Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis)

Description:

Hemodialysis Technicians provide treatment to patients with renal failure, operating and monitoring several kinds of instruments, and pieces of equipment specially designed for extracorporeal circulation and dialysis. Operate and monitor all aspects of the hemodialysis treatment, to include assembly of equipment, preparation of dialysis machine, cannulation of access or appropriate use of central venous catheter. Assess the patient during dialysis treatment.

Requirements:

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.

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).

Licensure or Certification: 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.

GS-08 Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis)
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:

• 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.

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-08.

Physical Requirements. This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. The position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, pushing, and reaching over head. The incumbent must be able to stand and move for extended periods of time.