Hemodialysis technicians at the VA dialysis center are 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; setting up and operating hemodialysis equipment; and selecting and preparing supplies needed for dialysis procedures. VACCINATIONS: Covid-19 fully vaccinated, NO EXEMPTIONS.

Duties

Major Duties include, but are not limited to: Operates diagnostic and therapeutic medical instruments and equipment as part of the treatment for both acutely ill and chronic renal failure patients. Performs routine chronic and acute treatments within the unit under the supervision of a RN charge nurse/team leader. Independently Initiates and terminates dialysis treatments following standard procedures. Monitors patients throughout treatment and makes necessary adjustments without consultation according to the patient's medical condition, previous experience, and accepted practices. Monitors dialysis treatment parameters, e.g., vital signs, weight loss. Collects and records vital signs using blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, and scales and thermometers. Records patients' condition and changes (blood pressure, excess fluid, etc.), and determines proper treatment procedure, technique, and machine adjustments; Assembles all necessary supplies and equipment at chair side. Selects appropriate instruments and techniques and troubleshoots complex equipment. Inspects and evaluates circulatory access site. Cleans and dresses circulatory site using sterile techniques. Connects patient to the dialyzer and operates equipment to initiate extracorporeal circulation and performance of dialysis. Prepares and dismantles extracorporeal blood circuits and the dialysis machines to create a sterile, air-free blood circuit using a standard aseptic procedure. Operates and monitors dialysis machinery in performance of dialysis procedures using prescribed standard procedures and the machine monitoring system. Establishes amount of fluid to be removed and sets the machine pressure according to the coefficient of ultrafiltration of the dialyzer. Obtains blood specimens for routine or special tests. Collects laboratory specimens from patients using syringes, needles, tubes, and different sterile techniques. Documents and charts accurately on flow sheets and medical records. Assesses and records the results of the dialysis treatment, plans future care, and reports program to the dialysis team; Recognizes medical complications or altered response to treatment and notifies RN or MD; Assist in the cannulation of the hemodialysis fistula or graft for dialysis. Administers saline or other solutions intravenously into the dialysis line when in his/her judgment the machine has removed more fluid from the patient than indicated. Observes dialysate delivery unit for correct functioning during dialysis and makes adjustments when necessary, Observes for and/or tests for blood leaks; Administers oxygen therapy, e.g., catheter, mask when necessary. Recognizes when emergency measures are necessary and institutes life saving measures until medical assistance is secured. Initiates or assists in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other emergency procedures using an Ambu bag, cardiac monitor, and oxygen equipment. Verifies chemical preparations for the concentrates or special chemical baths to produce specific treatment for patients with varying needs or values using different measuring devices, graphs, formulas, chemicals, and mixers according to physician orders. Assists with treatments of acute renal failure patients in ICUs undergoing continuous veno-venous hemofiltration and continuous veno-venous hemodialysis. This includes set up of machine, selection/verification of ordered Pureflow solution, priming of tubing, assessment of catheter patency, troubleshooting of catheter patency, troubleshooting of equipment functionality, troubleshooting patient alarms, monitoring patient's response to treatment, documentation of patient's treatment in medical record, and discontinuation of treatment. Has knowledge of the equipment and procedures for peritoneal dialysis. Ability to perform peritoneal dialysis exchange. Monitors and tests all components of the water treatment system. This includes the temperature blending valve, the back-flow prevention device, the booster pump, the acid feed pump (if applicable), depth filtration devices, the water softener, the carbon tanks, the RO device, and the de-ionization (DI) system. Responsible for monitoring the water treatment system for chemical and bacterial contamination. This includes monitoring the feed water, monitoring the product water, continuous monitoring of chemical contamination, monitoring microbiological contamination, monitoring product water flow rates, monitoring the drain system, and monitoring disinfectants. Work Schedule: Monday - Saturday 530am-400pm (10hr shift, rotating days) Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year Parental Leave, Child Care Subsidy, Retirement, Insurance: Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 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 at this grade level. 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. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, of VA Handbook 5005, Part II. 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). 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. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Such employees in an occupation that does not require a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted, or demoted within the occupation. Such employees in an occupation that requires a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or demoted within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. Such employees in an occupation that requires a licensure/certification/registration only at higher grade levels must meet the licensure/certification/registration requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. If an employee who was retained in an occupation listed in 38 U.S.C. § 7401(3) under this provision leaves that occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. Grade Determinations: 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: 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. Certification VA Handbook states: 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. Hines VA Requirement: BCLS certification is required for technicians in direct patient care positions. After appointment, incumbent will be self-directed in completing orientation and on-going mandatory education. Will actively participate in competency assessment and validation. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G 27, Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standard 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 may be required. Mechanical lifts are provided. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative/invasive procedures, or home settings. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. The incumbent who provides care in home settings or other off-site locations may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicles. Lifting and transportation of bulky supplies and equipment is required. Must be able to lift and transport large salt bags.

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 Captain James A Lovell Federal Health Care Center 3001 Green Bay Road North Chicago, IL 60064 US
• Name: Lisa Ahearn
• Phone: (928) 445-4860 X6301
• Email: [email protected]