The Stratton VA Medical Center Located in Albany New York is currently recruiting for one Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis) within Nursing Service. The incumbent will provide direct support to the Dialysis Unit. The incumbent adheres to established policies, standards of care and standards of practice, functioning as a Hemodialysis Technician, under the supervision of the Nurse Manager.

Duties

The hemodialysis technician is responsible for the operation of hemodialysis equipment in the treatment of patients with renal failure; monitoring patients during dialysis treatments; cleaning, sterilizing, and maintenance of dialysis equipment; monitoring the quality of the water used for dialysis; collecting, recording and reporting water culture results; setting up and operating hemodialysis equipment; selecting, ordering, stocking, and preparing supplies needed for dialysis procedures; and mentoring new technicians. Dialysis equipment is highly complex mechanically and electronically. The hemodialysis technician performs his/her duties as part of the dialysis team under the direction of the nurse manager and staff nurse. Maintains equipment including preventative maintenance on dialysis machines, portable R/O machines, calibration equipment, and the Unit R/O system. Sets up, operates, and performs calibrations as required on a variety of dialysis equipment. Makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to insure accurate results. Maintains a machine maintenance log, Daily R/O check sheet log, and a purchase log for parts ordered. Performs and interprets test results including water treatment testing and is able to analyze deviations form the expected norm and responds appropriately. Is knowledgeable of the American Association of Medical Instruments (AAMI) standards and unit policies as they relate to water treatment, cell counts and disinfection. Performs routine dialysis start up and take off procedures under the supervision of the primary RN. Checks patients condition and knowledgeable of proper treatment procedures, technique, and machine adjustments; understands medical treatment for patients with renal failure Is knowledgeable of the physiological and psychological changes and conditions related to ESRD and Hemodialysis treatment. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section. Recognizes and reacts to signs and symptoms that signal the onset of complications of dialysis including hypotension, and cramping. Maintains unit stock levels of disposable dialysis items. Monitors and reports stocking discrepancies that would impact patient flow. Technician is aware of and practices the safety policies/procedures of the medical center, and participates in quality assurance activities as directed. Assists in training patients in home/self-care dialysis by teaching components of dialysis operation such as water treatment and monitoring patients for compliance to any recommended water system changes. Mentor or precept less experienced technicians. Able to analyze deviations from the expected, determine whether the deviations are machine or patient related, and respond according to the findings. 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. 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 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, about equipment operation and maintenance. Performs dialysis Adequacy evaluations for Hemodialysis patients. Performs unit Quality Assurance Audits. Maintains and updates unit database program and monitors system performance. Perform other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Rotating days shifts between 6am-630pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:37682F 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. Citizenship. Citizenship of the United States. 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. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English. Grade Determinations: GS-08 Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis) 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 KSA's: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications. Please make sure your resume fully demonstrate ALL qualifications. 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 Preferred Experience: BCLS,ACLS 2 years as a MIT in a dialysis unit Experience with BBraun machines Knowledgeable about AAMI standards Proficient in cannulation References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II Appendix G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is a GS-08. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity, potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. transferring patients and objects may be required, mechanical lifts are provided. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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 Samuel S Stratton VA Medical Center - Albany 113 Holland Ave Albany, NY 12208 US
• Name: Tera Coddington
• Phone: 914-737-4400 X202452
• Email: [email protected]