North Central Section of the AUA, Inc.

The Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis -HD) position requires thorough technical knowledge, understanding, practice, maintenance, operation per AAMI standards of HD water treatment and purification process, equipment, cleaning, sterilizing, dialysis equipment in addition to teaching other dialysis staff as needed. CCHT certification also required in the care of hemodialysis with acute and chronic kidney failure. 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. Creditable Experience: To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics associated with current Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis). 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 Determinations: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade (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: 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. Preferred Experience: Certification by Association of the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) and BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) and Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT). References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27, DTD March 17, 2006 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: Bending, pushing, pulling, reaching and occasional kneeling, crawling and squatting; lifting, carrying, bending, and manipulation of equipment; patient assistance and positioning; walking and prolonged standing; Near visual acuity to assess patient's physical condition when performing exams, and evaluating images for diagnostic quality. ["The duties of this position include but are not limited to the following: Understands preparation and monitoring of appropriate dialysis concentrates to prepare appropriate dialysate for renal dialysis. Operates diagnostic and therapeutic medical instruments and equipment as part of the treatment for both acutely ill and chronic renal failure patients. Takes lead in the maintenance, troubleshooting and disinfection of equipment, water quality monitoring, restocking of supplies and/ or preparation of dialysate concentrates for dialysis procedures. Prepares and dismantles extracorporeal blood circuits and the dialysis machines in order to create a sterile, air-free blood circuit. Prepares or modifies chemical preparations for the concentrates or special chemical baths to produce specific treatment for patients. Assures that all portable RO are rinsed daily if not used and disinfected according to unit policy. Performs and interprets test results (dialysate chemistries, water treatment testing for contaminates, etc.) including the ability to analyze deviations from the expected norm and responding appropriately. Performs troubleshooting of dialysis equipment in the free-standing unit in order to keep the equipment in working order for continued treatment. Functions as a preceptor for new technical or nursing staff in learning the operation of all dialysis machine and equipment. Serves as technical support in the operation, calibration and troubleshooting of specialized medical equipment and instruments. Assists lead technician/biomedical support staff in maintaining equipment according to manufacturer's recommendations and regulatory standards. Initiates or assists in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other emergency procedures on dialysis patients Work Schedule: This position requires flexibility in scheduling and assignments as the dialysis center operates six days per week (Monday - Saturday). The technician may be required to work 10-hour tours for a 40-hour work week. An example of tour of duty is 5:30 AM - 4:00 PM.\nCompressed/Flexible: Available\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]