This Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) - Hemodialysis position is located at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center. The MIT is responsible for the operation of hemodialysis equipment in the treatment of patients with renal failure and monitoring patients during dialysis treatments, makes necessary adjustments with consultation or notification of the RN according to the patient's medical condition, previous experience, and accepted practices.

Duties

Duties: Monitors dialysis treatment parameters, e.g., vital signs, weight loss. Collects and records vital signs. Assembles all necessary supplies and equipment at chair side. Verifies orders with collaboration of the RN. Selects appropriate instruments and techniques and troubleshoots complex equipment. Inspects and evaluates circulatory access site. Cleans and dresses site using sterile techniques. Connects patient to the dialyzer (using venipunctures, external shunt, etc.) and operates equipment to initiate extracorporeal circulation and performance of dialysis. Prepares and dismantles extracorporeal blood circuits and the dialysis machine to create a sterile, air-free blood circuit using a standard aseptic procedure. Operates and monitors dialysis machinery in performance of dialysis procedures using prescribed standard procedures and the machine monitoring system. Adjusts blood flow rates. Collects laboratory specimens from patients using syringes, needles, tubes, and different sterile techniques. Processes lab samples, boxes samples, and prepares samples for shipment. Documents and charts accurately on flow sheets and medical records. Recognizes medical complications or altered response to treatment and notifies RN or MD. Assist with and cannulates of the hemodialysis fistula, graft or central line for dialysis. Administers saline or other solutions intravenously into the dialysis line when in his/her judgment the machine has removed more fluid from the patient than indicated. Observes dialysate delivery unit for correct functioning during dialysis and adjusts when necessary. Adjusts hemoglobin detector sensitivity during dialysis. Responds to equipment alarms, adjusts alarm limits, and corrects the cause of malfunction which triggered the alarm. Observes for and/or tests for blood leaks. Returns blood to patient upon termination of dialysis. Recognizes when emergency measures are necessary and institutes life saving measures until medical assistance is secured. Initiates or assists in CPR. Prepares or modifies chemical preparations for the concentrates or special chemical baths to produce specific treatment for patients with varying needs or values using different measuring devices, graphs, formulas, chemicals, and mixers. Assists patients with non-nursing requests. Equipment Operation, Repair, and Maintenance Responsible for the proper and safe operation of the equipment during the performance of dialysis, for the accuracy of testing, for the correction of malfunctioning, for the replacement of some or all parts of the system in the event of complications (clotting, blood leakage, hypotension, etc.), and for the disassembly and re-sterilization of the equipment. Acts independently and uses his/her own experience and judgment in setting up and operating the equipment without the need to have a physician present. Responsible for preparation and sterilization of equipment and assembly of disposables. Cleans and sanitizes dialysis equipment to ensure bacteriostatic operating conditions using hypochlorate and other cleaning solutions. Disposes of expendable components. Calibrates all systems dialysis, equipment, delivery systems and ancillary equipment Performs maintenance care and corrects malfunctioning of all dialysis equipment used. Performs troubleshooting of dialysis equipment to keep the equipment in working order by referring to manuals, diagrams, and electrical schematic prints. Tests dialysate conductivity and pH. Rinses and primes dialyzer, attaches and installs all required tubing, positions dialyzer, prepares dialysate delivery unit for dialysis, connects dialyzer and all pumps, alarms and monitors. Performs surveillance of water treatment systems to ensure sufficiently treated water for delivery systems. Performs daily heat disinfection and weekly bleach sterilization of the water treatment system and confirms adequacy of cleansing after each. Records results on a dialysis flow sheet. Sets up, uses, reprocesses, and maintains all dialysis center equipment designed by the manufacturer to be reused for multiple patients. Participates in training in the set-up, use, reprocessing, and maintenance of dialysis center equipment leading to initial competency and validates by demonstrated competency. Uses equipment appropriately and demonstrates and/or verbalizes the proper use, reprocessing, and maintenance. Demonstrates compliance with infection control practices such as hand washing and wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment. Demonstrates safe work practices. Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Saturday, variable start times 0400-1130,variable ends times 1430-2000, with holiday rotations. Tours/shifts may be 8,10,12 hours. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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. Must be proficient in spoken and written English Grade Determinations: GS-6 Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-5) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the position to be filled of operating and monitoring dialysis systems for chronic patients; checking patient condition and determining the proper treatment procedures, technique, and machine adjustments; understanding medical treatment for patients with renal failure; administering prescribed medication and observing the patient for desired action or adverse reaction; and recognizing and reacting to signs and symptoms that signal the onset of complications of dialysis including hypotension, disequilibrium, seizures, and arrhythmias. In addition, demonstrate the following KSAs: Skill in setting up, operating, and performing calibrations as required on a variety of dialysis equipment. 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. Knowledge of American Association of Medical Instrumentation (AMMI) standards and unit policies as they relate to water treatment. Knowledge of physiological and psychological changes and conditions related to end stage renal disease. Ability to calculate dialysis baths according to the physician's orders per patient by mixing critical concentrates, i.e., calcium, potassium, and bicarbonate. Knowledge of Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS). GS-7 Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-6) 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 and providing hemodialysis for chronic patients, assisting the physician during central venous catheter insertion, assisting in the training of patients for home dialysis/self-care, and acting as a mentor or preceptor to lower graded hemodialysis technicians. At this level, the technician accepts responsibility and accountability for his/her own actions In addition, demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to assist the physician in more complex procedures such as central venous catheter insertion. Ability to assist in training patients in home/self-care by teaching components of machine operation including water treatment and monitoring patients for compliance. Ability to act as a mentor or preceptor to lower graded technicians. Ability to analyze deviations from the expected, determine whether the deviations are machine or patient related, and respond according to the findings. GS-8 Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-7) 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 treatments and serving 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. Participating in percutaneous renal biopsies, watching the patient during the procedure and properly processing the specimen. Assisting the physician in peritoneal catheter insertions and observing the patient for vital signs and provides post-operative care. Providing instruction and monitors patients for home dialysis. Performing training of physicians, nurses, and technicians on hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis techniques. In addition, demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of the hemodialysis process and equipment needed for home/self-care including knowledge of common machine problems and repairs to such equipment. Knowledge of the equipment and procedures for peritoneal dialysis. Ability to assist the physician with percutaneous renal biopsies and peritoneal catheter insertion. Ability to provide instruction to dialysis patients in home/self-care and in the maintenance of the equipment. Ability to provide instruction for physicians, nurses, and other personnel in dialysis procedures, equipment operation and maintenance, etc. Preferred Experience: 3-5 years of Dialysis experience. References: VA Handbook 5005/5, Part II, Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician (HEMODIALYSIS) Qualification Standards. 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: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially extended periods (6-8 hours per day) of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical lifts are provided. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and will be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative/invasive procedures, or home settings. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements. The incumbent who provides care in home settings or other offsite locations may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicles. Lifting and transportation of bulky supplies and equipment is required. Must be able to lift and transport large salt bags weighing 40 lbs..

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 Clement J Zablocki Veterans Administration Medical Center 5000 West National Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53295 US
• Name: Trisha Juanez
• Phone: 414-384-2000 X44342
• Email: [email protected]