Medical Instrument Technician; Hemodialysis

Position Overview

The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) assigned to the Hemodialysis Unit provides direct and indirect patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse at the San Francisco VA Medical Center. The MIT supports safe, effective hemodialysis treatments for patients with acute and chronic renal failure in accordance with VA policies, clinical standards, and infection control guidelines.

At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level demonstrating knowledge, skills, abilities, and characteristics related to the duties of the position, including complex procedures, pharmacology, acute disorders, and their effects on organs and methods of treatment. The candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs

• Knowledge of the hemodialysis process and equipment needed for home or self‑care, including common machine problems and repairs.
• Knowledge of 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 or self‑care and equipment maintenance.
• Ability to provide instruction for physicians, nurses, and other personnel in dialysis procedures and equipment operation or maintenance.

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.

Minimum of 2 years of recent experience as a Hemodialysis Technician or Patient Care Technician in an outpatient or inpatient dialysis setting is preferred. Experience performing:

• Initiation and termination of hemodialysis treatments.
• Cannulation of arteriovenous (AV) fistulas and grafts.
• Central venous catheter care under RN supervision.
• Collection of pre‑ and post‑dialysis laboratory specimens.
• Monitoring patients during dialysis and recognizing complications.

Experience with dialysis equipment such as:

• BBraun or equivalent dialysis machines.
• Reverse Osmosis (RO) water treatment systems.
• Water quality monitoring and disinfection procedures.

Experience working with:

• Electronic Health Records (EHR), preferably CPRS/Cerner or equivalent.
• Infection prevention and control practices.

For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08.

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.