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.

Duties

The incumbent is a staff Medical Instrument Technician. This position is 10% administrative responsibilities and 90% technical. This position requires prior knowledge of type of equipment and supplies needed in areas where anesthetic is needed. The technician will be required to perform independently at this level. The Lead MIT will provide daily guidance of anesthesia technicians. The Lead MIT will have the responsibility of seeing that the work flows smoothly, assuring coverage if needed and assigning work. The work primarily involves establishing each anesthesia station inside the Operating Rooms and outside areas where Anesthesia care is provided, such as Radiology, Cardiology, and GI Lab. The responsibility of assessing and preparing operating rooms includes setting up the anesthesia machines, breathing circuit apparatus, cardiac monitors, monitors, suction, blood warmers, medication pumps, arm boards, and any additional equipment and supplies that are requested or required. The work also includes insuring other disposable or reusable apparatus is available that may be required in each assigned operating room prior to the beginning of the scheduled OR or Non-OR case where anesthesia care is needed. 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 inter-cardiac pressures, cardiac output, and respiratory gas levels. Calibrates, operates, and maintains (at the user level) the various blood chemistry analyzers and associated equipment in the OR STAT Lab. Maintains in the anesthesia carts, a constant inventory of the medication, intravenous solutions, inhalation anesthetic agents, endotracheal tubes, and many other expendable supplies required by the Anesthesiology Service. Assists the physician in the positioning of patients during spinal, epidural, and regional block procedures in such a manner as to minimize the risks involved. Insures that the correct anesthesia equipment and necessary supplies are available for each anesthetic procedure. Knowledge of physics, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology sufficient to understand the capabilities and limitations of analytical, monitoring, and therapeutic medical devices when applied in a variety of clinical settings. Knowledge of expected hemodynamic and blood chemistry values reflecting health as well as diseased states to detect anomalous patient waveforms or data and determine whether the information is valid or in error due to technological constraints. Knowledge of surgical and anesthetic practices sufficient to anticipate the equipment and supplies required for a scheduled procedure. Assist the anesthesiologist during both routine and emergency situations, such as a difficult intubation. Ensures that each procedure has a complete and properly functioning life support system available. Uses aseptic techniques when assembling sterile monitoring systems, and when assisting the anesthesiologist with procedures such as spinals, and the insertion of specialized catheters. Decontaminates anesthesia equipment and re-useable goods with infection control procedures to prevent patient cross-contamination or the spread of nosocomial infections. Maintains confidentiality of patient and employee information. Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 54402-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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. 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 th