Med Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis)

The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) assigned to the Hemodialysis Unit provides direct and indirect patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse. The MIT supports the delivery of safe, effective hemodialysis treatments for patients with acute and chronic renal failure in accordance with VA policies, clinical standards, and infection control guidelines. This position will be located at the San Francisco VA Medical Center. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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. Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Licensure or Certification. 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. 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. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis) GS-8 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: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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: At least two years of progressively responsible experience as a Hemodialysis Medical Instrument Technician or Hemodialysis Technician in an acute-care hospital, Veterans Health Administration facility, or comparable dialysis setting, with demonstrated independent performance of complex hemodialysis procedures and management of patients with acute and chronic renal disorders. Applicants must possess and demonstrate current, independent proficiency in performing hemodialysis procedures and operating hemodialysis equipment. This includes the ability to independently initiate, monitor, and terminate hemodialysis treatments; safely manage vascular access; recognize and respond to dialysis-related complications and emergencies; troubleshoot hemodialysis equipment and treatment problems; and perform required dialysis machine, dialysate, and water-quality safety checks in accordance with applicable standards and facility policy. Demonstrated advanced experience in Chronic and complex hemodialysis practice, including experience with high Acuity patients, and management of complex vascular access. Experience independently troubleshooting dialysis equipment and water-treatment systems, including RO/DI systems, dialysate quality, bacterial and endotoxin testing, and machine disinfection is highly desirable. Additional consideration will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience serving as a lead, preceptor, or resource technician; providing competency-based education to dialysis staff; participating in quality improvement and patient-safety initiatives; and collaborating effectively with nursing, nephrology providers, biomedical engineering, infection prevention, and other interdisciplinary services. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is G-8. Physical Requirements: The position requires standing, walking, bending, lifting, and handling equipment and supplies. The MIT must be able to respond quickly in emergency situations and perform repetitive technical tasks. #J-18808-Ljbffr US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair