The Cardiac Catheterization Technician functions proficiently and as a full member in all aspects of the Cardiovascular Laboratory at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center. 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. 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". 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. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a. 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 Technician (Cardiac Catheterization) 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). They operate, monitor, and collect data from instruments used in procedures such as cardiac catheterization, angiography, valvuloplasty, angioplasty, electrophysiology studies, cardiac pacing, or cardiac pacemaker or leadwire insertion. Registration is offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS). 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: Experience with cardiac catheterization, fluoroscopic imaging, cadiac monitoring and interventional angiographic procedures is preferred. References: VA Handbook 5005/5, Part II, Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standards. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS 9. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, ability to distinguish basic colors, keen herring, and clear disinvite speech. The position requires long periods of continued walking, standing, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing moderately heavy objects, reaching and stretching to set up and take apart equipment. Lifting, positioning and transferring patients and objects of 45lbs and over may be required. The incumbent may have regular exposures to infectious and contagious diseases, contaminated materials, odors and other risk that may require special health and safety precautions such as wearing protective clothing (e.g., mask, gloves, gown and lead apron). ["Duties include but are not limited to: a. The Cardiac Cath Lab Technician executes position responsibilities the demonstrate leadership, experience, and creative approaches to managing complex systems including the following. b. Scrub, circulate, and monitor advanced procedures to include PCI, intravascular ultrasound, FFR, electrophysiology equipment, permanent pacemaker insertions and AICD insertions. c. Use advanced knowledge of equipment, medications, and supplies used in the Cardiac Cath Lab to set-up, calibrate, operate, and troubleshoot equipment. d. 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. e. Uses knowledge of quality control and performance improvement indicators for the Cardiac Cath Lab to prepare and analyze quality control of test results. f. Assists with patient transport to and from Cath Lab. g. Enters data in daily log, maintains data, and statistic spread sheets electronically. Applies knowledge of cardiac Cath lab to charting process. h. Ability to appropriately educate patients and families regarding procedures and post-catheterization care. i. Sets up for procedures including power injector and Philips (Xper / Xcelera) monitoring and imaging systems. j. Monitors stocks rooms and inventory PAR levels and notify appropriate technician to re-order inventory. k. Checks expiration dates of lab stock l. Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedure and techniques 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 Cath Lab. m. Knowledge of Joint Commission and other regulatory requirements. n. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: to be determined after number assigned. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?Readying Warriors and Caring for Heroes! This position is located within Surgical Services at the CAPT James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC) in North Chicago, IL. The FHCC is a first-of-its-kind partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), and Department of Navy (DoN)/Department of Defense (DoD). It is larger than just a single facility, but rather it is a fully-integrated medical care facility with a single combined VA and Navy mission. The combined mission of the FHCC means active duty military and their family members, military retirees, and eligible veterans receive health care at this facility.VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Join the FHCC team of energetic, career-minded professionals! For additional information, click onhttp://www.lovell.fhcc.va.gov/index.asp.