This position is located within the Critical Care Service at the Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System. The incumbent is part of the surgical team and provides assistance to the surgeon and other healthcare team members during surgical procedures and perioperative preparation of these procedures. The Surgical Technician participates with the surgical team in planning and implementing complex procedures under the general supervision of the surgical team. 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, human anatomy, physiology, and aseptic technique to prepare and protect sterile field during surgery; exercising sterile technique to include sterilizer operations and tests to determine the effectiveness of sterilization, packaging, storage, and shelf life; 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. OR Applicants may substitute education for the experience required for the GS-07 level. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed one (1) full year of graduate education (18 semester hours) or an internship in course matter that must include courses directly related to the work of the Surgical Technician position such as anatomy and physiology, surgical technology, aseptic techniques, etc. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. OR Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at the GS-07 level. You must have a combination of successfully completed graduate level education and specialized experience, as described above, which meet the total experience requirements for this grade level. The education portion must include graduate courses directly related to the work of the Surgical Technician position. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned (when substituting, you cannot use the first 60 semester hours that you earned). Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-07. For example, an applicant who has 9 semester hours of graduate level education (i.e. 50% of graduate education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e. 50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. 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. ["Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Handles instruments, supplies, and equipment during all surgical procedures including but not limited to: thoracic, major vascular, general, urology, plastics, ophthalmology and total joint replacement surgery. Sets up the sterile field with all required items for each procedure such as air-powered equipment, urologic equipment, recording deices, and other OR supplies and equipment. Plans and discusses each procedure with surgical professionals and assures that all supplies and equipment are available prior to the surgical procedure. Prepares, organizes and maintains highly complex sterile surgical setups. Observes and responds promptly to each stage of the 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 team members with care of the patient, i.e., positioning, prepping, and obtaining supplies. Handles all specimens appropriately. Performs sponge and instrument counts to verify accuracy. Accounts for all surgical instruments and equipment during the surgical procedure. Prepares skin grafts, suctioning, holding retractors, applying skin staples, and cutting sutures. Prepares prostheses and surgical devices during procedures. Assists in training new residents, medical students, nursing students, OR technology students, and new OR staff in the operation of equipment, sterile technique, handling of instruments, and OR procedures to include the scrub role in surgical procedures. Performs non-technical maintenance of equipment to prevent malfunctions. Maintains OR area. Assesses needs and maintains adequate stock of supplies and materials. Recognizes potentially hazardous situations (i.e., frayed cords, water on the floor) and takes corrective actions. Assists surgical team members in quality improvement activities. Updates personal knowledge regarding current trends in surgical technology through continuing education courses Work Schedule: Full-time, Variable shifts Position Description Title/PD#: Surgical Technician/ PD12591A Physical Requirements: Duties regularly require providing manual assistance in lifting and positioning patients, most of which are 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. Incumbent must be dexterous in passing instruments to surgeons without compromising principles of aseptic technique and in a manner requiring little or no effort from the surgeon."]

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