Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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1. Be responsible for the setting up of the anesthesia machines in each Operating Suite and designated out-of-OR locations, prior to the beginning of the scheduled workday, including breathing circuits, all regular monitors, suction apparatus, and other disposable or re-cleanable apparatus that might be required
2. Set up IV lines when needed, including infusion pumps, and set up all pressure bags and lines for specialty catheters, such as CVP, arterial, and PA catheters
3. Assist the anesthesia professional with the application of patient monitoring, the positioning and protective padding of the patients, the calibration of fixed and portable monitors, and the insertion of invasive monitoring devices; knowledge of aseptic technique is required to provide aseptic hands-on assistance when necessary
4. Be familiar with the operation and quality control procedures for certain laboratory equipment used in the operating room, such as the glucometer and i-STAT blood analyzer
5. Assist the anesthesia professional during the performance of regional anesthesia, particularly neuraxial regional techniques and nerve block techniques that require needle localization by nerve stimulator and/or ultrasound
6. Possess a knowledge of anesthesia equipment to provide proper maintenance, trouble-shoot problems, and make minor repairs, or independently secure the services of biomedical personnel for making repairs
7. Be constantly aware of the need for ordering expendable and non-expendable supplies; keep the appropriate service line supervisor aware of equipment needs and inability to procure certain critical supplies
8. Maintain established stock levels of all supplies and drugs normally stocked in each anesthesia machine, PYXIS, travel cart, and pre-op/PACU cart; this requires frequent monitoring of stock during the day and at the end of each daily operating schedule
9. Adhere to the guidelines identified in Medical Center Policy for Reusable Medical Equipment (RME); follow established SOPs and checklists in the use, set-up, pre-cleaning, storage, and maintenance of all RME, as applicable; refer to the manufacturer's instructions for guidance when necessary; remove from use and initiate the process for repair of any equipment noted to be malfunctioning and report to the appropriate service line supervisor and Biomedical Engineering.
10. Maintain clean and safe Anesthesia Workrooms, keeping track of the equipment and supply inventories, in cooperation with the logistics technician assigned to the care area; alert all anesthesia professionals to supplies or equipment deficiencies that exist, until such deficiencies can be corrected
11. Comply with all JCAHO requirements in the storing and securing of anesthesia equipment and supplies in the Workroom and in each operating room; comply with all OSHA requirements in handling and disposal of "sharps" and biohazardous waste.

Work Schedule:Monday-Friday 7:00AM- 3:30PM
Functional Statement #:00000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS):Not Authorized
PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO):Not Authorized

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.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• 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).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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.
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred to 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:
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
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 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-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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:

1. Current permanent VA employees of the facility.
2. All other VA employees.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.