Supervisory Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis)

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. 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. 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. License or Certification.

Certification by one of the following organizations is highly desirable at this level: Nephrology Certification Commission (NNCC), Board of Nephrology Examiners, Inc., Nursing and Technology (BONENT), National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO), and the International Certification Commission for Clinical Engineering and Biomedical Technology (ICC) in conjunction with the United States Certification Commission (USCC).

Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level. 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-9. Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-8), which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled. At the GS-8 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.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques such as those provided for acutely ill patients and peritoneal dialysis in order to provide training and supervision in these procedures. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements.

Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. Ability to manage and supervise employees. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Certification.

Certification by one of the following organizations is highly desirable at this level: Nephrology Certification Commission (NNCC), Board of Nephrology Examiners, Inc., Nursing and Technology (BONENT), National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO), and the International Certification Commission for Clinical Engineering and Biomedical Technology (ICC) in conjunction with the United States Certification Commission (USCC).

Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level. Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Supervisory Hemodialysis Technician.

Individuals in this assignment assume full administrative and professional responsibility for planning and directing the work of subordinate technicians.

Typically these duties include assigning and evaluating the work of subordinate staff; providing dialysis technician services in more complex cases; reviewing and making recommendations regarding new and emerging procedures; providing instruction and training to new staff; interviewing candidates for positions; recommending selections, advancements, promotions; evaluating performance; taking disciplinary action when necessary; and identifying educational or training needs.

Preferred Experience

1 year dialysis experience, preferred. Previous MIT supervisory experience, preferred. Dialysis Technician Certification, preferred. 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-9.

Physical Requirements

See VA Directive and Handbook 5019

Major Duties and responsibilities of the position: Operates diagnostic and therapeutic medical instruments and equipment as part of a dialysis treatment. Performs routine cannulation on chronic dialysis patients with established grafts and fistulas assuring that patient pre-dialysis observations and safety checks have been done and recorded. Initiates and monitors dialysis treatments assuring proper documentation of treatment process and terminates treatment as per unit policy.

Assures that all treatment deviations are promptly reported to the charge nurse. Weighs patients and obtains vitalsigns, pre, during, and post dialysis. Performs aseptic techniques with the dialysis procedure and follows principles of standard precautions and infection control (Hand washing, PPE). Obtains blood samples via the extracorporeal pathway and other methods for laboratory tests.

Monitors, records, and follows physician's orders regarding type of artificial kidney, dialysate bath, treatment time, heparin dose, and dry weight goal. Performs correct set-up, operations, cleaning and disinfection of all hemodialysis machines and accessories including acute reverse osmosis system based on manufacturer's guidelines and/or recommendations. Consistently report and documents any malfunction or machine irregularity to the Biomedical Department.

When indicated, regular "Return to Service" checks perform, including disinfections, before any equipment is released into the patient care arena. Removes from service any malfunctioning equipment and replaces it with a backup. Make sure all malfunctioned equipment that is pulled from service is tagged for repair. Ensures annual maintenance for all dialysis machines are completed by the Biomedical Department.

Demonstrates an advanced knowledge of Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) Standards of water treatment. Accurately performs water treatment maintenance and processes (i.e., main RO disinfection, portable Ro disinfection and cultures) regulations, standards, terminology, measurement technology, and quality assurance, guidelines for medical grade usage of water used in the hemodialysis setting.

Ensures monthly dialysis machines and RO water culture test results are sent to Infection Prevention Department. Performs and interprets test results for dialysate chemistries and water treatment systems for both main and portable units. Demonstrates the ability to analyze deviations from the expected norms and responds appropriately. Promptly reports all deviations to nurse manager, charge nurse/team, Supervisorial and biomedical engineering. Work Schedule: Full Time. Rotating tours Days, Nights and Weekends.

Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized