Career Center

Summary

The Cardiac Cath Technician functions independently as a member of the cardiovascular lab under the supervision of the Nurse Manager Specialty Clinics or designee. The technician works with the patient care team that includes registered nurses - cardiovascular technologists - nurse practitioners - physician assistants and other providers

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

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
• 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
• Certification: Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) is highly desirable
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level
• 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: Medical Instrument (Cardiac Catheterization) GS-9(a) Experience
• At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-8) - which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled and must fully meet the KSAs at that level
• This would be experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of cardiac catheterization technician services
• Specialized Experience: Cardiac Catheterization scrub - circulate - operate equipment - etc. - on the most complex examination and treatment procedures including procedures such as endocardial biopsy - radio frequency ablation procedures - and intra-aortic balloon pump therapy for very critical patients
• They prepare and administer cardiac medications ad director by the attending physician
• They mentor and train lower graded technicians - nurses - nursing students - and cardiopulmonary technology student's cardiac catheterization laboratory procedures and assist the supervisor/ manager with quality control and performance improvement activities
• In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): (b) Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• KSAs 1 - 2 - and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level
• KSAs 4 and 5 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment
• 1
• Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques in order to provide training and supervision in these procedures - to evaluate and initiate performance improvement projects - and to write policies - procedures - and protocols - that pertain to the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.* 2
• Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements
• 3
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels
• *4
• Ability to manage and supervise employees
• *5
• Ability to provide - or provide for - staff development and training
• Preferred Experience: Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS)Greater than 1 year Cardiac Catherization experience preferred
• 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-08
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-09
• Physical Requirements: Applicants must be able to meet the physical demands of the position
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
• While performing duties of this job - the Cardiac Cath Lab Technician is frequently required to stand - walk - and bend and reach
• Must be able to lift and/or move over 50 pounds
• They must have good dexterity and keyboarding skills
• Must be able to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word
• Must be able to view and read information on computer screens.

Duties

• The Cardiac Cath Technician functions independently as a member of the cardiovascular lab under the supervision of the Nurse Manager Specialty Clinics or designee The technician works with the patient care team that includes registered nurses - cardiovascular technologists - nurse practitioners - and physician assistants
• The technician assists in cardiac procedures such as: Biopsies Pericardiocentesis Intracardiac ultrasound studies Quality control of all the equipment in use Intracoronary rotablator Temporary intravenous pacemakers Quality control CPRS documentation Intra-cardiac Ultrasound Other duties are as follows
• The work requires the incumbent to record and interpret data from highly specialized x- ray - mechanical - electrical - electronic - ultrasonic - and digital computerized systems
• The cardiovascular technologist possesses knowledge of all cardiac procedures taking place in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab through knowledge of cardiac anatomy/physiology/pathology
• The work requires accountability - understanding and knowledge of supplies (catheters - wires - balloons - stents etc.) and other equipment involved in order to perform these complex procedures
• The incumbent has the ability to independently perform technical aspects of highly intense invasive procedure of different types of cardiology studies - hemodynamic calculations - and electrophysiology and adapt equipment to that particular patient's conditions for the best study/imaging quality and results
• The Cardiac Cath Technologist works as a team member along with nurses to prep patients - which includes connecting patient to monitors prior to procedure and to ensure that vital sign readings are clear and correctly transcribed to the database system
• The Cardiac Cath Technologist participates in diagnostics and therapeutic procedures focusing on coronary arteries involve
• Duties involve transporting patients - preparation for the procedures such as prepping the access site - placing monitor including oxygen saturation sensor - blood pressure cuff - preparation of sterile field - draping patient following strict sterile techniques - transducer set ups - calibration and operation of complex technical equipment for the invasive cardiac procedures Defibrillator - Bio sense Webster - Doppler - EKG machine and other cardiac equipment as required
• The Cardiac Cath Technologist possess BLS and ACLS certification
• Performs other duties as assigned
• PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS)Greater than 1 year Cardiac Catherization experience preferred
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - Day Tour Of Duty such as 7:00 am -3:30 pm - 7:30 am-4:00 pm or 8:00 am-4:30 pm with On-call duty required Telework: Not Available Functional Statement #: 30265-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Available Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional