The Lead Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis) is under the direct supervision of the Dialysis Nurse Manager. The Lead MIT (Hemodialysis) performs invasive hemodialysis procedures utilizing highly, complex technical monitoring equipment under the direction or of the Nurse Manager. These procedures are performed upon patients who have diagnoses of End Stage Renal Failure, Acute Renal Failure, and Chronic Renal Failure.

Duties

To know and perform the American Association of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) standards and unit policies as they relate to the water system. Perform monthly bacteriological culture and Endotoxin testing and semiannual chemical testing and provide the results of all conducted tests to the Medical Director and Nurse Manager within one week of the sampling date. Independently obtain and review the most recent guidelines pertaining to dialysis water treatment and equipment from AAMI, the ESRD Network of Texas, the National Kidney Foundation, and the American Association of Technicians and report new findings to the Medical Director and Nurse Manager. Independently carry out the necessary corrective action of either the bacteriological/endotoxin cultures or the chemical analysis that are abnormal as defined by AAMI standards. If water chemical tests indicate an abnormality, notify the water treatment company and take emergent corrective action. Familiar with Joint Commission and other regulatory requirements and ensure these standards are met. He/she will assist in writing policies and procedures for the dialysis unit. Responsible for keeping dialysis machines, central water system and portable Reverse Osmosis machines in operational condition. Contact the contracted repair company upon malfunction of the machines or water system. Communicate any information received from Biomed or engineering service from contracted companies to the nurse manager. Perform quality control procedures. Organize, assign, direct and evaluate the work of the Hemodialysis Technicians and coordinate, plan and schedule work operations with nurses and technicians. Collaboratively partner with the Dialysis RN to provide hemodialysis treatment to patients with renal failure. Initiate and terminate dialysis treatments following standard procedures. Monitor patients throughout treatment and make necessary adjustments as directed by the RN. Knowledge of hemodialysis processes and equipment. Perform the full range of complex hemodialysis treatments, which include Standard, Hi-efficient and Hi-Flux Dialysis methodology utilizing high tech hemodialysis filtration systems. Thorough understanding of dialysate concentrates used in hemodialysis and is aware of the absolute exactness that is required in the delivery of the product to the patient. Proficient in accessing various vascular systems and dialysis accesses on patients to initiate the prescribed treatment. Monitor dialysis treatment parameters, e.g., vital signs, weight and weight loss. Collect and record vital signs using blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, scales, and thermometers. Record patients' condition and changes (blood pressure, excess fluid, etc.), and determine proper treatment procedure, technique, and machine adjustments. Assist in the cannulation of the hemodialysis fistula or graft for dialysis. Connect patient to the dialyzer and operate equipment to initiate extracorporeal circulation and performance of dialysis. Operate, calibrate and maintain medical instruments or equipment. Monitor and plan equipment inventory, routine equipment maintenance, and serve as a unit resource for cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of non-critical, semi-critical, and critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RME). Order and maintain specialized supplies needed for equipment and instruments used in assigned unit. Demonstrate leadership in advocating patient safety and educating multidisciplinary staff in assigned area on Reusable Medical Equipment. Support nursing staff, allied health professionals, and medical staff during diagnosis and treatment delivery of patients. Ability to communicate, orally and in writing, detailed technical information in a clear, logical and concise manner. Perform administrative tasksand manage medical support functions for clinic or practice such as maintaining control records for specimens and tests and documenting measurements taken. Initiating work orders and following up to ensure the work is complete. Work with SPS and nursing staff to establish par levels of supplies for assigned unit and ensure supplies are readily available for patient care. Assist with stocking and room turn-over to ensure the patient care environment is prepared to receive and care for patients. Monitor, perform scanning, and educate others in Equipment Inventory Lists (EIL) for assigned area. Identify equipment that is malfunctioning and use the proper procedure to submit a work order, track progress, and/or to turn the equipment in for decommissioning. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm 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

Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Citizenship of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions. 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 or supervisory assignments, specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations". For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition. Certification by one of the following organizations is highly desirable at this level: 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). Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level. 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. 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). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the criteria discussed in the applicable headings, or that defined in the appendices, must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Lead Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis), GS-0649-09: Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled and must meet the KSAs at the GS-9 level. This would be experience which include knowledge of 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): a. Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques such as those provided for acutely ill patients and peritoneal dialysis in order to provide training and supervision in these procedures. b. *Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. c. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. d. *Ability to manage and supervise employees. e. *Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Preferred Experience: 4-5 years of experience in dialysis technician Leadership/computer skills Certification (NNCC, BONENT, NNCO) Dialysis equipment knowledge (dialysis machines, water system, AAMI testing) Patient Care experience Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification References: VA Handbook 5005/15 Part II, Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis). dated March 17, 2006. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position may require potentially long periods of continued standing. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, requiring the shifting of priorities based on emerging and changing needs of the program and Service.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Audie L Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard San Antonio, TX 78229 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]