Medical Instrument Technician-Anesthesia

Full Job Description

The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) is an allied health care professional and an essential member of the Anesthesia Care Team.

This position is located at the Central Virginia VA Health Care System, Richmond Virginia.

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.

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.

Certification: No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification.

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).

Preferred Experience: Grade Determinations: GS-08 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.

AND 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.

Reference: VA Handbook 5005/15 Part II, Appendix G27. 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 position requires visual acuity (corrective lenses permitted), keen hearing (hearing aid permitted), clear speech, and manual dexterity of both hands for troubleshooting and repairing sophisticated equipment.

The position requires potentially long periods of continuous walking, standing, pushing, pulling, stooping, bending, and twisting, and may involve periods of strenuous exertion.

Transporting Veterans and objects may be required.

The MIT will be expected to frequently push and pull carts and anesthesia machines within the Operating Room and from floor-to-floor of the Medical Center is required.

These machines weigh approximately 400 pounds and are on wheels. The AT must be able to independently maneuver these machines.

The employee may need to lift or carry up to 35lbs intermittently and reach above the shoulders with both hands.

The MIT will be exposed to video display terminals, electronic equipment, lasers, and radiographic equipment on a recurring basis.

A calm, yet efficient demeanor is required for troubleshooting and operating monitoring equipment in highly stressful Operating Room situations. Major Duties:

The MIT has the ability to set up and use a variety of equipment including but not limited to: IV fluids, invasive monitoring lines, blood warmers, patient warming devices, monitoring system and the various components with it.

The MIT prepares, assists with and/or start intravenous lines. The MIT is proficient in applying patient monitoring devices used in the Operating Room.

Prepares equipment for pre-cleaning prior to ETO sterilization in SPS as required and cleans reusable medical equipment according to manufacturer's specifications.

Maintains, cleans, and organizes the anesthesia work stations on a daily basis, removing all special, reusable, and nonessential equipment after cases.

Prepares Pharmacy orders for medications and supplies used by the Anesthesiology department, works with Pharmacy to avoid shortages of commonly used medications, anticipates the need for new supplies based on expiration dates, and informs the Pharmacy Director of departmental needs in advance.

Helps provide guidance and direction to ensure all tasks are completed by anesthesia technicians, that good working relationships maintained, and priorities, goals, and needs of the Anesthesiology department are met.

Performs Point of Care tests as required, including blood glucose, and assists with arterial or venous blood gases, PT-INR, and ACT.

Participates in a system to support and continually improve the quality of anesthesia services provided, attends bimonthly staff meetings, and participates in Quality Improvement Work Schedule: Varies, 0600-1800 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 000000/ MIT GS-0649-08 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized