Summary Cardiac Catheterization/Electrophysiology Technicians perform, under a physician's direction, diagnostic tests, both invasive and noninvasive, of the pulmonary system (lung) and the cardiovascular system (heart and circulation). They operate, monitor, and collect data from instruments used in procedures such as cardiac catheterization, angiography, valvuloplasty, angioplasty, electrophysiology studies, cardiac pacing, or cardiac pacemaker or leadwire insertion. Responsibilities Major duties include but are not limited to: Cardiac Catheterization / Electrophysiology Technician at this level function as full members of the Cardiac Catheterization /Electrophysiology Laboratory Team. They scrub, circulate, operate equipment, etc., on the most complex examination and treatment procedures such as left and right hearth catheterizations, transcatheter aortic valve replacement, percutaneous coronary, carotid and peripheral interventions, endocardial biopsy, radio frequency ablation procedures, and intra-aortic balloon pump therapy. They mentor and train lower graded technicians, nursing students, and cardiopulmonary/electrophysiology technology students on cardiac catheterization/EP laboratory procedures and assist the supervisor/manager with quality control and performance improvement activities. Provides technical assistance to the cardiologist during all procedures occurring in the Cath lab. These duties include but are not limited to: LHC, RHC, PCI, Stent deployment, IABP, TAVR, Atherectomies, pericardiocentesis, biopsies, temporary pacemakers, EP studies, permanent pacemaker and ICD placement and peripheral, renal and Carotid procedures. Monitors the progression of procedures requiring independent judgment in order to provide specific instrument and or catheters, as they are needed in anticipation of request. Assists the unit manager improving technical training for new employees, fellows and students. Directs patient inquiries to appropriate person. Be able to function independently during a diagnostic catheterization from patient preparation table setup, scrub, hemodynamic monitoring, circulate, sheath pulling and patient education. Be able to assist with more complicated procedures such as right heart catheterization, temporary pacemaker insertions, intra-aortic balloon pump, Percutaneous Transluminal Cardiac Angioplasty (PTCA) and peripheral vascular studies. Will be able to assist in the Electrophysiology Laboratory as needed. The accurate monitoring and recording of intra-vascular pressures and electrocardiograph tracings require knowledge of normal/abnormal waveforms and cardiac rhythms. This is needed for patient safety during procedures and keeping the physician abreast of patient's status to prevent life threatening situations. Must distinguish electrical artifact from normal/abnormal pressures and EKG patterns. Operates digital radiographic computer systems, assists physician in procedure by performing scrub person duties, injection of contrast, and/or panning during the procedure. Has expertise in data acquisition, data storage and rearrangement, data retrieval, independent operation of programs used to analyze a variety of cardiac functions (i.e., coronary anatomy, coronary flow reserve, mapping, LV function and EF calculation). Assist with trouble shooting equipment failures and correct the problem short of electrical involvement. Calibration of instruments and calculation of all pressures, heart rates and other recorded parameters. Retrieving and re-calculation of data as necessary. Ability to archive images in both CD and PAC systems. Preps patient prior to procedures. Aides in patient teaching, pre, intra, and post procedure. Filing of reports in patient chart and cardiology files. Is responsible for completion of patient record to include cath report and nurses note. Registration is offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS). Work Schedule: Monday-Thursday, 6:30 am to 5:00 pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required 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. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. 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. 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; desired certification: Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. English Language Proficiency. All Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, in order to perform the duties in this position. 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 Technician (Cardiac Catheterization) GS-6 (a) Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology, and basic electrocardiography. 2. Knowledge of sterile techniques, catheterization laboratory supplies, and equipment used in the procedures. 3. Ability to circulate, assist, monitor, and document hemodynamics and electrocardiograms during the procedure. 4. Knowledge of and ability to prepare intra-aortic balloon catheters. (c) Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable. Medical Instrument Technician (Cardiac Catheterization) GS-7 (a) Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Ability to assist with inse