**This is an open continuous announcement until November 30,2023. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available.** The Operating Room Surgical Technologist 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. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. 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 medical 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. In addition to meeting the Individual Occupational Requirement you must meet the following below: 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: Setting up sterile fields Determining technical factors, setting controls with required items for procedures such as air powered equipment, fiber optic equipment, laparoscopic equipment, microscopes, lasers, arthroscopy equipment, urologic equipment, recording devices, and other operating room supplies and equipment Sterilizing operations and testing to determine sterilization methods to be used Receiving and interpreting request for procedure Securing patients' confidence and cooperation Assisting surgical staff with or performing diagnostic tests and procedures Positioning patients for procedures Handling and coordinating clerical/administrative support functions Performing personal patient care Teaching patients proper health care practices Maintaining medical records and documents test results Previous experience in working under microscope using aseptic technique to deliver required instrumentation to physician for use in the procedure Experience and understanding of the biological physiology of disease conditions that requires surgical intervention Experience in responding to acute trauma injuries in the operating room. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must possess at least one (1) full year of graduate level of education with studies directly related to this position. One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 year of full-time study. 18 semester hours should be considered as satisfying the 1 year of full-time study requirement. This education must have been obtained in a college or university. A transcript or course listing must be submitted if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. See "How to Apply" for a description of a course listing. Applications submitted without this information may not be considered. NOTE: IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Verbiage displayed on your resume or application must contain your own words. You may refer to the specialized experience located within the vacancy announcement, to assist with describing work experiences; however, resumes or applications received that copied verbatim from the announcement will be evaluated and may be reviewed as falsifying your experience or application. 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. ["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. Assists with positioning 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. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday variable hours starting at 0630 to 1900 (after orientation placed on the tour needed to be filled such as (0630-1500, 0630-1700 0830-1900, 1030-1900) Required to take calls during weekend; off-tour, and holidays. Position Description Title/PD#: Surgical Technician/PD01501A Physical Requirements: The work 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."]
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.
