The James J. Peters VA Medical Center is currently recruiting for one Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis). This role, part of the dialysis team, reports to the nurse manager and staff nurse.

Duties

Listed below are some of the duties of the position. Under RN supervision, the Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis) administers treatment to renal failure patients, following standard procedures for dialysis initiation and termination. They autonomously monitor and adjust treatment parameters, including vital signs and weight loss, based on the patient's condition and accepted practices. Operating under strict aseptic procedures, the technician assembles supplies, selects appropriate instruments, and troubleshoots equipment. Tasks involve connecting patients to the dialyzer, operating equipment, and preparing/dismantling extracorporeal blood circuits. During dialysis procedures, they establish fluid removal amounts, set machine pressure, and adjust blood flow rates. The technician obtains blood specimens, processes lab samples, and accurately documents patient condition and treatment results. Beyond technical duties, the technician responds to emergencies, administering oxygen therapy, returning blood to patients, and initiating life-saving measures when necessary. They also assist in cannulation, administer intravenous solutions, and make adjustments to the dialysate delivery unit. The technician is responsible for equipment operation, sterilization, and maintenance, and act independently day or night. They demonstrate expertise in calibrating instruments, conducting maintenance care, and troubleshooting malfunctions. Additionally, they monitor water treatment systems, ensuring safe water for dialysis solutions, and participate in equipment training to maintain competency. The technician actively manages supplies and equipment inventory, estimating needs, stocking, and transporting supplies as required. They collaborate with the healthcare team, staying informed about technical changes and ensuring the dialysis center's safety, cleanliness, and orderliness. Their professional conduct includes effective communication, documentation using the VA Computerized Patient Record System, and adherence to infection control practices. In summary, the Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis) plays a crucial role in delivering effective patient care through meticulous technical procedures, emergency response, and maintaining the operational efficiency of the dialysis center. They may also perform other duties as assigned or required. Work Schedule: 10 hour days 4 times a week, with availability on weekends Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 38520F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: Citizenship. US Citizens Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this position 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English Grade Determinations: Creditable Experience - Knowledge of Current Medical Instrument Technician Practices. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics associated with current Medical Instrument Technician practice appropriate to the identified specialty area. Specialized developmental experience obtained under supervision of appropriately certified individuals may be credited at higher levels and is addressed in individual appendices. In addition to the basic requirements, applicants must also meet the grade requirements for this position. Medical Instrument Technician, GS-4 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 position to be filled. Six months of this experience may have been in medically related fields such as nursing assistant, practical nursing, or similar fields. The remaining six months must have been in operating diagnostic and therapeutic equipment covered by this occupation. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited at this level. OR, Education. Successful completion of two years of education above high school or an associate's degree with a major field of study directly related to the medical instrument technician occupation. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of basic medical terminology. 2. Ability to learn the components, operating characteristics, and settings of the equipment to be used. 3. Ability to learn typical patient reactions to the basic procedures involved and ability to recognize signs of distress. 4. Ability to learn the standard positions for the procedure being conducted. 5. Ability to communicate orally and in writing. Medical Instrument Technician, GS-5 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 position to be filled. This would be experience in operating equipment related to the particular specialization for which application is made or in related functional areas. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited through this grade level. OR, Education. Successful completion of [4 academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, or] a bachelor's degree in a major field of study appropriate to medical instrument technician functions. KSAs. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions. 2. Knowledge of common physical disabilities and ability to position patients for the examination or treatment. 3. Ability to learn the normal and abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize and report obvious abnormalities. 4. Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or procedures. 5. Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on the equipment including the ability to disassemble, clean, reassemble, and calibrate the machine. Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis), 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. KSAs. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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 Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis), 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. KSAs. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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 Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis), 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. KSAs. 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 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 Preferred Experience: 2 - 5 years of experience with Chronic Dialysis References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G27 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-4 to GS-8.

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 Bronx VA Medical Center 130 West Kingsbridge Rd. Bronx, NY 10468 US
• Name: Asaph Blodgett
• Email: [email protected]