at Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration in North Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Summary This position is located in the Surgical Service at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, North Chicago, IL. At all grade levels determine the MIT provides support to anesthesia providers to assist with the safe and efficient delivery of anesthesia services in the Operating Rooms, Recovery Room, Cardia Catheterization Lab, Ambulatory Surgery Suite, GI and Radiology. Responsibilities Major Duties include, but are not limited to: Calibrates, operates and maintains (at the user level) the diverse physiological monitoring devices which are used to observe and record vital patient parameters including temperature, ECG, EEG, direct intravascular and intracardiac pressures, cardiac output and respiratory gas levels Skill in using aseptic technique is required when the technician assembles sterile monitoring systems or assists the anesthesiologist in procedures such as spinals or the insertion of specialized catheters. Communication and interpersonal relations, including the ability to appropriately and courteously relate to internal and external customers. Maintenance of confidentiality of patient/employee information, electronic .and print. How to work and function in the medical center in a safe manner, including infection control and the correct operation of equipment. Maintains in the anesthesia carts, a constant inventory of the medication, intravenous solutions, inhalation anesthesia agents, endotracheal tubes and many other expendable supplies required by the Anesthesiology Service. Assists the physician in draping and positioning of patients during spinal, epidural and regional block procedures in such a manner as to minimize the risks involved. Ensures that the correct anesthesia equipment and necessary supplies are available for each anesthetic procedure. Extra additional duties depending on the grade level Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Financial Disclosure Report: Not required 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: 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 at this grade level. 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. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, of VA Handbook 5005, Part II. 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). In addition to the basic requirements above, the below criteria must be met when determining the grade qualifications. Grade Determinations: GS-6 LEVEL: Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-5) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. Experience includes aiding 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. Exercising minimal independent judgment in anesthesia technology duties. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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. GS-7 LEVEL: Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-6) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. Experience includes assisting anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists in routine anesthetic procedures under general supervision. Connecting and operating noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring equipment, blood and fluid warmers (e.g., Hot Line and Belmont) and patient warming devices (e.g., Bair Hugger). Exercising moderate independent judgment in anesthesia technology duties. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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. GS-8 LEVEL: Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-7) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. Experience includes assisting anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists in difficult anesthetic procedures under minimal supervision. Connecting and operating invasive hemodynamic monitoring equipment (e.g., arterial pressure monitors), anesthesia machines, ventilators, intubation bronchoscopes, and ultrasonic scanning devices. Preparing and administering medications as directed by the attending physician. Mentoring and training 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. Exercising a high degree of independent judgment in anesthesia technology duties. 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
