Summary

The Medical Instrument Technician (Cardiac Catheterization) position is located at the Kernersville, NC VA Medical Center. Cath Lab Technicians at this level functions proficiently in all aspects of the Cardiac Cath Lab. They may be responsible for ordering all Cath Lab specific supplies including catheters, balloons, stents, sheaths, etc.

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
• Education: There are no specific education requirements for this occupation
• Licensure or Certification
• Licensure or 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"
• For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable
• Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition
• 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 Ability to scrub, circulate, and monitor advanced procedures (including electrophysiological) to include rotoblation, intravascular ultrasound, RADI or wave-wire, angiojet, filter wires, myocardial biopsies EPS, permanent pacemaker insertions, AICD insertions, and biventricular pacemaker insertion
• Advanced knowledge of equipment, medications, and supplies used in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and the ability to set-up, calibrate, operate, and troubleshoot this equipment
• Knowledge and understanding of wave forms from the great vessels and all chambers of the heart including the ability to recognize and distinguish normal from abnormal, artifact from abnormality, and forewarn the physician of an impending life-threatening situation
• Knowledge of quality control and performance improvement indicators for the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and ability to prepare and analyze quality control of test results
• Preferred Experience: Interventional procedures to include cardiac, vascular and radiology
• Certification
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification
• Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) is highly desirable
• Assignment
• This represents the full performance level
• Cardiac catheterization technicians at this level function as full members of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Team
• They scrub, circulate, operate equipment, etc., on the most complex examination and treatment procedures including procedures such as endocardial biopsy, radio frequency ablation procedures, and intra-aortic balloon pump therapy for very critical patients
• They prepare and administer cardiac medications as directed by the attending physician
• They mentor and train lower graded technicians, nurses, nursing students, and cardiopulmonary technology students on cardiac catheterization laboratory procedures and assist the supervisor/manager with quality control and performance improvement activities
• References: VA Handbook 5005/54, Part II, Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician, dated June 2012
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the GS-08 level
• Physical Requirements: 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
• 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.

Duties

• The Cardiac Cath Lab Technician executes position responsibilities the demonstrate leadership, experience, and creative approaches to managing complex systems including the following: Ability to scrub, circulate, and monitor advanced procedures (including electrophysiological) to include intravascular ultrasound, RADI or wave-wire, Angiojet, filter wires, permanent pacemaker insertions and AICD insertions
• Advanced knowledge of equipment, medications, and supplies used in the Cardiac Cath Lab and the ability to set-up, calibrate, operate, and troubleshoot this equipment
• Knowledge and understanding of waveforms from the great vessels and all chambers of the heart including the ability to recognize and distinguish normal from abnormal, artifact from abnormality, and forewarn the physician of an impending life-threatening situation
• Knowledge of quality control and performance improvement indicators for the Cardiac Cath Lab and ability to prepare and analyze quality control of test results
• Stocks rooms and monitors inventory PAR levels and notify to re-order
• Checks expiration dates of lab stock weekly
• Assists with patient transport to and from Cath Lab
• Enters event captures and prosthetic charges
• Sets up for procedures including Med-Rad power injector, XCELERA systems and Flex Cardio systems
• Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedure and techniques to provide training and supervision in these procedures, to evaluate and initiate performance improvement projects, and to write policies, procedures, and protocols that pertain to the Cardiac Cath Lab
• Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 08:00am - 4:30pm Financial Disclosure Report: Not required