The Medical Instrument Technician (Cardiac Catheterization Technician) is assigned to the VA Northern California Health Care System, Catheterization Lab . Cardiac Catheterization Technician at the full performance level, under a physician's direction, perform 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. 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. Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition. 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. 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: Medical Instrument (Cardiac Catheterization) GS-6 Medical Instrument (Cardiac Catheterization) (a) 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: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology, and basic electrocardiography. 2. Knowledge of sterile techniques, catheterization laboratory supplies, and equipment used in the procedures. 3. Ability to circulate, assist, monitor, and document hemodynamics and electrocardiograms during the procedure. 4. Knowledge of and ability to prepare intra-aortic balloon catheters. (c) Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable. GS-7 Medical Instrument (Cardiac Catheterization) (a) 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: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Ability to assist with insertion of temporary transvenous pacemaker catheters. 2. Ability to maintain intra-aortic balloon pump equipment during procedures. 3. Ability to complete individual cases by pulling sheaths and holding pressure to obtain hemostasis. 4. Ability to assist with closure devices. 5. Ability to appropriately educate patients and patient families regarding procedures and post-catheterization care. GS-8 Medical Instrument (Cardiac Catheterization) (a) 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (b) 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. (c) Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. Certification. Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. Physical Requirements: The tasks of this position generally require sitting, standing, occasional crouching or kneeling. Moderate lifting is required to move equipment throughout the procedure areas. Considerable manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination are continuously required during procedures. This includes continuous observations of computer screen, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that demands coordination and stamina. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019/1 Part II, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. ["The Cardiac Catheterization Technician operate, monitor, and collect data from instruments used in procedures such as cardiac catheterization, angiography, valvuloplasty, angioplasty, electrophysiology studies, cardiac pacing, cardiac pacemaker leadwire insertion, bronchoscopy, and endobronchial ultrasound. The Cardiac Catheterization Technician executes position responsibilities and demonstrates leadership, experience, and creative approaches to managing complex systems including the following: Ability to scrub, circulate, and monitor advanced procedures (including electrophysiological) to included IVUS, FFR, iFR, PPM insertion, and ICD insertion. Advanced knowledge of equipment, medications, and supplies used in the Cardiac Cath Lab and bronchoscopy suite, and the ability to set-up, calibrate, operate, and troubleshoot this equipment. Knowledge and understanding of waveforms from the great vessels and al chambers of the heart including ability to recognize and distinguish normal from abnormal, artifact from abnormality, and forewarn the physician of an impending, life-threatening situation. Knowledge and understanding of quality control and performance improvement indicators for the cardiac cath lab and the ability to prepare and analyze quality control of test results. Stocks room and monitors inventory and reorders accordingly. Checks expirations dates of lab stock weekly. Assists with patient transport to and from the Cath Lab. Logs data and enters event captures and prosthetic charges. Sets-up for procedures including power injector, Mac-Lab System, and pulmonary procedures. Advanced knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedure and techniques in order to provide training and supervision in these procedures. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. Ability to communication effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. Advanced knowledge of complex and non-standard treatment and examination procedures and techniques. Ability to plan and assist in the establishment of complexity integrated treatment and examination of plan. Ability to perform advanced special assignments including new products and equipment evaluations and to provide make recommendations concerning developments which would improve operations. Preferred Experience: 1-2 years of experience working in a cardiac cath lab, electrophysiology (EP) lab, or Interventional Radiology (IR) lab in multiple roles, including scrubbing, circulating, monitoring, and utilizing fluoroscopy systems. 1 year of work experience (scrubbing, circulating, monitoring, utilizing fluoroscopy systems) in an interventional cardiac cath lab that provides PCI, CIED, and STEMI services. 1-2 years experience in the set-up, timing, and insertion of Intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP). 1-2 years experience in setting up, scrubbing and assisting in the use of specialized cath lab/IR equipment, such as, Angiojet, Shockwave, IVUS, rotablator atherectomy, Jetstream, and Commander CO2 Delivery systems Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

Return to Search Results