Position is located at the Richard L. Roudebush VAMC Operating Room, Surgery Service. The incumbent functions at an advance level with specific and specialized training and skills required in the Surgery work setting. The Surgical Technician (ST) functions independently to provide a wide range of support to the professional nurse and physician in the Operating Room. Participates with the surgical team members in planning and implementing complex procedures under general supervision.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. GS-07 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: Utilizing knowledge of medical instruments, aseptic technique to prepare and protect sterile field during surgery; exercising sterile technique; handling medical instruments, supplies and equipment during all surgical procedures; performing proper cleaning techniques, as well as the proper handling and rotation of sterile supplies; handling contaminated items, quality control, and personal hygiene, using knowledge of universal precautions and implementing infection control policies and procedures. NOTE: Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Preferred Experience: 2 years of experience working in an OR setting. There is no educational substitution for the GS-07 level. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Major Duties and Responsibilities: Technician Duties (60%) Functions as a primary scrub person responsible for handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during all surgical procedures performed in: Cardiac, Peripheral Vascular, Neurosurgery, Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, Orthopedic, Urology, Plastic, Oral surgery, Thoracic, Gynecology, General Surgery, Pain and any other service that utilizes the Operating Room (OR) for procedures. A GS-7 Surgical Technician serves as a lead or resource person for the OR nursing assistants and GS-6 and lower surgical technicians. Maintains Equipment and Work Areas (30%) Provides Guidance/Supervision and Other Duties (10%) Work Schedule: Possible tours to be assigned are, 0700-1530; 0700-1730; 0900-1930. Position Description Title/PD#: Surgical Technician - Operating Room (OR)/PD03221A Physical Requirements: Duties regularly require providing manual assistance in lifting and positioning patients, most of who are at stages of unconsciousness. There are extensive periods of regular and recurring standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing, reaching, and prolonged stretching to provide easy accessibility of instruments and supplies for the surgeon. The ST must be dexterous in passing instruments to surgeons without compromising