The hemodialysis technician performs his/her duties as part of the dialysis team under the direction of the Nurse Manager and Staff Nurse. This position is located at the Kernersville, HCC.

Duties

Duties: Under the collaborative supervision of an RN Charge Nurse, Team Leader, or Nurse Manager, provides hemodialysis treatment to patients with chronic renal failure. Initiates and terminates dialysis treatments following standards 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. Adjusts blood flow rates. Obtains blood specimens for routine or special tests. Collects laboratory specimens from patients using syringes, needles, tubes, and different sterile techniques. Preprocesses lab samples in a centrifuge and delivers to the lab. Documents and charts accurately on flow sheets and medical records. Assesses and records the results of dialysis treatment, and reports to the dialysis team. Recognizes medical complications or altered response to treatment and notifies RN, MD or PA. 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. Observes dialysis machine for correct functions during dialysis and adjusts when necessary. Responds to equipment alarms, adjusts alarm limits, and corrects the cause of malfunction which triggered the alarm. All other duties as assigned Work Schedule: 10 hour shifts with alternating start times; Monday-Saturday 8:00am-6:00pm; Some are 6:00am-4:00pm, but also have 7:30am-6:00pm. Staggered start times. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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: Citizen of the United States. (noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens). Education: There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Licensure or Certification: Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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). Grade Determinations: GS-08 Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis) Preferred Experience: 1. Certification as Hemodialysis Technician under a State certification program or a national certification program is highly desired. The agencies that offer national certification are the Nephrology Certification Commission (NNCC), Board of Nephrology Examiners, Inc., Nursing and Technology (BONENT), National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO), and the International Certification Commission for Clinical Engineering and Biomedical Technology (ICC) in conjunction with the United States Certification Commission (USCG) 2. Experience. 1-2 years experience in dialysis. Reference: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II Appendix G27. For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is 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. 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.

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: Anne Stone
• Phone: 980-844-2537
• Email: [email protected]