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The Surgical Technician (ST) is a member of the surgical team and provides assistance to the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures. The Surgical Technician participates with the surgical team members in planning and implementing complex procedures under the general supervision of the Chief of Surgery and 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 at least 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: Knowledge of independently scrubs for complex, extensive, specialized procedures in all surgical service specialties, example aortic aneurysms, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, video assisted thoracoscopies, radical prostatectomies, total joint replacements, laryngectomies, laser assisted posterior vitrectomies, and urology lithotripsy procedures; knowledge of sterile technique must include sterilizer operations, and tests to determine the effectiveness of sterilization, packaging storage, and shelf life; must possess knowledge of highly technical medical instruments, human anatomy, physiology, and aseptic technique to prepare, and protect the sterile field during surgery; OR, Education: 1 full year of graduate education meets the requirements for GS-07 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 include but not limited to: Handling instruments, supplies,and equipment during a variety of surgical procedures performed in all surgical subspecialties/procedures including general surgery, urological surgery, vascular surgery, ENT surgery, orthopedic/podiatry surgery and ophthalmological surgery Setting up sterile field with all required items for each procedure 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 Participating in official time out with surgical team and ensures correct site, correct procedure, correct laterality, correct patient, position and all testing results are in place, including lab and radiology results; verifies sterility and dates of implants per VHA Directive Plan ning and discussing each procedure with surgical professionals and assuring that all supplies and equipment are available prior to the surgical procedure Preparing, organizing, and maintaining highly complex sterile instrumentation and surgical setup Observing and responding promptly to each stage of the surgical procedure and anticipating the needs of the surgeon by maintaining a high level of concentration for extended periods of time Utilizing universal precautions; follows all infection control policies and procedures when handling specimens, supplies, and equipment Assisting team members with care of the patient, i.e., positioning, prepping, and obtaining supplies; transportation to and from the OR Handling all specimens appropriately, including labeling, keeping organized on table and transporting to lab With circulating Registered Nurse (RN), performs sponge and instrument counts to verify accuracy; responsible for the accountability for all surgical instruments and equipment during the surgical procedures Assisting surgeon by performing such procedures as preparing skin grafts, suctioning, holding retractors, applying skin staples, and cutting sutures; preparing prosthesis and surgical devices during procedures Assisting in training residents, medical students, nursing students, operating room technology students, and new Operating Room staff in the operation of equipment, sterile technique, handling of instruments, and OR procedures to include the scrub role in surgical procedures Collaborating with RN sub specialists to provide inservices or initiates in-services on own Communicating effectively with all surgical team members Performing non-technical maintenance of equipment to prevent malfunctions Maintaining a safe/clean work environment Recognizing changes in patient condition including emergencies, perioperatively; taking appropriate actions in response to emergent situation Providing patient information to the RN/Anesthesia Team for inclusion in the patient's plan of care Supporting the healthcare team through the reinforcement of patient education Organizing/prioritizing patient care activities Functioning as second circulator for complex surgical procedures Assisting in answering phones and relaying messages as appropriate Pulling supplies for next day's cases; identifing missing/needed supplies as early as; possible; reporting to NM/Logistics/SPD as appropriate Adhering to VA nursing policies, procedures, and standards Delivering care to patients in a respectful, non-judgmental manner Maintaining patient privacy/confidentiality Maintaining delivery of care to patients in a variety of stages of adult development Reporting unsafe equipment and working conditions to appropriate individuals One year of OR experience is preferred but not required. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Position Description Title/PD#: Surgical Technician/PD12902-A Physical Requirements: Duties regularly require providing manual assistance in lifting and positioning patients, most of which are in 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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