This position is located within Nursing Service at the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System. The work takes place in the Operating Room (OR) which is headed by a Nurse Manager, Operating Room (NM-OR). The incumbent is a member of the surgical team and provides assistance to the surgeon and other healthcare team members during surgical procedures and perioperative preparation of these procedures. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 02/02/2023. 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: Assisting with the preparation and protection of sterile field during surgery. Handling medical instruments, supplies and equipment during surgical procedures. Performing proper cleaning of equipment, as well as the proper handling and rotation of sterile supplies. Handling contaminated items, using knowledge of universal precautions. Implementing infection control policies and procedures. OR Applicants may substitute education for the experience required for the GS-07 level. Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have one (1) full year (i.e., 18 semester hours) of graduate level education that is related to the position. OR Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at the GS-07 level. 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. 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. ???????Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. ["Major duties include, but are not limited to the following: Functions as a primary scrub person responsible for handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during all surgical procedures. Plans and discuss each procedure with surgical professionals and assure that all supplies and equipment are available prior to the surgical procedure. Observes and respond promptly to each stage of the surgical procedure and anticipate the needs of the surgeon by maintaining a high level of concentration for extended periods of time. Assist the team members with care of the patient, i.e., positioning, prepping, and obtaining supplies. Set up the sterile field with all required items for each procedure. Utilizes universal precautions and follow all infection control policies and procedures when handling specimens, supplies, and equipment. Utilizes sterile techniques which must include sterilizer operations and tests to determine the effectiveness of sterilization, packaging storage, and shelf life. Utilizes the proper cleaning techniques and the types of detergents to use on various items, as well as the proper handling and rotation of sterile supplies, handling of contaminated items, quality control, and personal hygiene. Prepares for complex surgical procedures using a knowledge of a wide variety of complex surgical procedures and possible complications, anticipates the needs of the surgical team, responds with speed and accuracy, and reports observations and immediate procedural needs to the RN circulator. Utilizes a thorough knowledge of all appropriate names, uses, physical characteristics, function, and processing procedures for the full range of surgical supplies and equipment. Performs non-technical maintenance of equipment to prevent malfunctions. Assist surgical team members in quality improvement activities and update personal knowledge regarding current trends in surgical technology through continuing education courses. Familiar with dosages and proper use of all medications administered from the sterile field. Utilizes the use and effects of anesthesia in order to recognize the hazards of anesthetic agents and to recognize and respond to adverse conditions during the course of the procedure. Recognizes and respond to a variety of critical situations, including emergency and life-threatening conditions. Knowledge of signs, symptoms, and appropriate treatment of allergic reaction to any contrast used during procedures. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8-hour shifts (days or pm), may be on call Saturday. Tour may change due to the needs of the facility. 80 hours per pay period. Position Description Title/PD#: Surgical Technician/ Physical Requirements: Duties regularly require providing manual assistance in lifting and positioning patients, most of which are 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. 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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