Surgical Technician - Ann Arbor, United States - Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration

Description

This position is located in the VA Ann Arbor Health System Operating Room Suite. The position is within the Surgery Service.

The incumbent functions at an advanced level with specific and specialized training and skills required in the Surgery work setting.

The Surgical Technician functions independently to provide a wide range of support to the professional nurse and physician in the Operating Room.

Participates with surgical team in planning and implementing complex procedures. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 06/07/2024.

Specialized Experience GS-07: At least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-6) in the Federal service that has provided you with the particular knowledge, skills and ability to successfully perform the duties of a Surgical Technician.

Specialized experience is experience assisting a surgical team with/during surgical procedures.


Examples of specialized experience include:
scrubbing for/during surgeries; preparing patients for surgery; setting up equipment and surgical instrumentation; preparing sterile surgical set-ups; handling instruments, supplies and/or equipment during surgical procedures; anticipating the needs of the surgeon and responding promptly; performing sponge and instrument counts; and exercising accountability of all surgical instruments and equipment during surgical procedure


NOTE:

Graduate education or an internship meets the specialized experience required only if it is directly related to the work of the position (Surgical Technician).

One full year of graduate education meets the requirements for this level. An equivalent combination of experience and education as described above may be used to qualify. (Transcripts Required)

You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:

Attention to Detail Infection Control Medical Information Patient Care Technical Competence 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.


Note:
A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities.

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:
Certification through AST Preferred, but not required

["Major Duties:

The Surgical Technician performs the following major duties: 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, and General Surgery procedures.

Set's up Equipment and Surgical Instrumentation:

Determines Technical Factors Sets up and test functionality of equipment such as air-powered equipment, fiber optic equipment, laparoscopic equipment, surgical microscopes, brain navigation systems, lasers, technology advanced robotic surgery, arthroscopy equipment, urologic equipment, and recording devices.

Plans and discusses each procedure with surgical professionals and assures that all supplies and equipment are both available and in working order prior to the surgical procedure.

Adjusts equipment controls to clarify readings and prepare for operation. Performs nontechnical equipment maintenance and cleaning, and pre-treatment for all reusable medical equipment and instrumentation. Coordinates repair of potentially hazardous equipment. (frayed cords, malfunctioning controls, etc.) with appropriate staff.

Operates equipment and assists surgical team in performance of procedures, able to trouble shoot and adjust, prior to notification of bio-medical engineering.

Positions Patients for Procedures Provides direct patient care by performing the following:

Assists nursing staff in room preparation and patient transfer to OR Table as needed Applies positioning aids to table and places patient extremities into the apparatus, if needed Ensures proper positioning and patient safety measures are maintained and in place Completes peri-operative patient hair removal Monitors patient condition.

Recognizes deviation in patient condition and takes appropriate action. Transports procedure items to operating room and prepositions them. Opens sterile items and arranges surgical area and equipment for procedure performance. Prepares, organizes, and maintains highly complex sterile surgical set-ups. In conjunction with the circulating nurse, performs sponge and instrument counts to verify accuracy. He/she is responsible for the accountability of all surgical instruments and equipment during the surgical procedure.

Observes and responds promptly to each stage of surgical procedure and anticipates the needs of the surgeon by maintaining a high level of concentration for extended periods of time.

Utilizes universal precautions and follows all infection control policies and procedures when handling specimens, supplies, and equipment.

Assists the surgeon by performing such procedures as preparing skin grafts, suctioning, holding retractors, applying skin staples, cutting sutures and preparing prosthesis and surgical devices during procedures.

Maintains Equipment and Work Areas:

Performs non-technical maintenance of equipment to prevent malfunctions Maintains OR area, performs monthly cleaning to storage locations as per hospital policy.

Assesses equipment needs and maintains adequate stock of supplies and materials. Assists in all aspects of supply management, including but not limited to ordering of supplies and putting them away. Recognizes potentially hazardous situations (e.g., frayed cords, water on floor) and takes corrective action.

Processes instruments and supplies after surgery Cooperates fully with equipment inventory, including meeting established timelines Cooperates fully in equipment trials and procurement processes.

Provides Guidance Provides guidance and support to Nursing Assistants, health technicians, and technical students of an approved surgical technology program, able to demonstrate for the resident team the functionality of the more complex instrumentation, and/or any other novice scrub support staff.

Provides guidance and support to professional and technical students of an approved surgical technology program. Other duties Participates with surgical team members in quality improvement activities. Updates personal knowledge regarding current trends in surgical technology through continuing education courses. Participates in developing and maintaining appropriate and cost-effective inventory practices Utilizes universal precautions in all work functions

Work Schedule:
Monday-Friday Different Shifts Available 7:00am to 3:30pm, 9:00am- 5:30pm On-Call Required for either shift


Virtual:
This is not a virtual position


Position Description/PD#:

Surgical Technician/PD6306-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives:
Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for eligible applicants Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorize"]

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program.

At VA Long Beach Healthcare System, our health care teams are deeply experienced and guided by the needs of Veterans, their families, and caregivers.

Our medical center provides primary care and specialty health services, including cardiology, mental health care, treatment for spinal cord injuries and disorders, suicide prevention, women's health services, and more.

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