Medical Instrument Tech (Anesthesia)

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Bay Pines (FL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

US Department of Veterans Affairs, Bay Pines VA Medical Center, seeks a Medical Instrument Technician (Anesthesia) to support anesthesia services across the medical center. Will operate anesthesia machines, ventilators, and invasive monitoring equipment, and ensure sterile technique during procedures.

Requirements include US citizenship, English proficiency, and the ability to work with complex equipment. The full-performance role emphasizes independent judgment and mentoring of junior staff in

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship required; non-citizens may be appointed if qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Educational substitutions may apply at GS-4/GS-5 levels; otherwise no specific degree required.
• English language proficiency in speaking and writing is required.
• Grandfathering provision may apply to current VA employees meeting criteria.
• Knowledge of invasive monitoring equipment used in anesthesiology; ECG; sterile technique.

Responsibilities

• Assist anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists in complex procedures under supervision.
• Operate invasive hemodynamic monitoring equipment (arterial lines), anesthesia machines, ventilators.
• Procure and manage anesthesia supplies and medications; mentor lower graded technicians.

Skills

Invasive monitoring

ECG interpretation

Equipment troubleshooting

Sterile technique

Arterial line knowledge

Anesthesia supplies

Education

No specific degree required

Tools

Anesthesia machines

Ventilators

Ultrasound devices

Job description

The incumbent functions as the Medical Instrument Technician for the Anesthesia Service in Bay Pines VA Medical Center, and as such is responsible to provide anesthesia support services throughout the Medical Center in conjunction with surgical and diagnostic procedures requiring anesthesia. These services relate to assistance in patient care and the maintenance of equipment and supplies. The MIT is functioning at the full performance level.

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.
• 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.
• English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.

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

In addition to meeting the basic requirements stated above, the following qualifications criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates.

GS-8 Experience

At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, 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. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is required.

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 acquire medications as directed by the attending physician or CRNA. They may 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-08.

Physical Requirements

The physical demand of the work requires use of fingers; moderate walking and standing; clear speech; emotional stability. Moderate lifting up to 25lbs and moderate carrying, 15-25 pounds; pushing up to 30 minutes; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; vision correctable equivalent to that required for driving a motor vehicle and ability to discern colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly up to 30 minutes at a time.