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
• 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-8 Experience At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSAs), and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled
• In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.