The medical technician functions as a hemodialysis (dialysis) technician in the Hemodialysis Unit. The Technician is responsible for the technical aspects of hemodialysis including cleaning, sterilizing and routine maintenance of dialysis equipment, collection, recording and reporting of water cultures, dialysate and endotoxins; performs monthly sterilization of the water system for the Hemodialysis Unit and weekly chemical sterilization of the single pass, single patient delivery systems.
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. 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 (a) Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level of (GS-07) 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: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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. (c) 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. (d) 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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 MIT may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and will be required to don protective clothing while providing patient care and servicing/cleaning equipment. The MIT may occasionally experience patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The MIT must be a mature and sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations and able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Lifting and transportation of bulky supplies and equipment are required.
Duties include but are not limited to the following: Perform correct set-up, operations, cleaning and disinfection of hemodialysis machines and accessories including acute RO system based on manufacturer's guidelines/recommendations. Consistently reports and documents any malfunction or machine irregularity to the Biomedical department. When indicated, performs regular "Return to Service" checks, including disinfections before any equipment is released into the patient care area. Pull any malfunctioning equipment and replaces it with a backup, and make sure all malfunctioned equipment pulled is tagged out of service. Ensures annual maintenance for all dialysis machines are completed by the Biomedical department. Ensures green sticker is present on the back of each dialysis machine with current and next maintenance due dates. Accurately performs water treatment maintenance and processes (i.e. Main RO disinfection, portable RO disinfection and obtains cultures) regulations, standards, terminology, measurement technology, and quality assurance (i.e. AAMI Standards). Ensures monthly dialysis machines and RO water culture test results are sent to infection control committee. Serves as resource person, role model, and mentor to other staff in the application of more complex technology, effectively guiding and directing their continuing practice in these areas. Performs other duties as assigned. Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized 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) 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 #: 00000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized