Medical Instrument Technician (Anesthesia)

Summary VA San Diego is hiring 2 Medical Instrument Technicians to work part-time (20 hours per week) in Anesthesiology Service. You will function as a member of the anesthesia care team, and will be under the direct supervision of the Chief of Anesthesiology and the Chief Anesthesiology Technician. Learn more about this agency Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship:Citizen of the United States. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C., chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA. 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-4: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics (KSAs) related to the duties of this position. 6 months of experience may have been in medically related fields such as nursing assistant, practical nursing, or similar fields. The remaining 6 months must have been in operating diagnostic and therapeutic equipment covered by this occupation. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited at this grade level; OR Successful completion of 2 years of education above high school or an associated degree with a major field of study directly related to the medical instrument technician occupation (NOTE: transcripts are required if using education to qualify); AND In addition to one of the above, you must also demonstrate the following KSAs (NOTE: experience must be documented on your resume in order to receive credit): Knowledge of basic medical terminology. Ability to learn the components, operating characteristics, and settings of the equipment to be used. Ability to learn typical patient reactions to the basic procedures involved and ability to recognize signs of distress. Ability to learn the standard positions for the procedure being conducted. Ability to communicate orally and in writing. GS-5: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics (KSAs) related to the duties of this position. This would be experience in operating equipment related to the particular specialization for which application is made or in related functional areas. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited at this grade level; OR Successful completion of 4 academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to this occupation, or a bachelor's degree in a major field of study appropriate to medical instrument technician functions. (NOTE: transcripts are required if using education to qualify); AND In addition to one of the above, you must also demonstrate the following KSAs (NOTE: experience must be documented on your resume in order to receive credit): Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions. Knowledge of common physical disabilities and ability to position patients for the examination or treatment. Ability to learn the normal and abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize and report obvious abnormalities. Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or procedures. GS-6: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics (KSAs) related to the duties of this position. AND In addition, you must also demonstrate the following KSAs (NOTE: experience must be documented on your resume in order to receive credit): Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology (specifically cardiac and pulmonary). Knowledge and application of safety and infection control processes. Ability to serve as a circulating technician for supplies and to assist with documentation of hemodynamic patient data. Knowledge of anesthesiology supplies and equipment appropriate to less complex anesthetic procedures, such as those found in Ambulatory Surgery. GS-7: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics (KSAs) related to the duties of this position. AND In addition, you must also demonstrate the following KSAs (NOTE: experience must be documented on your resume in order to receive credit): 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. GS-8: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics (KSAs) related to the duties of this position. AND In addition, you must also demonstrate the following KSAs (NOTE: experience must be documented on your resume in order to receive credit): Knowledge of the correct use of invasive patient monitoring equipment specific to anesthesiology. Knowledge of basic electrocardiography (EKG). Skill and ability to troubleshoot equipment, often while the patient is anesthetized. Skill and ability to maintain sterility during procedures. 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. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/54 Part II Appendix G27, Dated June 7, 2012. 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-04 to GS-08. Physical Requirements: The work requires long hours of continuous activity and considerable manual dexterity to assemble and set up equipment, instruments and supplies. Frequent walking, standing, stretching, and bending are required on a regular recurring basis. Incumbent will be required to push and pull moderately heavy objects, i.e. anesthesia machines, gurneys, and equipment. Ability to function under pressure and handle a fast-paced clinical environment 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/. Additional information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information. Read more Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window Learn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.