The Southern Arizona VA Healthcare Network is recruiting for a professional Medical Instrument Technician in Gastroenterology (GI). This is a specialty practice area in which health-care staff provide care to patients with known or suspected gastrointestinal problems who are undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic treatment or procedures. The Special Procedure Unit (SPU) is a pre and post-procedural area for preparation and recovery undergoing a variety of diagnostic.

Duties

The major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: Assist with highly complex procedures such as mucosa! resection and ablation, fine needle aspiration, and double balloon colonoscopy, using a variety of highly complex ancillary equipment; Trains technicians and other staff to assist with endoscopic procedures; assist with daily assignments of technicians, procedural room assignments, and ordering of specialty equipment. Coordinates major repairs or installation of equipment with vendors and other facility departments; arrange vendor training and other educational in-services for the endoscopy staff; and serves on GI related committees, incorporating practice improvement measures. Functions as a GI Motility Lab Coordinator performing procedures such as 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring, Research 24-hour pH monitoring, 48-hour Bravo pH Monitoring, esophageal manometry, ano-rectal rnanometry, Bilitec monitoring,· impedance monitoring, SmartPill GI Monitoring, modified acid perfusion test, as well as all other motility tests that are currently available through the GI motility lab or will be available in the future as part of research or clinical services. Use equipment for these procedures that are state of the art, not available in our immediate community and require a substantial training period in their proper and safe calibration, usage, and documentation. The accuracy of many of these tests requires the technician to have substantial knowledge and understanding of the anatomy of the area being studied. The technician must have knowledge of multiple different procedures required preparations which can range from certain medicines being "held" for periods of time, to fasting, to enemas, etc. Scheduling of patients for the above procedures, preparing reports and providing them to the Lab Director in a timely manner. Establishment and maintenance of an updated database of all cases, communicating with members of the Neuro-Enteric Clinical Research group regarding mutual patients (along with weekly meetings with the Laboratory Director); and assisting in training visiting investigators and GI fellows interested in GI motility. Responsible for arranging supplies, appointments, educational opportunities to the fellows, and perform required testing. Timely processing of results to be evaluated and the final results placed in CPRS for the ordering physician/PCP to have access for further patient care. Assists in the training of the GI Fellows by discussing the appropriate usage of each test and expected information that will be gained from each motility procedure offering suggestions if the technician feels a different procedure may gather more helpful information for the MD and patient. Endoscopic procedures and GI Motility testing is conducted in support of patient care and health maintenance. Responsible for the procedure room set-up and tear-down, specimen collection and assisting the doctors and nurses during endoscopy procedures. Available and trained to assist with accessories such as biopsy forceps, sclerotherapy needles, and cautery equipment if the needs arise. After the case and the patient has been moved to recovery, the technician will assure the appropriate initial pre-cleaning of the scope and accessories are completed and safely per manufacture's guidelines, sent to processing room and the endoscopy suite readied for the next procedure restocking as needed. They inventory and maintain par levels of specialty equipment for the endoscopy unit. Reprocess and maintain specialty critical reusable medical equipment (RME), following approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and universal precautions. Coordinates and carry out day-to-day operations of the GI laboratory and procedures and other tasks related to the efficiency of the unit. Coordination involves letting the appropriate people know what supplies may need to be ordered from SPD or manufacturer if not present in Omni Cells in the lab area, assuring the next patient is prepped and ready in SPU recovery area preventing delays in the start of the next procedure, and updating nursing and physician staff of any possible delays/concerns. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00 am - 5:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

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. 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. For certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments, specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations". For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition. 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). Preferred Experience: BLS or like certificate required Proficient in advance GI and pulmonary procedures such as EUS (endoscopic ultrasound), ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography), and EBUS (endobronchial ultrasound). Experience as an Advanced Medical Instrument Technician (GI) including experience with: advanced GI procedures such as ERCP and EUS, motility clinic procedures, coordination of major repairs or installation of equipment with vendors and other facility departments, educational in-services for the endoscopy staff. Grade Determinations: GS-8 Advanced GI Technician: To qualify for the GS-8, Advanced GI Technician, the candidate must demonstrate completion of one year of experience equivalent to a GI Technician at the next lower level, GS-7. The GS-7 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. In order to receive credit for GS-7 level experience, the candidate must demonstrate that he or she fully meets the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) at the GS-7 level as described in the VA qualification standard: 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. In addition to the experience stated above, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*) to perform the work of a Advanced GI Technician at the GS-8 level: Knowledge of complex gastroenterology procedures, such as ERCP with spy glass, ablation procedures, mucosal resection procedures, fine needle aspiration procedures and capsule studies. Ability to provide briefings and orientations to hospital staff including physicians. Knowledge of regulatory and advisory agencies such as Joint Commission, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA), American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), and applicable laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA). Knowledge of medical terminology related to GI and biliary systems used to identify pathology or for specimen identification and procedure documentation and knowledge of advanced anatomy and physiology to recognize obvious abnormalities during procedures. *Ability to provide staff development and training. Reference: VA Handbook 5005/54, Part II, Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician (GI) Qualification Standards. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: Light lifting, under 15 lbs., moderate carrying, 15-44 lbs., reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, standing 4-6 hours; hearing, aid permitted. Duties require extensive use of fingers to perform keyboarding and the ability to hear requests by phone and in person. Version must be adequate to read and prepare documents.

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 Tucson VA Medical Center 3601 South Sixth Avenue Tucson, AZ 85723 US
• Name: Brittaney Parks
• Phone: 361-277-5288
• Email: [email protected]