The Hemodialysis Technician Unit is a member of the nursing team He/She is expected to possess considerable knowledge and understanding of all types of required hemodialysis treatments, equipment, systems, and minor troubleshooting techniques in order to operate and monitor dialysis delivery systems for chronic and acute (non-ICU) patients and perform and monitor machine and water system maintenance. Patient care duties include access cannulation, initiation of and discontinuation of dialysis.

Duties

Major duties: Provides safe patient care to a group of patients with the diagnosis of ESRD under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse. Perf01ms more complex treatments and procedures according to Medical Center guidelines. Operates and monitors dialysis system for chronic and acutely ill, but stable non-ICU patients. Operates and maintains dialysis delivery systems, equipment and water systems to ensure adequate functioning and patient safety during treatments, including adjusting the dialysate bath concentration of potassium and sodium per physicians orders. Ensures that dialysis equipment is in proper working order and that technical staff has pe1fonned proper maintenance after each patient iv. accordance with established procedures/quality control measures prior to the next patients' treatment. Instructs staff members in the setting up, administe1ing and cleaning/sterilization of equipment/water system following guidelines and quality assurance/control procedures. Corrects minor equipment malfunctioning, coordinating with manufacturer's via telephone in emergencies; assists and oversees technicians in making equipment adjustments. Maintains equipment status log and contacts biomed instrumentation for major repairs and services. Responsible for maintenance of all water system and equipment quality control logs. Performs daily water testing and monthly cultures per protocol. Troubleshoots minor problems in water purification system. Notifies Nurse Manager immediately when equipment/systems do not meet identified requirements. Is knowledgeable of the American Association of Medical Instruments (AAMl) standards and unit policies as they relate to water treatment, cell counts and disinfection. Completes assignments in a timely manner; displays sensitivity to the age related needs of all patients. Performs cannulation on patients with established arterial-venous (AV) fistulas and grafts, according to Dialysis Unit policy and procedure for initiation of the hemodialysis treatment. Enters computer data to support daily treatments. Responsible for maintenance of all water system and equipment quality control logs. Advises nurse manager immediately when equipment/systems do not meet identified needs. Monitors and records all water level parameters daily, some twice daily assuring appropriate and acceptable levels of chlorine/chloramines are achieved. Notifies the Nurse Manager or his/her designee when levels are inappropriate. Performs appropriate disinfection of the central bicarbonate system daily, in addition to utilizing ozone disinfection weekly. Work Schedule:7:30am-6:00pm.Varied shift rotating weekends Compressed/Flexible:Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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. Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. 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. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a. Grandfathering Provision: 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). Preferred Experience: Demonstrates knowledge of American Association of Medical Instrumentation (AMMI) standards and unit policies as they relate to water treatment. 5 (five) years of outpatient Dialysis experience is a must Biomedical experience Grade Determinations: Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis) 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. 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). (c) Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) certification. (d) Assignment. Hemodialysis Technicians at this level operate and monitor dialysis systems for chronic patients; check patient condition and determine the proper treatment procedures, technique, and machine adjustments; understand medical treatment for patients with renal failure; administer prescribed medication and observe the patient for desired action or adverse reaction; and recognize and react to signs and symptoms that signal the onset of complications of dialysis including hypotension, disequilibrium, seizures, and arrhythmias. 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. 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 KSAs: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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. (c) 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. (d) Assignment. At this level in addition to providing hemodialysis for chronic patients, hemodialysis technicians assist the physician during central venous catheter insertion, assist in the training of patients for home dialysis/self-care, and act as a mentor or preceptor to lower graded hemodialysis technicians. At this level, the technician accepts responsibility and accountability for his/her own actions. GS-8 full performance level, (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. 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 KSAs: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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. (c) 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. (d) Assignment. This represents the full performance level. At this level the hemodialysis technician serves as a member of a dialysis team performing dialysis on acutely ill patients including those within an intensive care setting. Assignments involve performing both peritoneal and hemodialysis procedures. The dialysis technician may participate in percutaneous renal biopsies, watching the patient during the procedure and properly processing the specimen. Assists the physician in peritoneal catheter insertions and observes the patient for vital signs and provides post operative care. Provides instruction and monitors patients for home dialysis. Performs training of physicians, nurses, and technicians on hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis techniques. References: VA Handbook 5005/5, Part II, Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standards. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. 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-06 to GS-08. Physical Requirements: Physical and mental status of individuals should enable them to perform all their duties under normal and emergent conditions. Heavy Lifting (45 lbs and over); Heavy Carrying (45 lbs and over); Straight Pulling (up to 1 hour); Pushing (1 - 2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 3 hours); Standing (up to 3 hours); Repeated bending (up to 2 hours); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Hearing aid permitted.

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 Bruce W Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 1201 Northwest 16th Street Miami, FL 33125 US
• Name: Joselyne Figueroa-Cruz
• Phone: 787-600-0438
• Email: [email protected]