Medical Instrument Technician (Cardiac Cath Lab Tech)

Description:

Cardiac Catheterization Lab Techs work with physicians to complete both diagnostic & interventional invasive cardiac procedures including: LHC, RHC, PTCAs, Stent placement, IABP, IVUS, pressure wires, pericardiocentesis, temporary pacemakers, radial artery, peripheral, electrophysiology studies, implantable device placements, AICD placement.

The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

Requirements:

This is an open continuous announcement. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. Applications will remain on file until January 07, 2027.

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.
• Experience: Using sterile surgical techniques using equipment, medications, and supplies to set-up, calibrate, operate, and trouble shoot such equipment used in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory; providing quality control for the equipment for test result analysis; and recognizing and distinguishing normal from abnormal heart functions to forewarn physicians of an impending life-threatening situations.
• 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, this part.

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-09

• 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 (*):
• 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.
• 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.

Preferred Experience:

• RCIS and or RCES certifications
• 2 years of Invasive Cardiovascular Catheterization Technologist experience.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/ .

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09.

Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds.

Continuation of Duties from Duties Section of JOA:

• Advanced Knowledge of electrophysiology, proper lead placement, as well as normal and abnormal EKG and hemodynamic tracings.
• In depth knowledge of infection control procedures and protocols.
• Participates in rotational CCL on call activities and serves as technical team leader.
• Ensure productivity is maintained at the established level for the program for which he/she is responsible.
• Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques to provide training and supervision in these procedures, to participate in evaluation of and initiate performance improvement projects, to write policies, procedures, and protocols that pertain to the CCL.
• Serves as a guide for trainees and CART-CL documentation.
• Knowledge of Joint Commission and other regulatory requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels.
• Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training.
• Advanced knowledge of equipment, medications, and supplies used in the CCL and the ability to set up, calibrate, operate, and troubleshoot this equipment.