This position is in Patient Care Service in the Gastroenterology unit primarily at the East Orange campus. The technician assigned to Endoscopy performs work at both East Orange and Lyons campuses and is responsible for performing a variety of highly technical and patient care functions. The endoscopy technician receives assignments to provide population specific care to patients.

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to: The MIT is responsible to manage the overall operation of Endoscopy procedure area regarding Reusable Medical Equipment availability and supply inventory. Maintains the cleanliness and proper working condition of all equipment, reports non-working equipment to appropriate personnel. Stocks an adequate level of sterile and non-sterile supplies to balance supply and demand. Assists the physician in both surgical and non-surgical procedures. Serves as a scrub technician and in a circulating capacity on all types of endoscopic procedures. Requires a complete knowledge of endoscopic procedures, equipment, instrumentation, sterile technique, and is responsible for ensuring policy is followed in all instances. Responsible to provide training and in-services to new and less experienced staff. Ensures patient is prepared for the examination and patient is safely placed and positioned no the table for the procedure. Assisting the physician in protecting the safely of the patient, in an efficient and effective manner, must be capable of anticipating the needs of the physician based on their knowledge of the procedures to be performed, and eventually their understanding of different provider preferences. Required to perform routine duties such as ordering and maintenance of adequate stock of sterile, non-sterile supplies and expendable items needed in the performance of endoscopic procedures. Maintenance of the endoscopic, ensuring it is clean and sterilized for use on patients and in constant readiness of all scheduled and unscheduled procedures is within the scope of practice. Must be knowledgeable of cleaning, disinfection and sterilization guidelines for a large inventory of Endoscopes including colonoscope, bronchoscope, gastro scope, Duodenoscope and Ultrasound scopes. Performs a majority of his/her duties independently and must be able to make decisions that are responsible and in the best interest of the patient and the Medical Center. Responsible for protecting sensitive data from unauthorized release or loss. Assisting with GI procedures (Sigmoidoscopy, Colonoscopy, PEG's (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy), EGD, ERCP, EUS, Esophageal Dilatation, Esophageal Manometer and Capsule Endoscopy). Prepares the patient for the Endoscopy procedure which includes vital signs reinforcing patient education and set up the patient for the procedure. Assists the endoscopist during all procedures to include the operation of snares, injection needles, and biopsy forceps and other accessory instruments and techniques related to GI procedures. Must be familiar with cytology procedures and the collection of specimens to ensure proper orientation of the specimen on the slide after biopsy retrieval. Responsible for retrieving specimens and accurately labeling the specimens for Pathology through verbal read back of the specimen. Communicates and treats customers in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Work Schedule: 7:00am-5:30pm (To be discussed with manager) Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 38547F 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. English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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: In addition to the basic requirements above, applicants must meet the following grade requirements. Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided knowledge of proper performance of endoscopic equipment and procedures. In addition, the candidate meet the below KSAs. Candidate must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs): Knowledge of endoscopic equipment and use in basic and complex endoscopic procedures. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology related to the GI system, with ability to recognize and report obvious abnormalities during procedures. Ability to assist physician with specialized, complex procedures. Knowledge of universal precautions and disinfection techniques and ability to follow SOP's to clean reusable medical equipment (RME). Ability to collaborate, communicate, and demonstrate customer service skills and interpersonal skills with all healthcare professionals to ensure quality and continuity of care. Ability to use basic computer systems and programs to record patient and endoscopic data, adhering to patient privacy and information security policies. Ability to deliver patient care, including vital sign measurements and medication administration. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Education

There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation.

Contacts

• Address VA New Jersey Health Care System 385 Tremont Avenue East Orange, NJ 07018 US
• Name: Erskinlene Stewart
• Email: [email protected]