The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) provides patient care, clinical, and administrative support to the GI Procedure Lab Department located at the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center, Memphis, Tennessee.

Duties

The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) is responsible for the overall technical management of the Endoscopy suites. Technical skills vary from simple cleaning of instruments to a high level of competency in the function and operation of sophisticated computerized video endoscopic instruments and fluoroscopes. Patient teaching occurs in both pre-and post-procedural settings. The duties include but not limited to: Coordinate special procedures, preparation and logistics of patients and operation and maintenance of bio-medical equipment including video endoscopes, state of the art laser and fluoroscopy diagnostic equipment. Prepares the procedure room for the performance of GI endoscopic procedures under the direction of the RN with minimal supervision. Serves as an integral part of the endoscopy team of physicians, nurse and technicians in the performance of all endoscopic procedures (with and without endoscopic therapeutics). The patient is to be suctioned as necessary to maintain a patent oral airway and to prevent aspiration. Assists in obtaining biopsies, brushing, polypectomy, and inflation of balloon dilators or injection of dye during ERCP. Prepares diagnostic biopsy specimens, assessing the adequacy of each, properly orienting the biopsy and placing in proper specimen bottle with appropriate labeling. Responsible for sterilization of endoscopes, leak checks of all scopes, preventive maintenance, and minor repairs of all equipment Maintains adequate inventory of supplies in endoscopy, fluoroscopy and palliative treatment suites. Places orders and follows through on obtaining any deficient supplies/equipment. Attends and participates in monthly endoscopy staff meetings. Establishes and maintains a quality assurance data system related to the post-procedure outcome of the patient. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 700a - 330p and On call Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. 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. 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. 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: GS-6 - Medical Instrument Technician (GI) (a) Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level GS-5 which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled. Technicians at this level aid the staff with procedures which are routine and standardized in nature. They explain the procedure to the patient to secure the patient's confidence and cooperation; position patients for procedures; and restock linen and consumable supplies. They set-up, clean, and ensure proper performance of the endoscopic equipment; and prepare the procedure rooms for turn-over, adhering to universal precautions and SOPs. The technician logs procedure and reprocessing data, adhering to patient privacy and information security policy. Assignments at this level require knowledge of basic medical terminology as well as common gastrointestinal anatomy. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 1. Ability to set up endoscopy equipment, ensuring endoscopes and ancillary equipment functions properly. 2. Ability to aid the physician with standard and routine procedures such as colonoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). 3. Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy in order to assist practitioner with routine standardized gastroenterology procedures. 4. Ability to interact with patients explaining procedures and positioning the patient for the procedure, recognizing disabilities or impaired mobility and assisting the patient as necessary. 5. Ability to reprocess and maintain specialty critical reusable medical equipment (RME), following approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and universal precautions. 6. Ability to use basic computer systems and programs to record patient and endoscopic data, adhering to patient privacy and information security policies. 7. Ability to manually clean and disinfect non-critical reusable equipment and surfaces, dispose of one time-use equipment and trash per facility policy, and restock supplies such as linens, suction equipment, and cleaning products. (c) Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Grade Determinations: GS-7 - Medical Instrument Technician (GI) - (Full Performance Level) (a) Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level GS-6 which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled. This would be experience which provided knowledge of proper performance of endoscopic equipment and procedures. Technicians at this level function with minimal instruction, assisting the staff with complex specialized procedures such as ERCP and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). They are proficient with GI endoscopic equipment and ensure proper performance of endoscopic equipment; select alternate equipment or adjust equipment settings to accommodate patient needs and produce high quality technique. They collect, process, and label all specimens; train other technicians in basic endoscopic procedures; work in and outside the GI unit offering technician support during emergent and on-call endoscopic cases; and assist the nurse in patient care duties such as obtaining vital signs, dressing and documenting all pertinent information in the patient's records. They inventory and maintain par levels of specialty equipment for the endoscopy unit. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Knowledge of endoscopic equipment and use in basic and complex endoscopic procedures. 2. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology related to the GI system, with ability to recognize and report obvious abnormalities during procedures. 3. Ability to assist physician with specialized, complex procedures. 4. Knowledge of universal precautions and disinfection techniques and ability to follow SOP's to clean reusable medical equipment (RME). 5. Ability to collaborate, communicate, and demonstrate customer service skills and interpersonal skills with all healthcare professionals to ensure quality and continuity of care. 6. Ability to use basic computer systems and programs to record patient and endoscopic data, adhering to patient privacy and information security policies. 7. Ability to deliver patient care, including vital sign measurements and medication administration. (c) Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BLS certification. Preferred Experience: Basic Life Support Certification, two years of Health Technician or Nursing Assistance experience. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/54 PART II APPENDIX G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6 to GS-7. Physical Requirements: Physical qualifications require the ability to perform all duties and responsibilities, including bathing, turning, and positioning, lifting, ambulating, transferring, and transporting patients. The use of special equipment and/or assistance may be necessary in lifting heavy patients. Must utilize good body mechanics in lifting and controlling patients. Must have good hearing, eyesight and bilateral physical dexterity, Must be clean and neat in appearance and must be emotionally stable and cooperative.

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 Memphis VA Medical Center 1030 Jefferson Avenue Memphis, TN 38104 US
• Name: Kweli Webster
• Phone: 615-695-2200
• Email: [email protected]