The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) Hemodialysis provides hemodialysis treatment to patients with chronic renal failure under the collaborative supervision of an RN Charge Nurse, Team Leader, or Nurse Manager.

Duties

The Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis) is responsible for the operation of hemodialysis equipment in the treatment of patients with chronic renal failure. Duties include monitoring patients during dialysis treatments; cleaning, disinfecting, and maintenance of dialysis equipment; 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. Other responsibilities and duties include but not limited to the following: Initiates and terminates dialysis treatments following standard procedures. Monitors patients throughout treatment and makes necessary adjustments under the direction of the RN based on the patient's medical condition. Monitors and reports pretreatment dialysis parameters, temperature, vital signs, weight gain, and health of access (fistula, graft, permcath) to the RN before initiation. Collects and records vital signs using a blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, scale and thermometer. 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. Inspects and evaluates circulatory access site. Cleans and dresses site using aseptic and/or sterile technique. Selects appropriate instruments and techniques and troubleshoot complex equipment. Validates two patient identifiers before initiation of treatment. Connects patient to the dialyzer (using venipuncture, permcath) and operates equipment to initiate extracorporeal circulation and performance of dialysis. Prepares and dismantles extracorporeal blood circuits and the dialysis machine to create a sterile, air-free blood circuit using a standard aseptic procedure. Operates and monitors dialysis machinery in the performance of dialysis procedures using prescribed standard procedures and the machine monitoring system. Establishes the amount of fluid to be removed and sets the machine pressure per the coefficient of ultrafiltration of the dialyzer. Administers saline intravenously into the dialysis line when in his/her judgment the machine has removed more fluid from the patient than indicated or due to patient conditions. Adjusts blood flow rates. Cannulates hemodialysis fistula or graft for dialysis or initiates treatment using a Permcath. Initiates pause therapy and recirculation of the dialysis system for other patient-assisted needs. Administers saline intravenously into the dialysis line when in his/her judgment the machine has removed more fluid from the patient than indicated or due to patient conditions. 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. Performs other related duties as assigned/listed on functional statement NOTE: 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 be able to lift and transport bulky equipment and supplies, including large salt pellet bags. Work Schedule: 6:00 am - 6:30 pm, 6:00 am - 4:30 pm, 6:00 am - 2:30pm, Monday - Saturday (Alternate hours/days based on patient care needs) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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. 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". English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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). Preferred Experience/Certification: 2 years experience performing Medical Instrument Technician Hemodialysis duties in an acute care or outpatient setting and BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certifications Grade Determinations: 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. Inaddition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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. 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. 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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. 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. 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. 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). (c) Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) certification. 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. 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; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certifications. 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. 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. References: VHA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G27/Appendix G- Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis) The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-04 to 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.

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 WG Bill Hefner Salisbury VA Medical Center 1601 Brenner Avenue Salisbury, NC 28144 US
• Name: Judy Moses
• Phone: (910) 853-4844
• Email: [email protected]