Med Instrument Tech (Hemodialysis)

The Hemodialysis MIT operates and monitors kidney dialysis instruments to provide dialysis treatment to patients with kidney failure or to maintain patients with irreversible kidney disorders. VA Dialysis facilities are required to align with the End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) conditions for coverage established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

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 in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, 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-Documentation Submitted. 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". Grandfathering Provision: 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 REQUIREMENTS Medical Instrument Technicians (Hemodialysis), GS-07 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities KSAs:: Ability to assist the physician in more complex procedures such as central venous catheter insertion. Ability to assist in training patients in home/self-care by teaching components of machine operation including water treatment and monitoring patients for compliance. Ability to act as a mentor or preceptor to lower graded technicians. Ability to analyze deviations from the expected, determine whether the deviations are machine or patient related, and respond according to the findings. Medical Instrument Technicians (Hemodialysis), GS-08: Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (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. NOTE: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities KSAs: Knowledge of the hemodialysis process and equipment needed for home/self care including knowledge of common machine problems and repairs to such equipment. Knowledge of the equipment and procedures for peritoneal dialysis. Ability to assist the physician with percutaneous renal biopsies and peritoneal catheter insertion. Ability to provide instruction to dialysis patients in home/self care and in the maintenance of the equipment. 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. Preferred Experience: BONENT Hemodialysis Technologist Certification or Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission, Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) preferred Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification is desirable Minimum of two years of clinical Hemodialysis experience Demonstrate ability in previous assignments to make critical decisions in stressful environments Demonstrate dependability for duty and flexibility in work assignments and hours in previous assignments 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. The incumbent must be able to stand for up to 8-10 hours while providing patient care. The incumbent must be able to lift up to 20 pounds of equipment, supplies and records. Additionally, the incumbent will be required to transport patients on stretchers, beds and wheelchairs. There is the potential for extended periods of sitting at computer terminals. The incumbent is expected to use proper preventive ergonomic techniques to perform duties.