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To provide specialized technical support and expertise to the operational needs of the Department of Medicine, Cardiology Section. Functions proficiently in all technical aspects of the Cardiac Catheterization and Electrophysiology Laboratory. Assists the cardiology team in performing diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology and other related procedures. 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 chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) 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. 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". 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. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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. Grandfathering Provision. 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-9. In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-8 full performance level, positions at this grade may be lead, supervisory, or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments. (a) 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 be experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of cardiac catheterization technician services. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 4 and 5 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment.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. (c) 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. (d) 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. 1. Special Assignments. Non-supervisory medical instrument technician (cardiac catheterization) may have assignments that because of their nature substantially exceed the full performance level. The Professional Standards Board will review proposed non-supervisory special assignments for the GS-9 level and make a determination regarding their appropriateness. These assignments are expected to be relatively few in number and must represent substantial additional responsibility over the full performance level. Preferred Experience: Basic Life Support (BLS) is required, and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is encouraged. Demonstrated Cardiac Electrophysiology experience within the last twos years, specifically with radiofrequency ablation procedures. Demonstrated ability to establish effective interpersonal relationships with all levels of medical center personnel. Demonstrated leadership ability including self-direction, problem-solving and small project management. Certification through Cardiovascular Credentialing International for Cardiac Cath/Electrophysiology or related specialty preferred. Formal cardiovascular training program (technical college program) preferred. Experience in Cardiac Catheterization and/or Cardiac Electrophysiology preferred. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-9 to GS-9. ["Duties include, but not limited to: Performs a variety of duties including operation of highly complex equipment that includes: imaging equipment, electrophysiology recording/mapping systems and hemodynamic monitoring systems. Assist Cardiologist/Electrophysiologist with complex procedures equipment/ instrumentation used in diagnostic catheterization, angioplasty, stent placement, rotational atherectomy, intravascular ultrasound, permanent pacemaker and defibrillator insertion, electrophysiology procedures, radiofrequency ablation and other related interventional cardiology procedures. Occasionally may be asked to assist in cardiology areas outside the procedure laboratories (EKG, Cardiology Clinic) when needed as support staff. Collaborates and supervises a limited function laboratory for blood gas evaluation and coagulation testing. Maintain QA, QC for whole blood oximetry, glucose and coagulation testing and this includes proficiency testing for CAP to maintain Clinical Laboratory Accreditation. This lab is under direction of the College of American Pathologists utilizing the CAP quality control survey necessary for JCAHO accreditation. Job requires occasional overtime and flexibility in staffing. Incumbent must demonstrate the ability to handle high stress situations due to the critical nature of the patient population and procedures performed. The incumbent must meet all standards of performance and adhere to all applicable standards of care. Attitude is essential in patient interactions. Tact and diplomacy are required to facilitate successful staff relationships. Attend monthly Staff, Division, Section meetings. Ensures that current mandatory hours of continuing education, training modules and any other education hours required by facility are complete. 1. Check daily procedure schedule.\n2. Assures all equipment is operational prior to patient procedures. Contacts Bio-Medical Engineering/IRM/Nurse Manager and Physician when equipment is inoperative or malfunctioning.\n3. Check in patients for procedures.\n4. Places patient on monitors.\n5. Enters patient information into hemodynamic recorder and x-ray systems.\n6. Monitors the patient's vital signs and records pressure measurements needed to complete the study. Identify and appropriately report EKG/rhythm abnormalities.\n7. Archiving procedural data and images.\n8. Scrub duties include: Maintaining sterile integrity Set up sterile procedure tables Prepping and draping patients Scrub with physicians for procedures 9. Clinical orientation of new employees.\n10. Orientation of new nurses, technologist and physicians to x-ray equipment.\n11. Enter patient information into x-ray and hemodynamic system.\n12. Patient monitoring (NIBP/Rhythm/HR/SPO2/RR/Invasive Waveforms/Pressures).\n13. Assist with patient care, clinical documentation, operation of specialty equipment during clinical emergencies.\n14. Assist with patient care during clinical emergencies (cardiac arrest, tamponade, hypotension/shock?).\n15. Works with Radiation Safety to oversee monthly dosimetry badges, ensuring badges are exchanged in a timely manner for monitoring exposure of department personnel.\n16. Adheres to principles of radiation safety and monitors compliance among department personnel.\n17. Active involvement with department compliance programs, QA activities. Keeps nurse manager and Section Chief informed of deficiencies that could jeopardize patient care, patient/staff safety and clinical quality.\n18. Assists with the cleaning, processing and maintenance of all equipment and supplies maintained by department.\n19. Restocks labs, holding/recovery.\n20. Maintain a clean, organized work space.\n21. Assists in performance of other team member's duties during periods of annual leave, sick leave, etc. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Compressed Tour.\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]