This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties

The duties and responsibilities listed are for the GS-8 (full performance level), lower grades will differ in level of oversight, complexity and scope. Duties include, but are not limited to: The incumbent explains the basics of the dialysis procedure to the patient as necessary. Incumbent initiates and terminates dialysis by establishing and maintaining a circulatory access for therapy by inserting needles into AV fistulas and vein grafts. Incumbent verifies good blood flow prior to dialysis treatment and makes adjustments to the needle placement to allow for optimal blood flow rates. Incumbent connects hemodialysis machine to patient's access to start blood circulating through dialyzer. Performs dressing change and accesses permanent/temporary catheters according to Dialysis unit policy and procedure for initiation of the hemodialysis treatment. Incumbent uses sterile/clean techniques when initiating and terminating dialysis. Incumbent performs ultra filtration dialysis under the supervision of the RN. Incumbent receives requests or instructions from the RN on the stable chronic renal failure patients, and can independently carry out assignment under the supervision of an RN to perform hemodialysis using the appropriate dialyzer, treatment time, prescribed dialysate concentrate and machine settings. Incumbent recognizes and reacts to signs and symptoms that signal the onset of disequilibrium, such as hypotension, low blood sugar, seizures and arrhythmias. The incumbent will report to the RN immediately of any abnormal or unexpected values or patient complaints. Incumbent performs a variety of personal care or nursing care activities as directed and supervised by the RN. This may include procedures to obtain diagnostic tests, such as, blood specimens, glucose testing, EKGs. Incumbent sets up machine by attaching dialyzer and tubing and primes with saline or heparinized solution to prepare machine for use. Incumbent assists nurses and physicians during medical emergencies or at times when more intensive care is required. Incumbent gathers patient information necessary to update the data system. Documents equipment tasks performed and data collected on the patient paper flow sheet. Incumbent completes identified tasks to support patient care outcomes. Incumbent properly identifies patient and ensures that patient identification on armband matches patient under consideration according to policy and procedure. The incumbent services, inspects, tests, evaluates, modifies, maintains and documents dialysis equipment and systems using manufacturer's recommendations and VA policy and Procedures. S/He cares for a variety of equipment; dialysis machines, reverse osmosis (RO), water treatment instruments. Instructs staff in the safe use and care of dialysis equipment. Ensures maximum performance and safety through the specialized application of electronics and mechanics. Understands the American Association of Medical Instrumentations (AMMI) Standards and monitors the RO for variation, adjusts and documents accordingly. Incumbent is able to perform preventive maintenance, and calibration of all dialysis equipment/systems to ensure device safety, proper operation and diagnostic and/or therapeutic efficacy, using standard test equipment and industry standards (JCAHO, NFPA, UL, VA CSA, AAMI). Maintain maintenance records and machine repair. Responds to inspections for JCAHO etc. Works closely with Biomed to ensure that correct policy and procedure are being following for dialysis equipment. Documents all repair and inspection incidents as required by accrediting bodies (JCAHO, CAP). Is a mentor or preceptor to lower grade technicians. Analyzes deviations from the expected in dialysis patients, determine if they are machine or patient related and responds according to the findings. Provides instruction to home dialysis/self-care in the maintenance of the equipment. Provides instruction for physicians, nurses and other personnel in dialysis procedures, equipment operation and maintenance. Monitors and instructs other dialysis technicians in the correct procedure and follow thru for water, dialysate, portable machines and dialysis machine culturing as well as endotoxin testing. Accepts responsibility and accountability for his/her actions, as well as serving as role model of lead technician responsibilities. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm Compressed/Flexible:May be available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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: Citizenship. Citizenship of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part. 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. 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 as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. For certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments, specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations". For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition. 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: GS-6 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 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): 1. Skill in setting up, operating, and performing calibrations as required on a variety of dialysis equipment. 2. Skill in performing and interpreting test results (dialysate chemistries, water treatment testing for contaminates, etc.) including the ability to analyze deviations from the expected norm and responding appropriately. 3. Knowledge of American Association of Medical Instrumentation (AMMI) standards and unit policies as they relate to water treatment. 4. Knowledge of physiological and psychological changes and conditions related to end stage renal disease. 5. Ability to calculate dialysis baths according to the physician's orders per patient by mixing critical concentrates, i.e., calcium, potassium, and bicarbonate. 6. Knowledge of Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS). Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) certification. GS-7 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. This would be experience which provided knowledge the equipment, standard procedures, and typical machine problems and/or patient reactions to treatment. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): 1. Ability to assist the physician in more complex procedures such as central venous catheter insertion. 2. Ability to assist in training patients in home/self-care by teaching components of machine operation including water treatment and monitoring patients for compliance. 3. Ability to act as a mentor or preceptor to lower graded technicians. 4. Ability to analyze deviations from the expected, determine whether the deviations are machine or patient related, and respond according to the findings. Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certifications. GS-8 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. This would be experience which provided knowledge of the more complex procedures, the pharmacology related to this occupation, and knowledge of related acute disorders and diseases and their effects on organs and methods of treatment. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): 1. Knowledge of the hemodialysis process and equipment needed for home/self care including knowledge of common machine problems and repairs to such equipment. 2. Knowledge of the equipment and procedures for peritoneal dialysis. 3. Ability to assist the physician with percutaneous renal biopsies and peritoneal catheter insertion. 4. Ability to provide instruction to dialysis patients in home/self care and in the maintenance of the equipment. 5. Ability to provide instruction for physicians, nurses, and other personnel in dialysis procedures, equipment operation and maintenance, etc. Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certifications. Preferred Experience: One year of Hemodialysis experience. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27, March 17, 2006 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6 to GS-8. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over), straight pulling, pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands, walking, standing, repeated bending, ability to distinguish basic colors, and hearing (aid may be permitted). Environmental factors include working with hands in water.

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 VA Puget Sound Health Care System 1660 South Columbian Way Seattle, WA 98108 US
• Name: Michelle Rootes
• Phone: (907)257-3713
• Email: [email protected]