You will serve as the Surgical Technician with the Surgical Service Line of the VA Puget Sound in Seattle, Washington. Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: Are authorized for highly qualified candidates. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. Specialized Experience: GS-07 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped you 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: assisting the surgeon during procedures by passing instruments, observing and responding promptly to each stage of the surgical procedures, handling contaminated items, maintaining quality control, operating specialty equipment per manufacturer's guidelines, using universal precautions for implementing infection control policies and procedures. Examples of Specialized Experience may include: Handling instruments, supplies and equipment during all surgical procedures such as open heart, thoracic, major vascular, neurosurgery, microsurgery, total joint procedures, and robotic surgery; Utilizing sterile techniques as per hospital, Operating Room, and Association of peri Operative Registered Nurses (AORN) guidelines; Assisting the surgeon by performing such procedures as preparing skin grafts, suctioning, holding retractors, applying skin staples, and cutting sutures, preparation of prosthesis and surgical devices and preparing sterile dressings. OR Applicants may substitute education for the experience required for the GS-07 level. To qualify, you must have completed one full year of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position and have submitted transcripts with your application. 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-7. 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. ["You will prepare Operating Rooms with minimal assistance for a variety of simple to major surgical procedures. You will have a thorough knowledge of instruments, equipment, and supplies. You will plan and discusses each procedure with surgical professionals and assure that all supplies and equipment are available prior to the surgical procedure. You will anticipate the surgeon's needs for instruments, equipment, and supplies via the surgeon's case preference cards, training as a surgical technician, and familiarity with hospital Operating Room (OR) policies and procedures. You will handle instruments, supplies, and equipment during all surgical procedures such as open heart, thoracic, major vascular, neurosurgery, microsurgery, total joint procedures, and robotic surgery. You will follow infection control policies, procedures, and sterilizing techniques. You will maintain, care, and label surgical specimens. You will assist the surgeon by performing such procedures as preparing skin grafts, suctioning, holding retractors, applying skin staples, cutting sutures, prepping prosthesis and surgical devices, and prepare sterile dressings. You will recognize and help initiate actions during emergency situations including cardiopulmonary resuscitation. You will provide emotional support and comfort measures specific for each patient to alleviate concerns and fears. Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: Are authorized for highly qualified candidates. Work Schedule: Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 3:30 pm, with on call availability. Position Description Title/PD#: Surgical Technician/PD40972A Physical Requirements: Work involves extended periods of standing, walking, and reaching. Will be required to lift and carry instruments and stock weighing as much as 25 pounds short distances. Will be required to wear x-ray aprons. Must be able to use both hands to handle and feel objects with dexterity and strength to manipulate delicate instruments and equipment. Must have adequate hearing and speech to effectively communicate with other personnel and patients. Responsible for transporting carts on rollers within the Operating Room (OR) and from other departments within the hospital. Will assist in transferring and transporting patients, most in stages of unconsciousness. The volume and rapid pace of work, interruptions, and emergency nature of some tasks may cause high levels of stress for the employee. Work Conditions: The majority of work is performed in the Operating Room (OR). Workers must wear hospital supplied surgical scrubs, hair cover and eye protection while on duty. There is the potential for frequent exposure to toxic gases, hazardous chemicals, blood, and body fluids. Special safety precautions are required when dealing with laser beams, radiation, air-powered equipment, and a variety of electrical equipment. Work involves the wearing of attire such as a hood in total joint replacements. This position is regularly exposed to infectious diseases. Patients undergoing treatment can be verbally or physically abusive, particularly those suffering from mental illness."]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.