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This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. 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 Citizenship. Citizenship of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English 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, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (BCLS/ACLS) certifications are desirable. Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA in this occupation are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. GRADE REQUIREMENTS Medical Instrument Tech - Cardiac Catheterization - GS-9 Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade (GS-8) 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 be experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of cardiac catheterization technician services such as: 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. In addition to the core competencies above, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): 1. Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques in order 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 Catheterization Laboratory. 2*. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. 3. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. 4*. Ability to manage and supervise employees. 5*. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. *** Preferred Experience: 1-2 years of previous Cardiac Catheterzation or Interventional Radiology experience *** 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. Physical Requirements. The physical demands of the work requires, occasional heavy lifting, (45 pounds and over), occasional heavy carrying (45 pounds and over), moderate straight pulling, frequent patient positioning on exam table, moderate walking, occasional climbing, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, ability to distinguish basic colors, ability to distinguish shades of colors, hearing aid (permitted), emotional stability, ability to hear whispered voice, the use of fingers, reaching above shoulder, prolonged standing (6-8 hrs.), ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. The full performance level of this vacancy is G-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27 - Medical Instrument Technician ["The incumbent will be responsible for answering questions for all staff on Cardiac Catheterization procedures and equipment. They assist the practitioner with the most complex and non-standard cardiovascular procedures such as: Cardiac Cath, Coronary interventions (simple and complex), Electrophysiology Procedures (EPS, AICD/Pacemaker Implant, Ablation) IVUS, Periocardiocentesis, Cardiac Biopsy, Rotablator, hemodynamic monitoring and others. The work requires the incumbent to record and interpret data from highly specialized equipment and computerization system. The cardiovascular technologists possess knowledge of cardiac procedures, thorough knowledge of cardiac anatomy/physiology, EKG interpretation/abnormal heart rhythm and understanding of the major system and organs as well as equipment and supplies (catheters, wires, balloons, stents etc;) required to perform these complex procedures. The duties of the Cardiac Catheterization Technician include but are not limited to the following: Assures/(confirms) medications are properly labeled and available for physician administration. Recognizes and gives a functional knowledge of the cardiac medications use, appropriate doses, and its side effects. Uses advanced knowledge of vascular and coronary anatomy and physiology related to cardiovascular to work with physician to complete both diagnostic and interventional invasive cardiac procedures including: LHC, RHC, PTCAs, Stent placement, Hemodynamic support, IVUS, pressure wires, pericardiocentesis, temporary pacemakers, radial artery procedures, EP procedures, permanent pacemaker placement and AICD placement. Uses advanced knowledge of equipment, medications, and supplies used in the Cardiac Cath Lab to set-up, calibrate, operate and troubleshoot equipment and independently adapt equipment to patient's condition for best study/imaging quality and results. Applies 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. Uses knowledge of quality control and performance improvement indicators for the Cardiac Cath Lab to prepare and analyze quality control of test results. Monitors the progression of procedures requiring independent judgment and anticipate need to provide specific instrument and/or catheters. Adheres to all departmental, service, hospital, agency and national regulations and policies. Assists with patient transport to and from Cath Lab. Enters data in daily log and enters event captures and prosthetic charges. Sets up for procedures including power injector, X-ray systems and hemodynamic recording systems. If on the Cath Lab On-Call Team, incumbent is required to be in the facility within 30 minutes from the time the initial call was initiated. Responsible for ensuring his/her actions contribute to a mode of continued accreditation readiness regarding The Joint Commission (TJC), Office of Inspector General (OIG), Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), VA surveyors, Laboratory College of American Pathologists (CAP), and other survey teams. Articulates standards of care and practice, policies and procedures/SOPs; Has situational awareness of safety and other environment of care issues. Initiates corrective action, maintains safety and infection control standards. Initiates and carries out assignments independently and may be called upon to address unusual problems and circumstances by referring to policies, manuals, or directives. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 4:00 pm and occasional On-call Compressed/Flexible: Not available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Travel: You may be required to travel 25% or less of the time Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact V8_EDPR_BAYPINES@VA.GOV with questions/assistance. Learn more Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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