Medical Instrument Technician; Hemodialysis

Summary

This Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) - Hemodialysis position is located at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center. The MIT is responsible for the operation of hemodialysis equipment in the treatment of patients with renal failure and monitoring patients during dialysis treatments - makes necessary adjustments with consultation or notification of the RN according to the patient's medical condition - previous experience - and accepted practices.

• United States Citizenship:
  Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• Must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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-6
  
  Experience:
  
  At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-5) which demonstrates the knowledge - skills - abilities - and other characteristics related to the duties of the position to be filled of operating and monitoring dialysis systems for chronic patients
• Checking patient condition and determining the proper treatment procedures – technique – and machine adjustments
• Understanding medical treatment for patients with renal failure
• Administering prescribed medication and observing the patient for desired action or adverse reaction
• Recognizing and reacting to signs and symptoms that signal the onset of complications of dialysis including hypotension – disequilibrium – seizures – and arrhythmias
• Demonstrate the following KSAs:
  Skill in setting up – operating – and performing calibrations as required on a variety of dialysis equipment
• Skill in performing and interpreting test results (dialysate chemistries – water treatment testing for contaminants – etc.) including the ability to analyze deviations from the expected norm and responding appropriately
• Knowledge of American Association of Medical Instrumentation (AMMI) standards and unit policies as they relate to water treatment
• Knowledge of physiological and psychological changes and conditions related to end stage renal disease
• Ability to calculate dialysis baths according to the physician's orders per patient by mixing critical concentrates – i.e. – calcium – potassium – and bicarbonate
• Knowledge of Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS)
• GS-7
  
  Experience:
  
  At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-6) which demonstrates the knowledge – skills – abilities – and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled
• Experience providing knowledge of the equipment – standard procedures – and typical machine problems and/or patient reactions to treatment and providing hemodialysis for chronic patients – assisting the physician during central venous catheter insertion – assisting in the training of patients for home dialysis/self-care – and acting as a mentor or preceptor to lower graded hemodialysis technicians
• At this level – the technician accepts responsibility and accountability for his/her own actions. Demonstrate the following KSAs:
  Ability to assist the physician in more complex procedures such as central venous catheter insertion;
  Ability to assist in training patients in home/self-care by teaching components of machine operation including water treatment and monitoring patients for compliance;
  Ability to act as a mentor or preceptor to lower graded technicians;
  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 (GS-7) which demonstrates the knowledge – skills – abilities – and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled
• Experience providing knowledge of 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 treatments and serving as a member…