Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis) at this level performs and monitors all aspects of the hemodialysis treatment, to include assembly of equipment, preparation of dialysis machine, cannulation of access or appropriate use of central venous catheter, assessment of the patient during dialysis treatment including monitoring of vital signs, documentation of vital signs, administration of medications approved for use in dialysis treatments.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to the following: Supports diagnostic procedures and works closely with the nursing team and management. Obtains and record vital signs; pulse, temperature, respirations, blood pressure, and pain score. Tests, calibrates, utilizes, maintains and troubleshoots test instruments and devices used for dialysis. Maintains spare technical specialty equipment by performing daily rinse, checks, & disinfection. Performs and documents critical function and safety tests of equipment. Routinely stocks and reorders critical supplies. Inventories unit-specific patient care supplies and technical equipment, instruments, devices for expiration dates. Sets up, uses, reprocesses, and maintains all unit/department-specific equipment that is designed by the manufacturer to be reused for multiple patients. Operates the B. Braun dialysis machines, the Transonic Access Flow Monitor and the reverse osmosis water system used for dialysis treatments. Consistently utilizes proper infection control practices. Recognizes and responds appropriately to a variety of routine and extraordinary complications and emergencies specific to dialysis, i.e. symptomatic hypotension, inadequate access flow, infiltrated access, or clotted dialyzer and report's findings immediately to RN. Actively protects patient privacy and healthcare information from unauthorized release, loss, alteration or deletion. Participates in Interdisciplinary Quality Improvement activities within the dialysis unit. Drawing of laboratory specimens as ordered by the Nephrology Physicians or per protocol of the unit to include per dialysis Accu-Chek on all diabetics before each treatment. Mix custom Dialysis baths per direction of the Nephrologist consisting of mixing potassium and/or Calcium with an Acidified Solution. Independently explains various procedures including basic concepts of dialysis process, cannulation or catheter procedure, purpose of alarms on the dialysis machine and a demonstration of what they sound like, possible symptoms to be aware of during the dialysis treatment (i.e. cramping of the muscles, light headedness, or nausea). Work Schedule: Monday through Saturday 6:00am-4:30pm, rotating 10 hour shifts, holiday's and some Sunday's included. Occasional on-call and late tech. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3.g.). Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Licensure. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) certification. Grandfathering Provision. The following is the standard grandfathering policy for all Title 38 Hybrid qualification standards. Some of these provisions may not apply to this occupation. Please carefully review the qualification standard to determine the specific education and/or licensure/certification/ registration requirements that apply to this occupation. All persons employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English Grade Determination: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-08 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: 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 provide instruction to dialysis patients in home/self-care and in the maintenance of the equipment. 4. Ability to provide instruction for physicians, nurses, and other personnel in dialysis procedures, equipment operation and maintenance, etc. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27 - Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis) Qualification Standard. Preferred Experience: CCHT Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects is required. Heavy Lifting & carrying (45 lbs. & over); Straight Pulling, Pushing, Walking, Kneeling, Standing, & Repeated bending (8 - 12 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands & legs required; Ability for rapid mental & muscular coordination simultaneously; Both eyes required; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted); Emotional/Mental stability; Keyboarding & Reading Computer Screen (8-12 hours intermittently over scheduled 8-12 hour shift).

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 Tucson VA Medical Center 3601 South Sixth Avenue Tucson, AZ 85723 US
• Name: TJ Rizzuti
• Phone: (520) 649-0207
• Email: [email protected]