VA Medical Center in Gainesville, FL is seeking a Medical Instrument Technician (Gastroenterology), Patient Care Services. The technician assists practitioner in endoscopic procedures, such as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The technicians ensure proper performance of equipment, set up equipment, and reprocess endoscopic reusable medical equipment (RME).

Duties

Gastroenterology (GI) Technicians assist the practitioner in endoscopic procedures, such as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and endoscopic ultrasound. The technicians ensure proper performance of equipment, set up equipment, and reprocess endoscopic reusable medical equipment (RME). The technician is responsible for performing a variety of highly technical procedural functions in addition to providing population-specific care to veterans. They receive guidance from the GI clinic Nurse Manager and/or GI clinic charge nurse for both supervised and unsupervised daily activities/duties. The MIT (GI) utilizes specialized equipment and supplies with principles of conservation and cost efficiency. Provides direct care to patients in the endoscopy suite and the ICU, OR, and ER, as necessary. Observes for changes in patient condition and immediately reports to RN or MD. Documents care and observations on appropriate tools, forms, or electronic databases. Maintains and pre-cleans endoscopic equipment at point of care according to both manufacturer specific instructions and departmental Standard Operating Procedures. Assists the gastroenterologist with all invasive procedures. He/she serves in all types of endoscopic procedures requiring complete knowledge of associated procedures, equipment and instrumentation. The MIT (GI) is responsible for ensuring policy is followed in all instances and is also responsible for providing training and in-services to new and less experienced staff. Sets up supplies and equipment necessary for the endoscopy procedure; operates and monitors scope-related medical equipment (video processor unit and pulse oximeter); performs pre-procedure endoscope checks ensuring proper functioning; and demonstrates competency for accessory equipment such as, but not limited to, APC, ERBE, cold/hot biopsy forceps, leakage tester, and/or any other affiliated endoscopy equipment. Protects from unauthorized release or loss any sensitive patient-relative information which is entrusted to them. This also includes proper disposal of patient-identifiable materials as per facility policy Preferred Experience: GI Lab experience with above average clinical and health assessment skills preferred. Important individual characteristics: creativity, flexibility, ability to work in a fast-paced environment and be self-directed, Demonstrated strong leadership skills required, excellent skills in interpersonal relations with the health care team and the general public required, excellent electronic documentation skills required, critical thinking skills required. BLS certification by the AHA or ARC required. Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday through Friday, 9:30am to 6:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Citizenship. Citizenship of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, of VA Handbook 5005 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. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English. Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it is equivalent to at least the next lower grade level and is directly related to the position/specialty to be filled. 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: Medical Instrument Technician (Gastroenterology) - 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. Six months of this experience may have been in medically related fields such as nursing assistant, practical nursing, or similar fields. The remaining six months must have been in operating diagnostic and therapeutic equipment covered by this occupation. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited at this level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: OR, Education. Successful completion of two years of education above high school or an associate degree with a major field of study directly related to the medical instrument technician occupation. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of basic medical terminology. Ability to learn the components, operating characteristics, and settings of the equipment to be used. Ability to learn typical patient reactions to the basic procedures involved and ability to recognize signs of distress. Ability to learn the standard positions for the procedure being conducted. Ability to communicate orally and in writing. Medical Instrument Technician (Gastroenterology) - 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. This would be experience in operating equipment related to the particular specialization for which application is made or in related functional areas. 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions. Knowledge of common physical disabilities and ability to position patients for the examination or treatment. Ability to learn the normal and abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize and report obvious abnormalities. Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or procedures. Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on the equipment including the ability to disassemble, clean, reassemble, and calibrate the machine. Medical Instrument Technician (Gastroenterology) - GS-06 Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-05) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) related to the duties of the position to be filled. KSAs at the GS-05 level are: Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions. Knowledge of common physical disabilities and ability to position patients for the examination or treatment. Ability to learn the normal and abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize and report obvious abnormalities. Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or procedures. Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on the equipment including the ability to disassemble, clean, reassemble, and calibrate the machine. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to set up endoscopy equipment, ensuring endoscopes and ancillary equipment functions properly. Ability to aid the physician with standard and routine procedures such as colonoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy in order to assist practitioner with routine standardized gastroenterology procedures. 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. Ability to reprocess and maintain specialty critical reusable medical equipment, following approved Standard Operating Procedures and universal precautions. Ability to use basic computer systems and programs to record patient and endoscopic data, adhering to patient privacy and information security policies. Ability to manually clean and disinfect non-critical reusable equipment and surfaces, dispose of onetime-use equipment and trash per facility policy, and restock supplies such as linens, suction equipment, and cleaning products. Medical Instrument Technician (Gastroenterology) - GS-07 Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-06) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities(KSAs) 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. GS-06 KSAs are listed above. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following 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. 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 5005/54, Part 11, Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician, GS-649 (GI) The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-04 to GS-07.

Education

OCHCO Bulletin Subject: Annual Determination of Staffing Shortages, dated October 3, 2023. This authority permits the Secretary to recruit and appoint qualified individuals to occupations reported as having the largest staffing shortages, notwithstanding 5 U.S.C. §§ 3304 and 3309 through 3318 (i.e., competitive service and Veterans' preference). While this authority supports VHA in addressing staffing shortages and the need to be flexible in hiring top talent to support urgent mission needs, the VA highly encourages the hiring of Veterans.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work requires, occasional heavy lifting, (45 pound and over), occasional heavy carrying (45 pounds and over), moderate straight pulling, frequent patient positioning on exam table, moderate walking, occasional climbing, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, ability to distinguish basic colors, ability to distinguish shades of colors, hearing aid (permitted), emotional stability, ability to hear whispered voice, the use of fingers, reaching above shoulder, prolonged standing (6-8 hrs.), ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously.

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 Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 1601 Southwest Archer Road Gainesville, FL 32608 US
• Name: Rachyl Plasterer
• Phone: (717) 821-5687
• Email: [email protected]