This position functions in an advanced capacity the full-performance level of a Surgical Technician (ST), which is a member of the surgical team, and provides assistance to the surgeon, and other team members during surgical procedures. The advanced Surgical Technician participates with the surgical team members in planning, and implementing complex procedures under the continuing guidance of the surgical team.

Duties

The operating room technician is responsible for being on-call/stand-by for emergency procedures 24 hours a day as assigned. The advanced Surgical Technician performs the following major duties: Works with the surgeon, anesthesiologist or anesthetist, and registered nurse as a member of the direct patient care team, before, during, and following surgical intervention, and performs, and is responsible for the following knowledge of, and adherence to current hospital, and departmental policies, and procedures. Responsible for teaching, mentoring, and orientation of other staff, and students. Independently reviews future surgery schedules daily to determine/arrange availability of specialized instruments, equipment, and implants. Insures completeness, and accuracy of needed equipment, instruments, and supplies. Contacts company representatives to obtain critical supplies. Works with Nurse Manage to learn instrument purchasing process. Assumes accountability to rotate through all surgical specialties to maintain current knowledge of procedures, ever-changing techniques, and highly technical instrumentation. Shares expertise with other staff members. Independently scrubs for complex, extensive, specialized procedures in all surgical service specialties, i.e.: Aortic Aneurysms, Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, Video Assisted Thoracoscopies, Radical Prostatectomies, Total Joint Replacements, Laryngectomies, Laser Assisted Posterior Vitrectomies, and Urology Lithotripsy procedures. Independently scrub for Robotic (Davinci) Assisted surgery. Scrub Person 60% Responsible for handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during all surgical procedures such as, but not limited to thoracic , major vascular, microsurgery, total joint replacement, and robotic surgery. Anticipating needs of the surgeons (correct instruments, suture, implants) at different stages of the surgical procedure by maintaining a high level of concentration for extended periods of time. Sets up sterile field with all required items for each procedure such as air-powered equipment, fiber optic equipment, laparoscopic equipment, microscopes lasers, arthroscopy equipment, urologic equipment, recording devices, and other operating room supplies. Proper assembly, and testing of delicate instruments to insure optimal functioning. Providing direct assistance to the surgeon (site exposure, hemostasis). Sharing with the circulating nurse the responsibility for correct sponge, needle, and instrument counts pre, intra, and post operatively. Independently connects drains, and tubing's. Shares responsibility with anesthesia/circulating nurse for preparing, and identifying fluids, and drugs for intraoperative use. Independently prepares, and applies sterile dressings following procedure. Assists the team members with care of patient, i.e. positioning, prepping, and obtaining supplies. In conjunction with the surgical team participate in "Time Out and Fire Risk Assessment" Maintains Equipment and Work Area 20% Independently implements infection control standards as required in the current hospital, and specific department infection control policies. Specifically includes the application of sterile technique at all times while caring for patients. Personal integrity and "Surgical Conscience" are integrated in every aspect of professional behavior. Accountable for taking emergency surgery calls on a rotating basis. Provides Guidance/Oversee 10% Provides guidance, and support to Nursing Assistants, and other Surgical Technicians. Oversees volunteers, aides, non-surgical team members, students, and other personnel. Provides guidance, and support to professional, and technical students of an approved surgical technology program. Other Duties 10% Assist surgical team in Quality Management activities. Updates personal knowledge regarding current trends in surgical technology through continuing education. Assists in the creation, and updating of surgical preference cards including regular review to ensure efficiency, and reduce waste. Surgical scrub rotation across all surgical specialties, including, but not limited to General Surgery, Orthopedics, Vascular, ENT, Plastics Podiatry, Ophthalmology, etc. Work Schedule: Required to assume on-call coverage, rotating shifts Monday-Friday, Weekends, and Holidays Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician (Surgical Technician) (Intermittent)/PD25377A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Physical Requirements: Duties regularly require providing manual assistance in lifting, and positioning patients, most of which are stages of unconsciousness. There are extensive periods of regular, and recurring standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing, reaching, and prolonged stretching to provide easy accessibility of instruments, and supplies for the surgeon.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• May serve a probationary period
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. GS-07 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: Specialized experience includes: knowledge of independently scrubs for complex, extensive, specialized procedures in all surgical service specialties, example aortic aneurysms, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, video assisted thoracoscopies, radical prostatectomies, total joint replacements, laryngectomies, laser assisted posterior vitrectomies, and urology lithotripsy procedures. Knowledge of sterile technique, must include sterilizer operations, and tests to determine the effectiveness of sterilization, packaging storage, and shelf life. Must possess knowledge of highly technical medical instruments, human anatomy, physiology, and aseptic technique to prepare, and protect the sterile field during surgery. OR Applicants may substitute education for the experience required for the GS-7 level. 1 full year of graduate education or superior academic education. OR Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at the GS-7 level. To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned (when substituting, you cannot use the first 60 semester hours that you earned). Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-XX. For example, an applicant who has 9 semester hours of graduate level education (i.e. 50% of graduate education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e. 50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

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.

Contacts

• Address VA New Jersey Health Care System 385 Tremont Avenue East Orange, NJ 07018 US
• Name: Allysa Getman
• Phone: 680-322-5685
• Email: [email protected]