This position is located in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at the New York Harbor Healthcare System, Manhattan campus. Cardiac Catheterization Technicians perform, under a physician's direction, diagnostic tests, both invasive and noninvasive, of the pulmonary system (lung) and the cardiovascular system (heart and circulation). 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 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. 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. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians 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: GS-8 Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics of the positions to be filled. Examples of duties performed include but are not limited to: Aid physicians in all aspects of standard cardiac catheterization and related invasive procedures such as coronary angioplasty, pulmonary angioplasty, and intra-aortic balloon insertion. Select, set up, and calibrate surgical instruments, catheters, radiographic contrast injectors, and radiographic imaging devices. Prepare cardiac medication for administration by the physician and must be able to recognize cardiac arrhythmias and take appropriate action. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. Knowledge of quality control and performance improvement indicators for the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and ability to prepare and analyze quality control of test results. Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are 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: APPENDIX G27. MEDICAL INSTRUMENT TECHNICIAN QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-649 Veterans Health Administration The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-08. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 ["As a cardiac stress testing and catheterization lab technician will primarily assist patients who are having exercise and pharmacological stress testing and patients who are undergoing cardiac catheterization. In addition they will be responsible for assisting with patients recovering after catheterization and interventional procedures (including ventilated patients) who are cared for in the cardiology suite, be responsible for inventory management as well as being responsible for archiving and storing digital data and troubleshooting the imaging network. Cardiac Catheterization Lab Functions: Cardiac technicians will be familiar with all interventional procedures performed in the cardiac catheterization lab and with cardiac research performed in the laboratory. This includes (but is not limited to) PTCA, stenting, IVUS, pressure wire evaluation, rotational atherectomy, valvuloplasty, IABP, electrophysiologic studies and device implants (pacemakers, ICDs, bi-V ICDs). The technologist must be prepared to become familiar with new interventional technologies in this rapidly expanding field. Responsible for the care and proper maintenance of all equipment and supplies that are used during cardiac catheterization procedures (including, diagnostic, interventional and electrophysiologic procedures). Independently monitor vital functions of patients during tests and procedures, which requires the ability to recognize abnormal parameters and includes the responsibility to immediately report any changes or abnormal findings to the physician in charge of the procedure. Parameters to be monitored include ECG and hemodynamic findings and reported to the appropriate staff member. Independently interact with and help assess outpatients reporting for cardiac catheterization. Assist with monitoring and care of patients recovering from cardiac catheterization, including assisting with sheath removal. Assist physicians during procedures and will take care of patients' needs while they are in the laboratory for testing. Prepares and sets-up for use all supplies, equipment, and instruments for procedures, which includes sterile supplies (i.e. instrument trays, drapes, syringes, IV fluids, catheters), electronic and radioisotopic monitoring equipment, and special equipment used to collect various biological specimens. The incumbent will also check all electrical and electronic equipment (including fluoroscope) in advance of procedures to insure that they are in working order. This requires familiarity with requirements for a large number of special tests and/or procedures so that appropriate supplies and equipment are provided without specific requests. Collects specimens during various tests and does phlebotomy as the need arises. The technologist is expected to learn about new procedures to facilitate catheterization lab function and later to formulate teaching guides and instruct the other interventional technicians and senior monitoring technicians in their use. Cardiac Stress Lab Functions: Prepares the patient for the test by applying the cardiac electrodes, entering the patient data into the computer, measuring the blood pressure and recording the blood pressure and heart rate on the data sheet. Familiar with exercise and pharmacologic stress testing as well as nuclear and echo stress testing Responsible for the care and maintenance of all equipment and supplies that are used during exercise stress testing. Independently interact with and help assess outpatients reporting for stress testing. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 7:30am-6:00pm Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 0230-A"]

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