Summary This position is located in the Perioperative Unit, Inpatient Nursing Service at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center. The primary purpose of the position is to assist staff with routine, complex and specialized procedures to include: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, Colonoscopy, Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, Placement of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube, Hemorrhoidectomy, Biopsy/Banding, Electro cardiography, and Transesophageal Echocardiography as a member of the direct patient care team. Responsibilities Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional This position is located in the Perioperative Unit, Inpatient Nursing Service at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center. The primary purpose of the position is to assist staff with routine, complex and specialized procedures. Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties: Responsible for knowledge of and adherence to current hospital and departmental policies and procedures. Independently reviews future endoscopy schedule daily to determine/arrange availability of specialized instruments and equipment. Insures completeness and accuracy of needed equipment, instruments and supplies. Assumes accountability for specialty procedures to maintain current knowledge of procedures, ever-changing techniques and highly technical instrumentation. Independently performs specialized procedures in endoscopy area Ensures optimal procedure results by anticipating needs of the surgeons or GI specialist. Proper assembly and testing of delicate instruments to ensure proper performance and optimal functioning of endoscopic equipment. Anticipates and corrects possible or probable equipment malfunctions. Providing direct assistance to the physicians with basic, specialized and complex procedures. Collecting, processing and labeling specimens. Receiving tissue specimen for laboratory analysis and ensuring endoscopy nurse receives correct information for labeling purposes. Exercising judgment based on knowledge and experience, alerts endoscopy nurse and anesthesia personnel (when applicable) to potentially dangerous endoscopy occurrences. Independently connects drains and tubing. Discussed with endoscopy nurse the fluids and drugs used during endoscopy procedures. Independently implements infection control standards as required in the current hospital in accordance with specific departmental infection control policies. Collaborates, communicates and demonstrates customer service skills and interpersonal skills with all healthcare professionals to ensure quality and continuity of care. Independently prepares/maintains all endoscopy instruments Proper cleaning/disinfecting of instruments post-op per station Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Care and inspection of equipment in a manner which will protect delicate equipment. Pre-cleans instruments in the procedure room per manufacture requirements and station SOP. Transports Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) in appropriate containers to dirty area for pre - cleaning per SOP Cleans and sterilizes RME per manufacture guidelines and station SOP Stores RME per manufacture guidelines and station SOP. Performs advanced repair and maintenance to equipment utilizing knowledge and dexterity. Arranges repair of equipment when necessary. Provides teaching, technical expertise and knowledge resource in basic endoscopic procedures for other technicians, co-workers and medical residents in their Endoscopy rotation. Provides in-service to all department personnel on new procedures/equipment. Consistently exhibits skills/qualities which enable him/her to perform medical instrument tech duties. Locates, assembles, and sets up equipment needed for routine and difficult endoscopy procedures anticipating possible emergencies that could arise. Demonstrates use, purpose, and care of equipment and accompanying accessories. Understands proper positioning of endoscopy patients for procedure. Operates, calibrates, and maintains medical instruments and equipment. Ensures proper performance of endoscopic equipment, selects alternate equipment or adjusts equipment settings to accommodate patient needs and produce high quality technique. Provides orientation and training in the proper use and maintenance of all equipment and instruments. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions. Licensure or Certification: Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. For certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments, specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations". For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition. Gastroenterology (GI) Technicians assist the practitioner in endoscopic procedures, such as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and endoscopic ultrasound. The technicians ensure proper performance of equipment, set up equipment, and reprocess endoscopic reusable medical equipment (RME). Certification is offered by the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA) for level one and level two training. GI endoscope reprocessing certification is offered through the Certification Board of Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD). (See Appendix L) English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: GS-6 Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Ability to set up endoscopy equipment, ensuring endoscopes and ancillary equipment functions properly. Ability to aid the physician with standard and routine procedures such as colonoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy in order to assist practitioner with routine standardized gastroenterology procedures. Ability to interact with patients explaining procedures and positioning the patient for the procedure, recognizing disabilities or impaired mobility and assisting the patient as necessary. Ability to reprocess and maintain specialty critical reusable medical equipment (RME), following approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and universal precautions. Ability to use basic computer systems and programs to record patient and endoscopic data, adhering to patient privacy and information security policies. Ability to manually clean and disinfect non-critical reusable equipment and surfaces, dispose of one- time-use equipment and trash per facility policy, and restock supplies such as linens, suction equipment, and cleaning products. Certification: No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. GS-7: Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled. This would be experience which provided knowledge of proper performance of endoscopic equipment and procedures. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of endoscopic equipment and use in basic and complex endoscopic procedures. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology related to the GI system, with ability to recognize and report obvious abnormalities during procedures. Ability to assist physician with specialized, complex procedures. Knowledge of universal precautions and disinfection techniques and ability to follow SOP's to clean reusable medical equipment (RME). Ability to collaborate, communicate, and demonstrate customer service skills and interpersonal skills with all healthcare professionals to ensure quality and continuity of care. Ability to use basic computer systems and programs to record patient and endoscopic data, adhering to patient privacy and information security policies. Ability to deliver patient care, including vital sign measurements and medication administration. Certification: No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BLS certification. Preferred Experience: Endoscopy procedures or minor procedures Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6 to GS-7. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over); Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); Light lifting (under 15 pounds); Heavy carrying (45 pounds and over); Moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); Light carrying (under 15 pounds); Straight pulling; Pulling hand over hand; Pushing; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking; Standing; Kneeling; Repeated bending; Climbing, use of legs and arms; Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Specific visual requirement (Good); Both eyes required; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid may be permitted) Environmental Factors: Working around moving objects or vehicles; Unusual fatigue factors (Emotional; Clinical alarm); Working with hand in water; Working closely with others; Working alone; Protracted or irregular hours of work; RME Cleaning Agents Education Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
