The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) is a member of the Gastroenterology Procedure Team and aids the physician, nurse manager, registered nurse, and other team members during diagnostic examinations or medical treatment procedures as part of the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Work is performed in the Gastroenterology Endoscopy Unit. The MIT functions as a primary person responsible for handling instruments, supplies, and equipment functions during GI procedures and Scope Reprocessing.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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. Education: There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. 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. It is desirable that employees at this level have Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. 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). Grade Determinations: GS-6 GI Technician Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled. 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 (RME), following approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) 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 one- time-use equipment and trash per facility policy, and restock supplies such as linens, suction equipment, and cleaning products. Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Assignment. 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. They set-up, clean, and ensure proper performance of the endoscopic equipment; and prepare the procedure rooms for turn-over, adhering to universal precautions and SOPs. The technician logs procedure and reprocessing data, adhering to patient privacy and information security policy. Assignments at this level require knowledge of basic medical terminology as well as common gastrointestinal anatomy. GS-7 GI Technician (Full Performance Level) Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate 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 (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. Certification: No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BLS certification. Assignment: This represents the full performance level. Technicians at this level function with minimal instruction, assisting the staff with complex specialized procedures such as ERCP and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). They are proficient with GI endoscopic equipment and ensure proper performance of endoscopic equipment; select alternate equipment or adjust equipment settings to accommodate patient needs and produce high quality technique. They collect, process, and label all specimens; train other technicians in basic endoscopic procedures; work in and outside the GI unit offering technician support during emergent and on-call endoscopic cases; and assist the nurse in patient care duties such as obtaining vital signs, dressing and documenting all pertinent information in the patient's records. They inventory and maintain par levels of specialty equipment for the endoscopy unit. Preferred Experience: Completion of a gastroenterology or endoscopy technician training program with 1+ year experience preferred OR 1 year of related experience in a health care setting with completion of an Operating Room Tech program. Associates Degree. The Ideal candidate would be motivated, energetic and willing to learn. Experience working in a healthcare setting, preferably in a same day surgery environment. Certified Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor with a 5 year registration through The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution. Current healthcare provider BLS certification. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6 to GS-7. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 lbs.); light carrying (under 15 lbs.); straight pulling; pushing; use of fingers; both hands required; walking; standing; kneeling; repeated bending; both eyes required; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); mental and emotional stability; visual acuity 20/30 corrected; computer documentation; and wearing personal protection. Environmental Factors: Excessive humidity; excessive noise, intermittent; Solvents (degreasing agents); electrical energy; slippery or uneven surfaces, working around machinery with moving parts; working with hands in water; working closely with others.
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major Duties: Prepares procedural rooms for the performance of GI procedures. Sets up GI procedure rooms with all required items for each procedure such as video equipment, endoscopes, endoscope flushing system, image management systems ERCP equipment, Fluoroscopy/x-ray, EUS equipment, computers and monitors, cautery units, and reprocessing equipment Prepares/processes Semi Critical and Non-Critical Reusable Medical Equipment in accordance with appropriate Standard Operating Procedures Plans and discusses each procedure with the GI team professionals and assures that all supplies and equipment are available prior to the GI procedures Prepares, organizes, and maintains highly complex GI endoscopes Observes and responds promptly to each stage of the GI procedures and anticipates the needs of the physician and/or registered nurse by maintaining a high level of concentration for extended periods of time Utilizes universal precautions and follows all infection control policies and procedures when handling specimens, supplies, and equipment, as well as follows all RME reprocessing protocol for high level of disinfection Assists the GI Team members with care of the patient Applies various monitoring equipment, i.e., BP cuff, pulse oximetry probe, ecg leads, etc., when assisting with patient procedure preparation. Transports non-sedated patients to/from Admit/Recovery rooms via gurney or wheelchair Handles all GI specimens appropriately Responsible for the accountability for all GI instruments and equipment during the procedure Assists the physician, and/or registered nurse with instrumentation necessary to perform the required procedure and treatment such as obtaining biopsies, brushings, performing polypectomies, inflation of balloon dilators, and injection of contrast solutions, approved medications, or medical devices during GI procedures. Prepares diagnostic biopsy specimens, assessing the adequacy of each, and placing in appropriate specimen bottle with appropriate labeling to meet pathology laboratory specifications during procedures Assists in training medical and surgical residents, medical students, nursing students, GI Fellows, and new GI Team staff in the operation of equipment, proper techniques, handling of instruments, and GI procedures to include the assistant role for invasive procedures Works closely with SPS, HTM, hospital inpatient wards, operating room, pharmacy, and clerical staff to accomplish the goals of the GI Endoscopy Unit Notifies outpatients of their upcoming GI procedure and instructs them on the correct preparation for their procedure Performs non-technical maintenance of equipment to prevent malfunctions Maintains GI Endoscopy area Assesses equipment needs and maintains adequate stock of supplies and materials. Identifies equipment needing preventive maintenance or repair Recognizes potentially hazardous situations and takes corrective action Provides guidance, education, and support to GI staff, patients, and other MITs Supervises volunteers ,Incentive Therapy participants, aides, non-clinical team members, students, and other personnel Provides guidance and support to professionals, and technical students of an approved GI technology program Assists GI Team members in quality improvement activities Updates personal knowledge regarding current trends in GI procedural technology through continuing education courses Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 0800-1600/0900-1700/1000-1800 Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 0000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized