. Licensure. 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. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English. Physical Requirements. Outlined below. Preferred Experience/Qualifications: Experience working with a variety of medical instruments, diagnostic equipment, patient monitoring systems and the ability to troubleshoot medical instruments. Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Grade Determinations: GS-06 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. Assignment. The anesthesia technician at this level aids 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. Technicians will exercise minimal independent judgment in anesthesia technology duties. GS-07 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. Assignment. The anesthesia technician at this level assists anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists in routine anesthetic procedures under general supervision. The technician will connect and operate non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring equipment, blood and fluid warmers (e.g., Hot Line and Ranger) and patient warming devices (e.g., Bair Hugger). The technician will exercise moderate independent judgment in anesthesia technology duties. GS-08 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. Assignment. This represents the full performance level. The anesthesia technician at this level assists anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists in difficult anesthetic procedures under minimal supervision. The technician will connect and operate invasive hemodynamic monitoring equipment (e.g., arterial pressure monitors), anesthesia machines, ventilators, intubation bronchoscopes, and ultrasonic scanning devices. Technicians prepare and administer medications as directed by the attending physician. They mentor and train 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. The technician will exercise a high degree of independent judgment in anesthesia technology duties. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27 - Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standard. Physical Requirements: Walking, Standing, Lifting and some sedentary time at computer workstation are regular requirements of this position

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 Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System 11301 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90073 US
• Name: Marie Clay
• Phone: 216-201-0922
• Email: [email protected]