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 the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• KSAs 1 through 6 are appropriate for all positions at this level
• KSAs 7 and 8 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment
• Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of laboratory testing procedures to include maintenance, calibration, and quality control procedures
• This includes the ability to perform these lab tests accurately and correctly
• Advanced knowledge of electronics and anesthesia 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 counterpulsation procedures (i.e., balloon pump)
• Knowledge and ability to assist with airway management techniques
• *Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels
• * *Ability to manage and supervise employees
• *Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training
• Certification
• Anesthesia technician certification through the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT) is highly desirable
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level
• Assignments
• For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time
• Special Assignments
• Perioperative programs at some facilities require that anesthesia technicians perform duties that exceed the full performance level
• The anesthesia technician at this level performs difficult and responsible anesthesia technology duties with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgment
• The technician may perform clinical laboratory tests for the unit (i.e., blood gas, activated clotting time and glucose) or perform more difficult equipment repairs
• The technician may also participate in large-vessel cannulations (with subsequent monitoring) characteristic of open-heart, transplant and major vascular surgeries
• These assignments are expected to be relatively few in number ad must represent substantial additional responsibility over the full performance level
• References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 MARCH 17, 2006 PART II APPENDIX G27The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-09
• Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds over
• Straight pulling , .50 hours
• Reaching above shoulders
• Use of fingers
• Both hands required
• Walking, 4 hours
• Standing, 4 hours
• Crawling, .50 hour
• Kneeling, .50 hour
• Repeated bending, .50 hour
• Climbing - use of legs and arms
• both legs required
• Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• Near vision correctable at 13" to 16' to Jaeger 1 to 4
• Both eyes required
• Depth perception
• Ability to distinguish basic colors
• Ability to distinguish shades of colors
• Hearing (aid may be permitted)
• Oral communication.