Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis Technician)
This position is established within the dialysis program to provide for:
(I) the operation of hemodialysis equipment in the treatment of patients with acute or chronic renal failure; (II) the maintenance, repair and modification of such equipment; (Ill) the selection, ordering, stocking, and preparation of supplies needed for the performance of the dialysis procedures within the budget established for the program, and, (IV) the monitoring of the quality of the water used for dialysis and the composition of the dialysate produced mixing such water and different concentrates, (V) donning and doffing the proper PPE, and (VI) Infection Control. Operates, monitors, and calibrates dialysis equipment and instruments for the performance of hemodialysis. Records patients' condition and changes (blood pressure, excess fluid, etc), and determines proper treatment procedure, technique and machine adjustments under the supervision of the MD or RN. Independently provides hemodialysis treatment to patients with chronic renal failure. Collaborates with other technicians, RNs, physicians, and physician assistants in his/her major area of expertise and keeps them informed of technical changes, new equipment and procedures, actual or potential difficulties, changes or shortages of supplies and any other issue which may affect the operation of the Unit Disinfects the centralized Bicarbonate Loop, heat disinfects all Fresenius Dialysis machines, and thoroughly cleans each dialysis station when there are no patients present for safety reasons. Properly mixes the bicarbonate powder/solution for centralized distribution Performs chloramine checks in the Water Treatment room every four hours three times daily Work Schedule:
Monday- Saturday, 9:
00 a.m.-7:
30 p.m. (4)-10hr shifts Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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 Licensure or Certification. Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above Preferred
Experience:
BLS Preferred, Certification preferred (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). Grade Determinations:
GS-4:
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 position to be filled. Six months of this experience may have been in medically related fields such as nursing assistant, practical nursing, or similar fields. The remaining six months must have been in operating diagnostic and therapeutic equipment covered by this occupation. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited at this level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Knowledge of basic medical terminology. 2. Ability to learn the components, operating characteristics, and settings of the equipment to be used. 3. Ability to learn typical patient reactions to the basic procedures involved and ability to recognize signs of distress. 4. Ability to learn the standard positions for the procedure being conducted. 5. Ability to communicate orally and in writing. OR Successful completion of two years of education above high school or an associate's degree with a major field of study directly related to the medical instrument technician occupation. GS-5:
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 position to be filled. This would be experience in operating equipment related to the particular specialization for which application is made or in related functional areas. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited through this grade level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions. 2. Knowledge of common physical disabilities and ability to position patients for the examination or treatment. 3. Ability to learn the normal and abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize and report obvious abnormalities. 4. Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or procedures. 5. Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on the equipment including the ability to disassemble, clean, reassemble, and calibrate the machine. OR Successful completion of 4 academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, or a bachelor's degree in a major field of study appropriate to medical instrument technician functions. GS-6 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:
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). GS-7:
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:
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. References:
VA Handbook 5005/15-54 Part II Appendix G27 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-4 to GS-7. Physical Requirements:
High levels of energy and stamina are needed to cope with the demands of a rigorous Job. Good strength and well developed musculoskeletal functions are necessary for occasional lifting and positioning or transfer of patients who are sedated. Highly refined dexterity is necessary to handle demands of highly sophisticated procedures and equipment Excellent visual skills are necessary for evaluation of clinical status of patients and adequacy of small biopsy specimens.Heavy lifting and carrying (45
Ibs); Heavy carrying (45
lbs):
straight pulling (4 hours); pushing (4 hours); reaching above shoulder, both hands required; walking (8-12 hours); standing (8-12 hours); repeated bending (8 hours); both legs required; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13 to 16 to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, both eyes required; ability to distinguish shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted). Transferring patients may be required. Don protective clothing in isolation situation or operative/invasive procedures. May occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium. Requires working closely with others.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
(I) the operation of hemodialysis equipment in the treatment of patients with acute or chronic renal failure; (II) the maintenance, repair and modification of such equipment; (Ill) the selection, ordering, stocking, and preparation of supplies needed for the performance of the dialysis procedures within the budget established for the program, and, (IV) the monitoring of the quality of the water used for dialysis and the composition of the dialysate produced mixing such water and different concentrates, (V) donning and doffing the proper PPE, and (VI) Infection Control. Operates, monitors, and calibrates dialysis equipment and instruments for the performance of hemodialysis. Records patients' condition and changes (blood pressure, excess fluid, etc), and determines proper treatment procedure, technique and machine adjustments under the supervision of the MD or RN. Independently provides hemodialysis treatment to patients with chronic renal failure. Collaborates with other technicians, RNs, physicians, and physician assistants in his/her major area of expertise and keeps them informed of technical changes, new equipment and procedures, actual or potential difficulties, changes or shortages of supplies and any other issue which may affect the operation of the Unit Disinfects the centralized Bicarbonate Loop, heat disinfects all Fresenius Dialysis machines, and thoroughly cleans each dialysis station when there are no patients present for safety reasons. Properly mixes the bicarbonate powder/solution for centralized distribution Performs chloramine checks in the Water Treatment room every four hours three times daily Work Schedule:
Monday- Saturday, 9:
00 a.m.-7:
30 p.m. (4)-10hr shifts Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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 Licensure or Certification. Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above Preferred
Experience:
BLS Preferred, Certification preferred (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). Grade Determinations:
GS-4:
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 position to be filled. Six months of this experience may have been in medically related fields such as nursing assistant, practical nursing, or similar fields. The remaining six months must have been in operating diagnostic and therapeutic equipment covered by this occupation. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited at this level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Knowledge of basic medical terminology. 2. Ability to learn the components, operating characteristics, and settings of the equipment to be used. 3. Ability to learn typical patient reactions to the basic procedures involved and ability to recognize signs of distress. 4. Ability to learn the standard positions for the procedure being conducted. 5. Ability to communicate orally and in writing. OR Successful completion of two years of education above high school or an associate's degree with a major field of study directly related to the medical instrument technician occupation. GS-5:
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 position to be filled. This would be experience in operating equipment related to the particular specialization for which application is made or in related functional areas. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited through this grade level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions. 2. Knowledge of common physical disabilities and ability to position patients for the examination or treatment. 3. Ability to learn the normal and abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize and report obvious abnormalities. 4. Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or procedures. 5. Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on the equipment including the ability to disassemble, clean, reassemble, and calibrate the machine. OR Successful completion of 4 academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, or a bachelor's degree in a major field of study appropriate to medical instrument technician functions. GS-6 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:
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). GS-7:
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:
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. References:
VA Handbook 5005/15-54 Part II Appendix G27 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-4 to GS-7. Physical Requirements:
High levels of energy and stamina are needed to cope with the demands of a rigorous Job. Good strength and well developed musculoskeletal functions are necessary for occasional lifting and positioning or transfer of patients who are sedated. Highly refined dexterity is necessary to handle demands of highly sophisticated procedures and equipment Excellent visual skills are necessary for evaluation of clinical status of patients and adequacy of small biopsy specimens.Heavy lifting and carrying (45
Ibs); Heavy carrying (45
lbs):
straight pulling (4 hours); pushing (4 hours); reaching above shoulder, both hands required; walking (8-12 hours); standing (8-12 hours); repeated bending (8 hours); both legs required; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13 to 16 to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, both eyes required; ability to distinguish shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted). Transferring patients may be required. Don protective clothing in isolation situation or operative/invasive procedures. May occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium. Requires working closely with others.
- Department:
0649 Medical Instrument Technician - Salary Range:
$34,268 to $61,753 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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