Medical Instrument Technician (Cardiac Cath)

BASIC REQUIREMENTS A. 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.) B. 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. C. 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. D. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. E. 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. BLS Certification is highly desirable. Preferred: 2 years recent experience Cath Lab Technician in a complex facility. Experience:GS-09. One(1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-8) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. In the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of this experience include: Ability to scrub, circulate, and monitor advanced procedures (including electrophysiological) to include rot oblation, intravascular ultrasound, RADI or wave-wire, Angio jet, 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, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and object may be required. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. This Position is Above the Full Performance GS-9 Reference: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G27 MARCH 17, 2006
The Cardiovascular Technologist functions independently as a member of the cardiovascular lab under the guidance of the interventional cardiologists and reports to the Nurse Manager. The cardiovascular technologist possesses knowledge of all cardiac procedures taking place in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab through knowledge of cardiac anatomy/physiology/pathology. The Cardiovascular Technologist works collaboratively with the patient care team.