The position is located at David Grant Medical Center (DGMC) on Travis Air Force Base as part of the Joint Venture Sharing Agreement between the 60th Medical Group and VANCHCS. Under the supervision of a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) the Hemodialysis (HD) Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) functions as a member of the renal multidisciplinary team.
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. Grade Determinations: Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis) 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 (KSAs): 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. Assignment: Hemodialysis Technicians at this level operate and monitor dialysis systems for chronic patients; check patient condition and determine the proper treatment procedures, technique, and machine adjustments; understand medical treatment for patients with renal failure; administer prescribed medication and observe the patient for desired action or adverse reaction; and recognize and react to signs and symptoms that signal the onset of complications of dialysis including hypotension, disequilibrium, seizures, and arrhythmias. Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis) 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 (KSAs): 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. Assignment: At this level in addition to providing hemodialysis for chronic patients, hemodialysis technicians assist the physician during central venous catheter insertion, assist in the training of patients for home dialysis/self-care, and act as a mentor or preceptor to lower graded hemodialysis technicians. At this level, the technician accepts responsibility and accountability for his/her own actions Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis) GS-8: 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 (KSAs): 1. Knowledge of the hemodialysis process and equipment needed for home/self care including knowledge of common machine problems and repairs to such equipment. 2. Knowledge of the equipment and procedures for peritoneal dialysis. 3. Ability to assist the physician with percutaneous renal biopsies and peritoneal catheter insertion. 4. Ability to provide instruction to dialysis patients in home/self care and in the maintenance of the equipment. 5. Ability to provide instruction for physicians, nurses, and other personnel in dialysis procedures, equipment operation and maintenance, etc. 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. Assignment: This represents the full performance level. At this level the hemodialysis technician serves as a member of a dialysis team performing dialysis on acutely ill patients including those within an intensive care setting. Assignments involve performing both peritoneal and hemodialysis procedures. The dialysis technician may participate in percutaneous renal biopsies, watching the patient during the procedure and properly processing the specimen. Assists the physician in peritoneal catheter insertions and observes the patient for vital signs and provides post operative care. Provides instruction and monitors patients for home dialysis. Performs training of physicians, nurses, and technicians on hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis techniques. Preferred Experience: 1 year of Chronic & Acute Hemodialysis experience References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15, PART II, APPENDIX G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8.The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6 to GS-8 Physical Requirements: ???????See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
Hemodialysis Technicians at this level operate and monitor dialysis systems for chronic patients, check patients' condition and determine the proper treatment procedures, technique, and machine adjustments; understand medical treatment for patients with renal failure; administer prescribed medication and observe the patient for desired action or adverse reaction; and recognize and react to signs and symptoms that signal the onset of complications of dialysis including hypotension, cramping, disequilibrium, seizures, and arrhythmias. Duties include but aren't limited to: Support diagnostic procedures Assists in all aspects in the delivery of the HD treatment to include operation/monitoring of dialysis delivery systems Provides care that incorporates the age, gender, cultural and learning needs of all patients requiring basic planning and evaluation of care Apply infection control measures appropriately in the delivering of care Communicate with team members regarding patient care Enter treatment information into patients electronic medical record (EMR) Adhere to ethical principles and standards in delivering care Supports/assists nephrologist with diagnostic and non-invasive procedures as appropriate Assists with technical nursing treatments to include operation/monitoring of dialysis delivery systems Works collaboratively with the biomedical staff in scheduling repair and preventative maintenance of dialysis equipment Must follow the policies/guidance of the following regulatory agencies: American Association of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) standards as it applies to treated water, Centers for Disease Control/ VA Infection Control (IC) policies/procedures in relation to working knowledge of The Joint Commission (TJC) and other regulatory entities such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Member must also follow VA, Unit, and Section Policies/Procedures. Work Schedule: Monday - Saturday, 0430-1700, 0500-1730 Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized