This position is within the Anesthesiology Service Line at the Atlanta VA Medical Center. The incumbent is responsible for providing support to the anesthesia teams in all anesthetizing locations, both the operating room (OR) and non-OR locations, and other areas of the hospital in which anesthesia teams have been deployed which includes areas such as the following: intensive care units, recovery room, emergency department, cardiology, pulmonary, interventional radiology, etc.

Duties

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). Duties and Responsibilities include, however, are not limited to: Preparing and setting up appropriate equipment and supplies for each surgical case. Connecting monitoring lines, preparing infusion sets, and operating all noninvasive hemodynamic monitors such as the following: non-invasive blood pressure cuff, pulse oximeter, blood/fluid warmers, and patient warming devices (e.g. Bair Huggers). Knowing the fundamentals of standard equipment operation, calibration, and function. Utilizing non-invasive patient monitoring equipment specific to Anesthesiology. Functioning as an active participant of the anesthesia team in the planning of the technical support for acceptable medical physiological monitoring. Monitoring devices as well as supplies and equipment appropriate for routine anesthetic procedures, such as those found in typical inpatient settings. Identifies malfunctioning equipment; trouble shoots equipment problems and refers more serious equipment problems to appropriate technical repair personnel. Establishes and maintains a regular maintenance schedule of proper calibration of monitors utilized in the administration of anesthesia. This would include the physiological monitors, should use generic description, transport monitors, and pulse oximeters. Manages the general functioning of the anesthesia workroom. Cleans and decontaminates equipment used in the anesthetic care of patients. This includes the disassembly of equipment and sterilization in accordance with the Center for Disease Control guidelines to prevent the spread of infectious disease. Stocks the anesthesia workstations and is responsible for maintaining an adequate inventory of supplies and compressed gas in the main anesthesia workroom and coordinates inventory and ordering of supplies with Anesthesiology leadership. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 6:00AM - 2:30PM, 6:30AM - 3:00PM, 7:00AM - 3:30PM, 8:00AM - 4:30PM, 9:00AM - 5:30PM, in addition to on-call coverage after hours, weekends, and holidays Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 55234F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only 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. 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. For certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments, specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations". 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. Grade Determinations: 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 KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 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. Assignments: 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. Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: This position involves walking, frequent bending, reaching, and stretching to assemble, set up and take apart equipment. The incumbent also carries, pulls, and pushes moderately heavy objects, such as equipment and supplies. Above average dexterity is required.

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 Atlanta VA Medical Center 1670 Clairmont Road Decatur, GA 30033 US
• Name: Donna Mackey-Pollard
• Phone: 334-590-9523
• Email: [email protected]