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.

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: Must be proficient in spoken and written English
• 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: Must possess at least one (1) full year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled
• Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Assisting anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists in difficult anesthetic procedures under minimal supervision
• Connecting and operating invasive hemodynamic monitoring equipment (e.g., arterial pressure monitors), anesthesia machines, ventilators, intubation bronchoscopes, and ultrasonic scanning devices
• Preparing and administering medications as directed by the attending physician
• Mentoring and training 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
• Exercising a high degree of independent judgment in anesthesia technology duties
• In addition, you must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of the correct use of invasive patient monitoring equipment specific to anesthesiology
• Knowledge of basic electrocardiography (EKG)
• Skill and ability to troubleshoot equipment, often while the patient is anesthetized
• Skill and ability to maintain sterility during procedures
• 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
• 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
• Preferred Experience: Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification (preferred, not required) 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: 1
• The work requires standing or walking for a major portion of the work day
• The walking will often require carrying supplies or pushing carts and equipment
• Standing will require holding patients or stocking supplies
• This may occupy half of the work day and will hence be considered demanding physical activity.2
• A certain mechanical dexterity is required in the replacement of parts and the repair of equipment to restore or maintain operability after faults are identified.3
• Maintenance of organized files for support documents, maintenance logs, inventory and other records
• He/She will have to create inventory procedures, logs, and files where none currently exist.