This position is at the full performance level. The incumbent assists the anesthesiologist and nurse anesthetists in difficult anesthetic procedures with minimal supervision. The technician will connect and operate invasive hemodynamic monitoring equipment (e.g. arterial pressure monitors), anesthesia machines, intubation bronchoscopes and ultrasonic scanning devices. They will mentor and train lower graded technicians and will exercise a high degree of independent judgement.

Duties

This is not a complete list of duties. General Description of Assigned Duties: At the full performance level, the anesthesia technician assists the anesthesiologist 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, intubation bronchoscopes and ultrasonic scanning devices. The incumbent may also assist the out of OR anesthesia providers outside of the operating room suites. They also will be responsible to mentor and train lower graded technicians on anesthesia procedures and assist the supervisor/manager with quality control and performance improvement activities. The technician will exercise a high degree of independent judgement in anesthesia technology duties. Operates and maintains the following machines in the critical care laboratory within the Anesthesia Service: ABL 800 and Hemochron Elite. As the lead anesthesia technician, the incumbent has the responsibility of daily guidance of the anesthesia technicians. This includes the responsibility that work flows smoothly, assuring coverage if needed, and assigning work. The lead technician will also be responsible for orienting new anesthesia technicians to current practices. They will also be responsible for assuring the ABL 800 has the appropriate supplies, that shipments are being received as ordered, and that it is appropriately communicated and documented. Performs daily checks in the process of monitoring equipment and anesthetic machines in the operating suite and out of OR procedure sites Sets-up and balances the pressure transducers for all hemodynamic monitoring activities Evaluates the suitability of all retrieved specimens for analysis, requests a new specimen if the provided is unusable, processes specimens using equipment or techniques necessary to prepare them for a specific analysis, and responds in a timely manner Prepares quality control specimens, conducts quality control procedures on equipment and reagents and maintain proper records Provides the technical supervision for the Anesthesia Service for all inspections including CAP and JCAHO Maintains all oxygen analyzer components on the portable anesthesia machines Assist nurse anesthetists, house officers and anesthesiologists with the use and maintenance of physiologic monitoring equipment Must set-up all transducer monitoring equipment and calibrate the equipment using sterile technique for every procedure requiring such technology Assist anesthesia workroom personnel with preparation of anesthesia carts, stocking and cleaning of anesthesia equipment Assists in the total preparation for the open heart and other major cases: Assembling all IV solutions, both for IV therapy and monitoring procedures; Completely prepares the operative room with the appropriate anesthetic equipment and monitoring devices (e.g. EKD leads connected and ready on the OR table, arterial line and Swan-Ganz equipment opened and prepared for insertion) Assistance with the insertion of Swan-Ganz catheters and radial artery lines. Maintain and check the emergency/code box Participates with Logistics to maintain a 30 day inventory level in the anesthesia workroom as well as acting as a liaison for outside suppliers/vendors. Ensure block carts and ultrasound machines are stocked and current Active in equipment safety rounds Have current equipment manuals readily available in the anesthesia workroom Ensure the Malignant Hyperthermia box is stocked and current Updates maintains material data safety sheets and have them available in the anesthesia workroom Work Schedule: Full-time, Weekdays Functional Statement #: Medical Instrument Technician-Lead (Anesthesia Technician) GS-649-9 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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. Must be a current/permanent employee of the Madison VA Medical Center or an employee of a connected outreach facilities including CBOCs and VCS employees. To qualify for the announced grade level, GS-9, you must demonstrate the following: 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. Also, you must demonstrate At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, GS-8. This includes specialized experience in all aspects of anesthesia technician services as an anesthesia technician. 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). References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15, PART II, APPENDIX G27 Functional Statement Medical Instrument Technician-Lead (Anesthesia Technician) GS-649-9 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019

Education

Education in not a substitute for experience for this announced grade level.

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