Anesthesia Technicians perform logistical and technical support to the anesthesiologist and nurse anesthetists. They maintain anesthesiology supplies and equipment, set-up anesthetizing locations and operate, monitor, and collect data from anesthesia related equipment and may perform clinical laboratory functions, equipment preventative maintenance/repair, and specialized cardiac procedures.

Duties

This position is aligned under the Anesthesiology service at William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital. The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) - Anesthesia 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. MIT - Anesthesia assist with the safe and efficient delivery of anesthesia services in the Operating Room, Recovery Room, Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Ambulatory Surgery Suite, GI and Radiology. Duties include and are not limited to: 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; Weekdays 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

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 15 days of the closing date of this announcement, 12/29/2023. This position requires knowledge of the capabilities and operating characteristics of one or more kinds of anesthesia machines and a practical knowledge of human anatomy and physiology. Basic Requirements: U.S. Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English. Preferred Experience/ Certification - Not required, but highly desired: Anesthesia Technologist certification (Cer.A.T.T.) or Anesthesia Technician certification (Cer.A.T.) through the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT). (Copy Required) Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification. (Copy Required) Grade Requirements: 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. Note: Evidence of experience, must be supported by detailed documentation of duties performed in positions held. Please provide such documentation on your application or resume. Also, please provide work experience information such as hours per week and starting/ending dates of employment (month and year format) to establish one (1) full year of experience. The requirement for this proof is specified in the "How to Apply" section of this announcement. To be credible, experience must be documented in the application and verifiable through employment references and/or other means. **Your resume must support your answers in the occupational questionnaire. 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: 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. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/54, Part II, Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standard.

Education

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

Contacts

• Address William S Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital 2500 Overlook Terrace Madison, WI 53705 US
• Name: Lisa Maddox
• Phone: 608-256-1901 X18603
• Email: [email protected]