We are recruiting for one (1) hemodialysis technician in the Nursing Service at James J. Peters, VAMC, Bronx, NY. The hemodialysis technician responsible for the operation of hemodialysis equipment in the treatment of patients with renal failure; monitoring patients during dialysis treatments; cleaning, sterilizing, and maintenance of dialysis equipment; etc. The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below
BASIC REQUIREMENTS Citizenship. Citizenship of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions. 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English. GRADE REQUIREMENTS Definitions: For purposes of this qualification standard the specialty areas of this occupation have been grouped into seven functional areas. Hemodialysis Technicians operate and monitor kidney dialysis instruments to provide dialysis treatment to patients with kidney failure or to maintain patients with irreversible kidney disorders. The agencies that offer national certification are Nephrology Certification Commission (NNCC), Board of Nephrology Examiners, Inc., Nursing and Technology (BONENT), National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO), and the International Certification Commission for Clinical Engineering and Biomedical Technology (ICC) in conjunction with the United States Certification Commission (USCC). Creditable Experience - Knowledge of Current Medical Instrument Technician Practices. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics associated with current Medical Instrument Technician practice appropriate to the identified specialty area. [Specialized developmental experience obtained under supervision of appropriately certified individuals may be credited at higher levels and is addressed in individual appendices. Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it is equivalent to at least the next lower grade level and is directly related to the position/specialty to be filled. Part-time Experience. Part time experience is credited according to its relationship to a full time work week. For example, an individual employed 20 hours per week, or on a ½ time basis would receive one work week credit for each two weeks of service. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the criteria discussed in the applicable headings, or that defined in the appendices, must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-8: (a) 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: (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. Preferred Experience: Certification preferred. 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-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-8. 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 incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative/invasive procedures, or home settings. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. The incumbent who provides care in home settings or other off-site locations may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicles. Lifting and transportation of bulky supplies and equipment is required. Must be able to lift and transport large salt bags.
The incumbent will perform the following duties and responsibilities of a Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis) which include but are not limited to: Patient Care Under the collaborative supervision of an RN team leader or charge nurse, provides hemodialysis treatment to patients with renal failure. Initiates and terminates dialysis treatments following standard procedures. Monitors patients throughout treatment and makes necessary adjustments without consultation according to the patient's medical condition, previous experience, and accepted practices. Monitors dialysis treatment parameters, e.g., vital signs, weight loss. Collects and records vital signs using blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, and scales and thermometers. Records patients' condition and changes (blood pressure, excess fluid, etc.) and determines proper treatment procedure, technique, and machine adjustments. Obtains blood specimens for routine or special tests. Collects laboratory specimens from patients using syringes, needles, tubes, and different sterile techniques. Processes lab samples. Centrifuges samples, boxes samples, and prepares samples for shipment. Equipment Operation, Repair and Maintenance Responsible for the proper and safe operation of the equipment during the performance of dialysis, for the accuracy of testing, for the correction of malfunctioning, for the replacement of some or all parts of the system in the event of complications (clotting, blood leakage, hypotension, etc.), and for the disassembly and re-sterilization of the equipment. Acts independently as a sole technician on a regular and recurrent basis at any time of day or night. Uses his/her own experience and judgment in setting up and operating the equipment without the need to have a physician present. Changes specific techniques and makes machine adjustments according to patients' needs and condition. Possesses the experience, knowledge, and judgment to make these changes in a complex treatment setting. Responsible for preparation and sterilization of equipment and assembly of disposables. Cleans and sanitizes dialysis equipment to ensure bacteriostatic operating conditions using hypo-chlorate and other cleaning solutions. Disposes of expendable components. Supply Inventory Responsible for monthly inventory of supplies. Estimates the needs of equipment and different types of supplies for different patients making sure that that they are always available for use. Stocks supplies in the supply room and patient care areas to ensure there are adequate supplies and equipment to meet patient care needs. Maintains an inventory of supplies and equipment which includes spare parts and disposables and non-disposable using an inventory process and accurate record keeping system. Monitors monthly expenses to work within budgetary limits. Staff/Self Education Keeps abreast of new developments in the field. Develops and maintains expertise in the use, understanding, and care of all regularly used equipment. Maintains skills necessary to do regional heparinization, separate and store blood samples, set up oxygen, administer saline, and maintain equipment. Trains and mentors new dialysis technicians and assigns specific tasks. Conscientiousness/Reliability Collaborates with other technicians, RNs, physicians, and physician assistants and keeps them informed of technical changes, new equipment and procedures, actual or potential difficulties, changes or shortages of supplies, and other issues which may affect the operation of the dialysis center. Continues to accept in a conscientious manner a share of the responsibility for maintenance of safety, cleanliness, and orderliness of the dialysis center. Participates in standby or on-call, whichever is in effect. Works Saturday shifts. Provides emergency coverage for dialysis center as requested. Work Schedule: Day Tour (1st/2nd Shift) Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 26341F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorize