The Operating Room Surgical Technician assists the surgeon in performing surgical procedures, and manages/directs the sterile field during the procedure. The OR Surgical technologist is responsible for all aspects of the technical preparation for and participation in surgical procedures. The OR Surgical technologist is responsible for all aspects of the technical preparation for and participation in surgical procedures Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR): Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 and above): Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to Surgeon (surgical team) or health personnel (such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists). Therefore, technician experience is experience that required application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled. Surgical Tech is to be meticulously focused on assisting the overall view of a surgical; procedure, ticking off tasks on checklists, having a kind and helpful bedside manner, and depending on specialization, knowing how to prepare robotic equipment prior to surgery and all other special equipment used for surgery. 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 for the GS-07 is defined as: Assists with patient positioning, prepping, and setting up the operative field; Recognizes changes in patient condition and takes appropriate actions in response to the situation; Performing such procedures as preparing skin grafts, suctioning, holding retractors, applying skin staples, and cutting sutures; Plans and discusses each procedure with surgical professionals to determine proper positioning and assurances of all supplies/equipment are available; Provides guidance and support to staff regarding infection control and patient safety protocol. OR, 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. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. 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. 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-XX. 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. ["The Surgical Technician is a member of the surgical team and provides assistance to the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures. Participates with surgical team members in planning and implementing complex procedures under the general supervision of the Surgeon and Registered Nurse. Duties include but are not limited to: Possess expertise in the application of sterile and aseptic technique and combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, implementation tools and technology to facilitate a surgeon's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. Function as a primary scrub person responsible for handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during all surgical procedures. Prepare instruments, supplies and equipment, and assist operative team according to Operating Room procedures. Adheres to principles of strict aseptic technique in preparing set-up for specific procedures. Prepare, organize, and maintain highly complex sterile surgical set-ups. Ensures proper disposal of instruments, linen, trash, needles, sponges, and all biomedical waste. Assists with positioning and draping of patients for specific procedures. Report and document pertinent patient and/or supply/equipment information pertaining to surgery. Observe and respond promptly to each stage of the surgical procedure and anticipate the needs of the surgeon. Knowledgeable of a wide variety of complex surgical procedures and possible complications. Proper handling of surgical specimens. Participates in departmental process improvements. Performs other related duties as assigned. Highly Qualified Experience 2 years recent OR experience with complex cases (Robotic surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthopedic, ENT, Thoracic). Certified Surgical Technician (CST)- Preferred. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, TBD, Flexible tours between 0630-1900 and/or according to the unit's needs. Surgical Technician is required to take calls during weekend, off-tour, and holidays. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description Title/PD#: Surgical Technician Physical Requirements: This position requires long periods of standing with few breaks, as well as lifting, bending, positioning patients, and some movement of cumbersome equipment. Good body mechanics, personal stamina, and excellent powers of concentration are necessary to participate in lengthy procedures. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.