This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties

Duties will vary based on grade. At the GS-8 full performance level of this assignment, the incumbent assists anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists, and anesthesia residents in less complex anesthetic procedures such as regional anesthesia (epidural and spinal), laryngeal mask anesthesia, and monitored anesthesia care under close supervision. Duties will include: 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 situation and verify accurate results. For all procedures in or out of the 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. 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. Recognizes abnormalities in patient responses to treatment, lab results or equipment function. Notifies team and troubleshoots cause of erroneous result. Efficiently makes 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 agents, possible patient responses, and common dosages. Must possess a thorough understand of and constantly abide by "Standard Precautions" protocol. Sets up and maintains 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. Provides guidance to other Anesthesia technicians in carrying out their functions. Assists in collection and documentation of all necessary statistics and quality control data per VA policy, OSHA, JCAHO, NAFDA, and the American Pathologist Certification (CAP) Assists in maintaining policy and procedure manual. Reports Anesthesia Technician issues to Administrative Officer and/or Deputy Director of the Operating Room as needed. Continually demonstrates age appropriate, respectful communications with co-workers, staff, patients and families (primarily adult and senior adult). Uses initiative to learn new developments in the field and to recommend changes to improve service, correct deficiencies, and improve reliability of test and treatment results based on hospital, Infection Control and safety standards. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 6:00am-2:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Please contact the VISN 20 EDRP Coordinator @ [email protected] Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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. Licensure or Certification: 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. 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-6: 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. Certification: No certification or registration is required at this level. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable. 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-7: 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. Certification: No certification or registration is required at this level. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable. 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-8: 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. Certification: No certification or registration is required. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level. 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. Preferred Experience: Anesthesia Technician Certification through the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT) is highly desirable. References: VA Handbook 5005/15 Part II Appendix G27 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-6 to GS-8. Physical Requirements: This work requires moderate and heavy lifting (15 lbs and over), pushing (1-2 hours), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking and standing (1-4 hours), repeated bending (2-3 hours), near vision correctable, ability to see computer screen, depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid may be permitted), mental and emotional stability. Environmental factor is working outside and inside, working with constant noise, dust, fumes, smoke, or gases, working closely with others and working alone.

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 Puget Sound Health Care System 1660 South Columbian Way Seattle, WA 98108 US
• Name: Michelle Yahne
• Phone: 503-220-8262 X53055
• Email: [email protected]