Med Inst Tech (Hemodial)

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.

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:

GS-7

(a) 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
1. Knowledge of the fundamentals of standard equipment operation, calibration and function.
2. Knowledge of correct use of non-invasive patient monitoring equipment specific to anesthesiology.
3. Ability to appropriately interact with patients during anesthetic procedures.
4. Knowledge of anesthesiology supplies and equipment appropriate to routine anesthetic procedures, such as those found in typical inpatient settings.(c) Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification.Certification as a Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) from the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) is required within 18 months of employment.VHA Directive 1042.01 Reference B - Requirements for VA Dialysis Programs AmendedVA HANDBOOK 5005/15 MARCH 17, 2006 PART II APPENDIX G27 II-G27-12GS - 8
At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-07) 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.

References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27 Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standard, dated 06/07/2012

GS-8

(a) 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:

(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

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. 45
5. Ability to provide instruction for physicians, nurses, and other personnel in dialysis procedures, equipment operation and maintenance, etc.
(c) 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.
(d) 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.

Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical lifts are provided. The MIT may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and will be required to don protective clothing while providing patient care and servicing/cleaning equipment. The MIT may occasionally experience patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The MIT must be a mature and sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations and able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Lifting and transportation of bulky supplies and equipment are required.