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: 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. Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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. Grade Determinations: Hemodialysis Technicians operate and monitor kidney dialysis instruments to provide dialysis treatment to patients with kidney failure or to maintain patients with irreversible kidney disorders. The agencies that offer national certification are Nephrology Certification Commission (NNCC), Board of Nephrology Examiners, Inc., Nursing and Technology (BONENT), National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO), and the International Certification Commission for Clinical Engineering and Biomedical Technology (ICC) in conjunction with the United States Certification Commission (USCC). 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.] Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it is equivalent to at least the next lower grade level and is directly related to the position/specialty to be filled. Part-time Experience. Part time experience is credited according to its relationship to a full time work week. For example, an individual employed 20 hours per week, or on a ½ time basis would receive one work week credit for each two weeks of service. In addition to the basic requirements, applicants must also meet the grade requirements for this position. 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 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; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certifications. 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. 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.

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]