Medical Instrument (Cardiac Catheterization)

The Medical Instrument Technician (Cardiac Catheterization) Non-Supervisory is a healthcare professional recognized by the American Medical Association. They support procedures in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, Electrophysiology Laboratory, and Hybrid Operating Room suits (currently in the planning stage). Their functions require special training, knowledge, skills, and certifications (RCIS registered cardiovascular invasive specialist).Qualifications: 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".

NOTE: 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

Grade Determinations:
Medical Instrument Technician (Cardiac Catheterization) GS-9: 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. (GS-08 experience: This represents the full performance level. Cardiac catheterization technicians at this level function as full members of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Team. They scrub, circulate, operate equipment, etc., on the most complex examination and treatment procedures including procedures such as endocardial biopsy, radio frequency ablation procedures, and intra-aortic balloon pump therapy for very critical patients. They prepare and administer cardiac medications as directed by the attending physician. They mentor and train lower graded technicians, nurses, nursing students, and cardiopulmonary technology students on Cardiac Catheterization laboratory procedures and assist the supervisor/manager with quality control and performance improvement activities.)
In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs: Do you demonstrate the following GS-09 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

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.

Preferred Experience: Experience in working as a cardiovascular lab technician is preferred. Employees at this grade are to be qualified to provide services at an advanced level with highly specialized skills in the areas of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Electrophysiology Lab and the Hybrid OR Suites. Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) is important. This position supports the clinical and administrative components of the Cardiac Catheterization and Electrophysiology Labs by performing additional duties such as inventory management; staff scheduling; staff and student training and mentoring; quality improvement program initiatives, and other duties that support the immediate and ongoing needs of the department. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are required for employees at this level. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, this is directly related to the duties of this position to be filled. A minimum of 1-2 years of experience as a Cardiovascular Technologist is recommended for this position.
References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 MARCH 17, 2006 PART II APPENDIX G27
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9.
Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to or over 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.Education: IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.Employment Type: FULL_TIME