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

The incumbent functions as the Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) for the Anesthesia Service and as such, will be responsible for the coordination of technical support for all anesthesia related areas within the medical center. These areas include the operating room, the post anesthesia recovery room, the preoperative holding area, the intensive care units, gastroenterology lab, cardiac catheterization lab, bronchoscopy suite, and the radiology suite. Activities in these areas involves assembly, checking for proper function, and calibration of complex life support equipment; assembly of components for invasive monitoring; maintenance of inventories of essential materials; providing direct hands-on assistance to the anesthesia professionals; and occasional repair of equipment malfunction even during patient care activities. The MIT is functioning at the full performance level. The duties of the MIT (Anesthesia) include but are not limited to the following: Responsible for the setting up of the anesthesia machines in each Operating Suite and designated out-of-OR locations, prior to the beginning of the scheduled workday, including breathing circuits, all regular monitors, suction apparatus, and other disposable or re-cleanable apparatus that might be required. Set up lV lines when needed, including infusion pumps, and set up all pressure bags and lines for specialty catheters, such as CVP, arterial, and PA catheters. Assist the anesthesia professional with the application of patient monitoring, the positioning and protective padding of the patients, the calibration of fixed and portable monitors, and the insertion of invasive monitoring devices. Knowledge of aseptic technique is required in order to provide aseptic hands-on assistance when necessary. Familiar with the operation and quality control procedures for certain laboratory equipment used in the operating room, such as the glucometer. Possess a knowledge of anesthesia equipment in order to provide proper maintenance, trouble-shoot problems, and make minor repairs, or independently secure the services of biomedical personnel for making repairs. Maintain established stock levels of all supplies and drugs normally stocked in each anesthesia machine, PYXIS, travel cart, and pre-op/PACU cart; this requires frequent monitoring of stock during the day and at the end of each daily operating schedule. Adhere to the guidelines identified in Medical Center Policy for Reusable Medical Equipment (RME). Follow established SOPs and checklists in the use, set-up, pre-cleaning, storage, and maintenance of all RME, as applicable. Refer to manufacturer's instructions for guidance when necessary. Removes from use and initiates process for repair of any equipment noted to be malfunctioning and reports to the Chief Nurse Anesthetist and Biomedical Engineering. Maintain a clean and safe Anesthesia Workroom, keeping track of the equipment and supplies inventories in cooperation with the logistics technician assigned to the OR, and alerting all anesthesia professionals to supplies or equipment deficiencies that exist, until such deficiencies can be corrected. Comply with all JCAHO requirements in the storing and securing anesthesia equipment and supplies in the Workroom and in each operating room. Comply with all OSHA requirements in handling and disposal of "sharps" and biohazardous wastes. Assist the Anesthesia Provider in the delivery of anesthesia care for patients undergoing invasive and non-invasive procedures. Applies non-invasive monitors and properly interpret data. Working knowledge of anesthesia equipment. Basic pharmacology knowledge. Ability to procure non-controlled medications from the medication dispensing system or pharmacy service. Assist in emergency situations (CPR, airway management, pharmacological cardiovascular support, management of blood, fluid and electrolyte balance. Makes recommendations to the Chief Nurse Anesthetist concerning equipment and pharmaceutical needs for the department. Participates in quality assessment and performance improvement activities in the department, including case reviews and morbidity conferences. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm Compressed/Flexible:Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 20730F Financial Disclosure Report: Not required EDRP Authorized: This position is eligible for Education Debt Reduction Program. For more information, contact Adam Blas-Rodriguez, the EDRP Coordinator at, [email protected] or by telephone: 939-227-2093. Learn more

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 Citizenship. Citizenship of the United States. (Non-citizens may 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 VA policy. 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. Licensure or Certification. 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. Grandfathering Provision. 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). Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. GRADE REQUIREMENTS Anesthesia Technicians 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. Certification at two distinct levels is offered by the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT). Medical Instrument Technician (Anesthesiology) - GS-8 - Full Performance Level Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-7) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. These are: 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 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of the correct use of invasive patient monitoring equipment specific to anesthesiology. 2. Knowledge of basic electrocardiography (EKG). 3. Skill and ability to troubleshoot equipment, often while the patient is anesthetized. 4. Skill and ability to maintain sterility during procedures. 5. 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. 6. 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. Certifications. 1.) Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (BCLS/ACLS) certifications are desirable however, not required. 2.) Anesthesia Technician certification through the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT) is desirable but not required. Preferred Experience: At least 3 years of experience related to the duties of the positions to be filled. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-8. References: VA Handbook 5005/54, Part II, Appendix G27 - Medical Instrument Technician

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address CW Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 10000 Bay Pines Boulevard Bay Pines, FL 33744 US
• Name: Edit Sedgwick
• Phone: 407-242-7396
• Email: [email protected]