The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) assigned to the Hemodialysis (HD) Unit, which is organizationally responsible to Nursing Service. The MIT HD serves as a member of the dialysis team. This represents the full performance level. The Hemodialysis (HD) MIT is responsible for the performing hemodialysis treatments on the stable acutely ill and chronic dialysis.

Duties

GS-06: Demonstrates the skills to set, operate, and disinfect all routine dialysis equipment used in this setting for unit or off unit treatments. Verifies dialysis equipment calibrations and performs calibrations on Phoenix meter as necessary to assure accurate test results. Consistently performs and interprets tests results for dialysate chemistries and water treatment systems for both main and portable units. Able to assist with the process to collecting water and dialysate samples, including laboratory entry, labeling and processing according to unit policy. Consistently and accurately calculates dialysis baths according to physician's orders. Consistently verifies amount(s) with the registered nurse (RN) and records process according to unit policy. Operates diagnostic and therapeutic medical instruments and equipment as part of the treatment of kidney failure Performs routine cannulation on patients with established grafts and fistulas and initiates dialysis assuring that patient pre dialysis observations have been done and recorded. Monitors dialysis treatments assuring proper documentation of treatment process and terminates treatment as per unit policy. GS-07: Performs routine chronic and acute treatments within the unit under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) team leader. Responsibilities include daily treatment initiation, monitoring and termination, preparation and administration of lidocaine, heparin and normal saline for treatment, completion of appropriate care documentation. Responsible for the routine maintenance, troubleshooting and disinfection of equipment, water quality monitoring, restocking of supplies and preparation of dialysate concentrates for dialysis procedures. Supports physicians or other medical professionals in using therapeutic instruments, equipment and accessories. Can independently carry out assignment under the supervision of an RN to hemodialyze patients using the appropriate dialyzer, treatment time, heparin dose, prescribed dialysate concentrate and machine settings. Transports equipment to other areas in hospital where needed for treatment of acutely ill patients. Monitors water treatment systems in the Hemodialysis Unit, as well as portable reverse osmosis (RO) units to ensure that water is within established quality standards and reports all deviations. Performs a variety of personal care or nursing care activities that do not require practical or vocational nursing licensure, or professional nurse education. Instructs patients in the performing self/home treatments activities that may include machine set up, priming, monitoring during treatment, responding to alarm settings, removing disposable supplies and placing machine in disinfection mode. GS-08: Tracks electrical safety checks on all medical equipment notifies appropriate service for updates or missing labels; maintains eye wash stations and acts if malfunction occurs. Takes an active role in assuring that PPE is available and utilized by technical staff. Maintains inventory of all dialysis related supplies on a weekly basis assuring rotation of stock and adequate levels are maintained. Communicates stock issues with the appropriate staff on a regular basis and recommends changes in stock numbers as inventories fluctuate. Oversees general technical duties in the machine room, drum rooms, RO room, and supply rooms assuring that all technically related duties are performed during require daily intervals. Instructs patients in various procedures by reinforcing information supplied by RN or physician and initiated patient and family teaching on topics such as: equipment, medication, weight management, diet, and smoking cessation. Services as technical support in the operation, calibration and troubleshooting of specialized medical equipment and instruments. Assists lead technician/biomedical support staff in maintaining equipment according manufacturer's recommendations and regulatory standards. Assures that all portable RO are rinsed daily if not used and disinfected according to unit policy. Places RO systems in preservative solution if not being used for extended periods and assures that preservative solutions are changed every 2 weeks as per unit policy. Provides instructions to home or self-care patients on dialysis machines and related dialysis equipment in the function, operation and troubleshooting of common problems. Provides instructions to physicians, nurses and other personnel on hemodialysis techniques, equipment operation and maintenance. Work Schedule: Mon to Sat; 10 hour Shift, Days/Evening, On-call required Compressed/Flexible:Not Applicable 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

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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. 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-06: Experience GS-06: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, do you possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level? Examples of experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level include but are not limited to skill in setting up, operating, and performing calibrations as required on a variety of dialysis equipment. 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. Ability to calculate dialysis baths according to the physician's orders per patient by mixing critical concentrates, i.e., calcium, potassium, and bicarbonate. Such duties would be performed under closer supervision. GS-07: Experience GS-07: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, do you possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-6 grade level? Examples of experience equivalent to the GS-6 grade level include but are not limited to assisting the physician in more complex procedures such as central venous catheter insertion, assist in training patients in home/self-care by teaching components of machine operation including water treatment and monitoring patients for compliance. Analyzing deviations from the expected, determine whether the deviations are machine or patient related, and respond according to the findings. At this level, the technician accepts responsibility and accountability for his/her own actions. GS-08: Experience GS-08: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, do you possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level? Examples of experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level include but are not limited to assisting the physician with percutaneous renal biopsies and peritoneal catheter insertion, providing instruction to dialysis patients in home/self care and in the maintenance of the equipment AND providing instruction for physicians, nurses, and other personnel in dialysis procedures, equipment operation and maintenance. At this level, the technician accepts responsibility and accountability for his/her own actions. Preferred Experience: Applicants have recent continuous hemodialysis for minimum of one (1) year as a patient are technician in a hospital unit or freestanding outpatient dialysis unit are preferred. Applicants with National certification by one of the recognized agencies (National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO) as a Certified Clinical Nephrology Technician (CCNT), - Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT) as a Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician (CHT), Nephrology Nurse Certification Commission (NNCC) as a Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) or (CCHA-Advanced) - are highly preferred. Please note that the National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO) merged with Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT) January 1, 2021 References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G27 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-06 to GS-08. Physical Requirements: Lifting, pushing, and pulling of up to 35 pounds. Walking, standing, stooping, bending, and kneeling for up to 4 - 6 hours intermittently. Pushing for up to 4 - 5 hours intermittently. Continuous use of computer for 2 4 hours including use of keyboard and mouse. Prolonged, continuous sitting for 1 - 2 hours. Prolonged, repeated wrist movement using scanners for 2 - 4 hours, intermittently. Ability to work rotating shifts including days, evenings, and nights. Reaching above head and shoulder required. Ability needed to distinguish color or blanching. Ability to hear people speaking and to be able to answer phone. Manual dexterity- Ability to use fingers to start IVs, feel pulses, feel temperature, feel texture. Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously required

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 Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System 11301 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90073 US
• Name: Samantha Moritz
• Email: [email protected]