Lead Medical Instrument Technician; Anesthesia

Summary

The Primary Purpose of the Position is:
To perform services of a Lead Medical Instrument Technician (Anesthesia) - commonly referred to as a Lead Anesthesia Tech. 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.

• 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
• Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels
• See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions
• Certification:
  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"
• 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)
• Preferred Experience:
  
  At least 3 years of experience that demonstrated possession of the knowledge - skills - and abilities required to provide all aspects of anesthesia technician
• Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of laboratory testing procedures to include maintenance - calibration - and quality control procedures
• This includes the ability to perform these labs tests accurately and correctly
• Advanced knowledge of electronics and anesthesia equipment with skill in repairing and maintaining this equipment with skill in repairing and maintaining this equipment and repairing complex problems
• Comprehensive knowledge of central venous and pulmonary artery (Swan-Ganz) catheterization procedures including measuring cardiac outputs and intra-aortic balloon counter pulsation procedures (i.e
• balloon pump)
• Knowledge and ability to assistant with airway management techniques
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels Grade Determinations: GS-09 Experience
• At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level - which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled - and must fully meet the KSAs at that level
• This would include specialized experience as an anesthesia technician which demonstrates possession of the knowledge - skills - and abilities required to provide all aspects of anesthesia technician services including specialized duties
• KSA's:
  In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk :
  Demonstrated Knowledge
  - Skills - and Abilities
• Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of laboratory testing procedures to include maintenance - calibration - and quality control procedures
• This includes the ability to perform these lab tests accurately and correctly
• Advanced knowledge of electronics and anesthesia equipment with skill in repairing and maintaining this equipment and repairing complex problems
• Comprehensive knowledge of central venous and pulmonary artery (Swan-Ganz) catheterization procedures including measuring cardiac outputs and intra-aortic balloon counter pulsation procedures (i.e.
  
  - balloon pump)
• Knowledge and ability to assist with airway management techniques
• Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels
• Certification
• Anesthesia technician certification through the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT) is highly desirable
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level
• Special Assignments
• Perioperative programs at some facilities require that anesthesia technicians perform duties that exceed the full performance level
• The anesthesia technician at this level performs difficult and responsible anesthesia technology duties with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgment
• The technician may perform clinical laboratory…