Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis)

Summary

Under the supervision of a licensed Registered Nurse (RN), the Hemodialysis (HD) Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) functions as a member of the renal multidisciplinary team and assists the RN in the care of patients in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness. The HD MIT delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned patients while developing technical competencies.

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Overview

• Accepting applications

• Open & closing dates

05/01/2024 to 05/21/2024

• Salary

$51,300 - $82,069 per year

• Pay scale & grade

GS 00

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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

• Loma Linda, CA 1 vacancy

• Remote job

No

• Telework eligible

No

• Travel Required

Not required

• Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

• Appointment type

Permanent

• Work schedule

Intermittent

• Service

Excepted

• Promotion potential

8

• Job family (Series)

0649 Medical Instrument Technician

• Supervisory status

No

• Security clearance

Not Required

• Drug test

Yes

• Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

• Trust determination process

Suitability/Fitness

• Announcement number

CBSX-12404608-24-JAD

• Control number

789292200

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This job is open to

• Federal employees

• Competitive service

Current or former competitive service federal employees.

• Federal employees

• Excepted service

Current excepted service federal employees.

• Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to current, permanent employees of Department of Veterans Affairs and other Federal employees. Qualified candidates will be referred and considered in the following order: 1) Current, permanent employees of the VA Loma Linda Health Care System. 2) Other permanent, current VA employees. 3) Other current federal employees If you do not fall into one of the above areas of consideration you must apply under CBSX-12404609-24-JAD in order to be considered for this vacancy.

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Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Supports diagnostic procedures.

• Assists with technical nursing treatments.

• Provides care that incorporates the age, gender, cultural and learning needs of patients requiring basic planning & evaluation of care.

• Applies infection control measures appropriately in delivering care.

• Communicates with team members regarding patient care.

• Adheres to ethical principles & standards in delivering care.

• Enters information into patients' records/charts.

• Applies knowledge & skill core competencies of the assigned unit to patient care.

• Uses effective interpersonal communication skills with co-workers & colleagues to achieve desired patient outcomes.

• Provides teaching to patients as directed.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm.

Telework: Not Available.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: PD000000

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required.

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.

• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.

• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.

• You may be required to serve a probationary period.

• Must pass a drug test.

• Subject to background/security investigation.

• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.

• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

• Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3.g.).

• Licensure. 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.

• Preferred Experience/Qualifications:

• Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) certification preferred.

• Acute experience preferred.

• Minimum of 2 (two) years of Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis) experience.

Grade Determinations:

GS-06 Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-5) 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).

Certification:No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) certification.

Assignment. Hemodialysis Technicians at this level operate and monitor dialysis systems for chronic patients; check patient condition and determine the proper treatment procedures, technique, and machine adjustments; understand medical treatment for patients with renal failure; administer prescribed medication and observe the patient for desired action or adverse reaction; and recognize and react to signs and symptoms that signal the onset of complications of dialysis including hypotension, disequilibrium, seizures, and arrhythmias.

GS-07 Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-6) 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.

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.

Assignment. At this level in addition to providing hemodialysis for chronic patients, hemodialysis technicians assist the physician during central venous catheter insertion, assist in the training of patients for home dialysis/self-care, and act as a mentor or preceptor to lower graded hemodialysis technicians. At this level, the technician accepts responsibility and accountability for his/her own actions.

GS-08 Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-7) 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:

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.

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.

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.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-06 to GS-08.

References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G50 - Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis) Qualification Standard.

Education

There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation.

Additional information

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

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• Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window

Learn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.