The Medical Instrument Technician - Gastroenterology (MIT-GI) is assigned to the GI Lab, which is organizationally responsible to Nursing Services. The MIT - GI is responsible to assist the physicians in endoscopic procedures. The technicians ensure proper performance of equipment, set up equipment and pre-clean endoscopic reusable medical equipment (RME.) The MIT - GI is an integral member of the GI Lab. A recruitment incentive may be paid to a Highly Qualified candidate..

Duties

The MIT-GI is responsible to assist the physicians in endoscopic procedures, such as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, esophageal dilation (wire-guided, hydrostatic [balloon] and Maloney bougenaige), foreign body removal, flexible sigmoidoscopy, endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS), percutaneous endoscopy gastrostomy (PEG), heater probe treatment, argon plasma coagulation, endoscopic hemoclip application, and colonic tattooing. The major functions and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: Support diagnostic/therapeutic procedures; Assist as technical support for the physicians by obtaining biopsy specimens, removal of colon polyps by manipulating snares, hot biopsy forceps and retrieval baskets around these growths endoscopically, and injection of sclerosing and hemostatic agents during endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS); Collection of specimens for cytological and microbiology examinations; Manipulate outer abdominal wall of patients during some colonoscopy procedures [splinting] to facilitate advancement of the video endoscopy instrument through the intestine and to reduce the risk of possible colonic perforation; Responsible for patients safety during electro-surgical procedures, assuring proper patient grounding and proper function of electro cautery equipment; Provide care that incorporates the age, gender, cultural and learning needs of patient requiring basic planning and evaluation of care; Apply infection control measures and don personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriately; Communicate with team members regarding patient care; Adhere to ethical principles and standards in delivering care; Enter information into patients' record identifying the scope(s) used during the procedure(s); Apply knowledge and skill core competencies of the assigned unit to patient care; Use effective communications skills with co-workers to achieve desired patient outcomes; Demonstrate mandatory and clinical competencies of the position; Operates diagnostic and therapeutic medical instruments, equipment and accessories; Supports physicians and/or other medical professionals in using therapeutic instruments, equipment and accessories; Prepares all necessary equipment and supplies for therapeutic and diagnostic procedures; Complex decision-making to solve both routine and often unexpected problems related to supply and equipment maintenance, sometimes in urgent clinical setting Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, hours will be based on the needs of the service. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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 as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d) Grade Determinations: Medical Instrument Technician (GI) For GS-7: Applicants applying under this announcement must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-6 level, Medical Instrument Technician (GI). They are proficient with GI endoscopic equipment and ensure proper performance of endoscopic equipment; select alternate equipment or adjust equipment settings to accommodate patient needs and produce high quality technique. They collect, process, and label all specimens; train other technicians in basic endoscopic procedures; work in and outside the GI unit offering technician support during emergent and on-call endoscopic cases; and assist the nurse in patient care duties such as obtaining vital signs, dressing and documenting all pertinent information in the patient's records. They inventory and maintain par levels of specialty equipment for the endoscopy unit. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following:1. Knowledge of endoscopic equipment and use in basic and complex endoscopic procedures.2. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology related to the GI system, with ability to recognize and report obvious abnormalities during procedures.3. Ability to assist physician with specialized, complex procedures.4. Knowledge of universal precautions and disinfection techniques and ability to follow SOP's to clean reusable medical equipment (RME).5. Ability to collaborate, communicate, and demonstrate customer service skills and interpersonal skills with all healthcare professionals to ensure quality and continuity of care.6. Ability to use basic computer systems and programs to record patient and endoscopic data, adhering to patient privacy and information security policies.7. Ability to deliver patient care, including vital sign measurements and medication administration. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G27The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting and Carrying (45 lbs and over); Straight Pulling, Pushing, Walking, Standing, Kneeling, Repeated bending, Keyboarding, Viewing computer screen (8 - 12 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands and 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 20/40 in the other; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted); and Emotional/Mental stability.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Tennessee Valley HCS - Nashville 1310 24th Avenue South Nashville, TN 37212 US
• Name: Abigail Haley
• Email: [email protected]