The Medical Instrument Technician (Anesthesia) performs logistical and technical support, assisting and anticipating the needs of anesthesia personnel in direct patient care often during difficult situations. Provides support and is responsible for the operation of the supplies and equipment support areas of the Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care Service. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is desirable.

Duties

Major duties include but are not limited to: General technical knowledge in the calibration, maintenance, operation, and troubleshooting of routine diagnostic and therapeutic medical instruments and equipment. Many equipment systems consist of complex integrated computer controls with multiple interconnected subsystems. Ability to adapt and integrate equipment to new or difficult procedures or settings with minimal direction (i.e., ability to modify a blood pressure manometer to measure CPAP in one lung ventilation). With Biomedical Engineering Technicians, jointly participates in routine maintenance and repair schedules based on regulatory standards, manufacturer recommendations and equipment requirements. Services anesthesia equipment within level of expertise, performing preventative maintenance, evaluating and replacing worn or failed components and assemblies as needed with minimal direction. Assists in ordering, maintaining, and distributing anesthesia equipment and supplies to ensure timely availability for all anesthesia care providers in or out of the Operating Room (OR) Suite. Some understanding of the seriousness of common illnesses, equipment parameters and limitations, procedure objectives with the ability to provide appropriate equipment and assistance as needed with minimal direction. For all cases in or out of the OR 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. Has some understanding of, and with direction can assist anesthesia personnel in some intense complicated procedures that include controlled and emergent airway management, establishing and maintaining invasive monitoring, various medication infusion systems, positioning and transport of unstable patients. Able to recognize obvious abnormalities in patient responses to treatment, lab results or equipment function. Notifies team and requests assistance or troubleshoots cause of erroneous result based on level of expertise. Ensures safety in the immediate situation and informs appropriate personnel for follow up as needed. Basic knowledge of anesthesia drug pharmacology including the drug names, general classification and desired patient responses, and administration routes. Must possess a thorough understanding of and constantly abide by "Standard Precautions" protocol. Must be able to maintain existing infection control surveillance standards as directed. - 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 routine equipment and instruments. Assists in collection and documentation of all necessary statistics and quality control data as per VAPAHCS policy, OSHA, Joint Commission, NAFDA, and the American Pathologists Certification (CAP). Continually demonstrates age appropriate, respectful communications with patients and families (primarily adult and senior adult). Uses initiative to increase knowledge base, skill and familiarity with anesthesia terminology, equipment and procedures to improve ability to anticipate needs of anesthesia personnel. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, various tours Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Salary breakdown by grade: GS-06: $54,914-$71,390 GS-07: $61,023-$79,331 GS-08: $67,579-$87,851

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. Education: There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. 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. 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-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 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): 1. Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology (specifically cardiac and pulmonary). 2. Knowledge and application of safety and infection control processes. 3. Ability to serve as a circulating technician for supplies and to assist with documentation of hemodynamic patient data. 4. Knowledge of anesthesiology supplies and equipment appropriate to less complex anesthetic procedures, such as those found in Ambulatory Surgery. Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification. 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 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): 1. Knowledge of the fundamentals of standard equipment operation, calibration and function. 2. Knowledge of correct use of non-invasive patient monitoring equipment specific to anesthesiology. 3. Ability to appropriately interact with patients during anesthetic procedures. 4. Knowledge of anesthesiology supplies and equipment appropriate to routine anesthetic procedures, such as those found in typical inpatient settings. Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification. 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 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (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. Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification. 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 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: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. This position requires to undergo a pre-employment medical examination/physical, TB test and other related other medical related requirements.

Education

There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation.

Contacts

• Address Palo Alto VA Medical Center 3801 Miranda Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94304 US
• Name: Timothy McBrian
• Email: [email protected]