The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) performs invasive hemodialysis procedures utilizing highly, complex technical monitoring equipment under the direction or prescription of a qualified physician. These procedures are performed upon patients who have diagnoses of End Stage Renal Failure, Acute Renal Failure, and Chronic Renal Failure. The incumbent is proficient in the use of physiologic analytical equipment during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the Hemodialysis Unit. 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. 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". 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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-6 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 positions to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Skill in setting up, operating, and performing calibrations as required on a variety of dialysis equipment. 2. Skill in 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. 3. Knowledge of American Association of Medical Instrumentation (AMMI) standards and unit policies as they relate to water treatment. 4. Knowledge of physiological and psychological changes and conditions related to end stage renal disease. 5. Ability to calculate dialysis baths according to the physician's orders per patient by mixing critical concentrates, i.e., calcium, potassium, and bicarbonate. 6. Knowledge of Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS). Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) certification. GS-7 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 positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided knowledge the equipment, standard procedures, and typical machine problems and/or patient reactions to treatment. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Ability to assist the physician in more complex procedures such as central venous catheter insertion. 2. Ability to assist in training patients in home/self-care by teaching components of machine operation including water treatment and monitoring patients for compliance. 3. Ability to act as a mentor or preceptor to lower graded technicians. 4. Ability to analyze deviations from the expected, determine whether the deviations are machine or patient related, and respond according to the findings. Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certifications. GS-8 Full Performance Level 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 positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided knowledge of the more complex procedures, the pharmacology related to this occupation, and knowledge of related acute disorders and diseases and their effects on organs and methods of treatment. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Ability to perform special procedures pulmonary function testing which may include cardiopulmonary exercise testing, exercise induced asthma testing, Shunt testing, and/or P-100 testing. 2. Knowledge of airway management, pulmonary pharmacology, CPR, and oxygen administration. 3. Knowledge of bio-testing procedures, syringe quality control procedures, and ability to analyze results for compliance. 4. Ability to perform quality control on blood gas analyzers as required by accrediting bodies. 5. Ability to provide training to lower graded pulmonary function technicians and students including teaching the correct methodology of pulmonary function procedures and theory of interpretation of results. Certification. No certification or registration is required; however, Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable for employees at this level. Preferred Experience: Prefer 2-3 Years outpatient Dialysis Technician clinical experience, and 1 year of Inpatient acute References: See VA Handbook 5005, 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. ["Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties: Intermittent Operates Complex Medical Instrument Equipment & Assists Medical Staff with or performs Diagnostic Procedure The MIT will have knowledge of hemodialysis process and equipment. The MIT performs the full range of complex hemodialysis treatments, which include Standard, Hi/Lo efficiency and Hi- Flux Dialysis methodology utilizing high tech hemodialysis filtration systems. The technologist is proficient in accessing vascular systems on patients in order to initiate the treatment regimen. The technologist has a thorough understanding of dialysate concentrates used in hemodialysis and is aware of the absolute exactness that is required in the delivery of the product to the patient. The technologist independently performs computerized ultrasonic scans of vascular flow to determine possible stenosis and obstructive disorders. The technologist understands all the critical alarms that are included on the hemodialysis equipment and responds appropriately. As an active member of the healthcare team, the technologist recognizes abnormal or life-threatening changes in the patient's condition and notifies the RN or MD for immediate attention. Performs Diagnostic Tests and Procedures The MIT establishes access either through dialysis catheter, graft or fistula and monitors the patient throughout the hemodialysis treatment. The technologist uses specialized equipment that requires precise adjustments to respond to individual patient conditions or test sequences. The technologist determines technical factors, sets controls and operates complex hemodialysis equipment, instrumentation and reprocessing equipment. The MIT must have knowledge and skill to perform diagnostic testing procedures with multiple measurement packages including ultrasound for graft flow. Maintains Records and Document Test Results Monitors reverse osmosis (RO) readings and tests the resulting water knowing it falls within American Association of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) standards. Maintains an organized system of documentation containing records of equipment calibration, maintenance and repair, water treatment logs, reuse calibration records and log sheets, and other documentation as required. Maintains records such as a daily log of patients, medical devices used, and other statistical reports related to the care delivered within the unit. Maintains records of patients treated, examinations performed, scans taken, procedure time, etc. Utilizes computerized documentation for recording information or results. Performs Quality Control Assessments, Supply Care and Storage, Performs Maintenance The MIT demonstrates knowledge and ability to mix, rinse, and bleach bicarb system following established guidelines. The incumbent maintains quality assurance program of all Hemodialysis equipment. He/she is involved in operating and maintaining the portable and centralized water treatment equipment, ensuring dialysate mixture is accurate, reverse osmolality is in working order and is familiar with emergency measures to ensure the safe delivery of hemodialysis treatment. Calibration of Hemodialysis equipment involves multiple steps to ensure the equipment was properly disinfected and ready to use. The incumbent ensures that all equipment is kept clean and safe for use in the diagnostic examinations and requests preventative maintenance as required. The MIT arranges sterilization of equipment as needed for the treatment. The technologist performs routing maintenance and recognizes and reports malfunctioning equipment to management and Biomedical Services for repair or replacement. The MIT makes minor adjustments to equipment which enhance diagnostic results. The incumbent maintains and monitors all necessary supplies, ensuing items are stocked and available in the event of an emergent procedure. Work Schedule: Intermittent Monday-Saturday 0530-1400, 0530-1800 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
