Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis)

Description:

The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) performs invasive hemodialysis procedures utilizing highly, complex technical monitoring equipment under the direction or prescription of a qualified physician. These procedures are performed upon patients who have diagnoses of End Stage Renal Failure, Acute Renal Failure, and Chronic Renal Failure. The incumbent is proficient in the use of physiologic analytical equipment during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the Hemodialysis Unit.

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.
• Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions.
• 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. 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".

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 : Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis)

• GS-6
  • 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:
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
    • 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).
• GS-7
  • 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 the equipment, standard procedures, and typical machine problems and/or patient reactions to treatment. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
    • 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.
• 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
    • 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.

Preferred Experience: 2 years of Outpatient Hemodialysis Technologist experience, and 1 year of Inpatient/Acute Technologist experience

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-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6 to GS-8.

Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination. Exceptions: A pre-placement examination is required for any occupation or assignment that requires the operation of a government-owned or -leased motor vehicle in order to properly carry out assigned duties. Examinations may also be required for any occupation or assignment that requires a pre-placement examination by virtue of another policy, regulation, or statute