Medical Instrument Technician - Hemodialysis

Summary

The James A Haley Veterans Hospital is seeking an experienced Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis). The Hemodialysis Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) is a key member of the dialysis interdisciplinary team within the Nursing/Medicine Specialty Service. The Dialysis MIT performs hemodialysis treatments for stable, acutely ill and chronic patients and may assist with peritoneal dialysis.

Duties

Duties include but not limited to: The GS-8 Hemodialysis Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) is assigned to the Dialysis Unit, organizationally responsible to Nursing/ Medicine Specialty, at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital. The MIT is a member of the renal/dialysis multidisciplinary team & assists with the care delivery of patients in acute, sub-acute or chronic states of illness. Responsibilities include educating patients on machine operation and monitoring, as well as training physicians, nurses, and technicians on dialysis equipment. Preferred qualifications include current, unrestricted certification as a clinical hemodialysis technician. The Dialysis MIT possesses advanced knowledge of complex dialysis procedures, renal pharmacology, and the physiological effects of treatments on organ systems. he Dialysis Technician executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience, and creative approaches to managing complex systems Demonstrates advanced proficiency in all knowledge, skills, and abilities required of a GS-08 Hemodialysis MIT, including performing dialysis procedures for both acute and chronic renal failure patients under the supervision of the assigned RN or Charge Nurse. Operates and maintains diagnostic and therapeutic medical instruments and equipment essential for hemodialysis treatment. Independently initiates, monitors, and terminates dialysis treatments; prepares and administers prescribed solutions (e.g., lidocaine, heparin, normal saline); and ensures accurate and timely completion of all required documentation. Leads technical operations within the dialysis unit, including equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, disinfection, water quality monitoring, and preparation of dialysate concentrates. Oversees compliance with special disinfection protocols for water treatment systems, monthly colony counts on RO systems and dialysate, and safety checks for eye wash stations. Completes daily operational assignments and verifies completion of all documentation prior to end of shift Serves as preceptor and coordinator for onboarding new technical and nursing staff, providing instruction on dialysis machine operation, equipment functionality, and troubleshooting. Offers constructive feedback, ensures completion of orientation documentation, and communicates progress and areas for improvement to the management team. Provides technical expertise in the calibration, operation, and troubleshooting of specialized medical equipment, collaborating with lead technicians and biomedical support staff to maintain equipment in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and regulatory standards. Educates physicians, nurses, Mils, and other personnel on dialysis techniques, equipment operation, and routine troubleshooting procedures. Manages inventory of dialysis-related supplies, ensuring adequate stock levels, proper rotation, and timely communication of shortages or adjustments to inventory requirements Oversees technical operations in machine rooms, RO rooms, and supply areas, ensuring all tasks are completed at required intervals and documented accurately Maintains accountability for all assigned patient care and technical duties, ensuring compliance with unit policies and standards of care Performs additional dialysis-related responsibilities as assigned by the Charge RN and/or Nurse Manager to support safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care The GS-8 is responsible for the following duties: Knowledge of the hemodialysis process and equipment needed for home/self-care including knowledge of common machine problems and repairs to such equipment. Knowledge of the equipment and procedures for peritoneal dialysis. Ability to provide instruction to dialysis patients in home/self-care and in the maintenance of equipment. Ability to provide instruction for physicians, nurses, and other personnel in dialysis procedures, equipment operation, and maintenance. Work Schedule: 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Including rotating weekends and holidays. May rotate to the 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM shift based on unit needs Compressed/Flexible: 10 hour compressed tours Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications

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. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Licensure or Certification. Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-7 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. Grade Determinations: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*). Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 4 and 5 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment. Knowledge of the hemodialysis process and equipment needed for home/self-care including knowledge of common machine problems and repairs to such equipment. Knowledge of the equipment and procedures for peritoneal dialysis. Ability to provide instruction to dialysis patients in home/self-care and in the maintenance of equipment. Ability to provide instruction for physicians, nurses, and other personnel in dialysis procedures, equipment operation, and maintenance. Certification. No certification required. BLS Required to work on the Unit. 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. 1. Special Assignments. Non-supervisory hemodialysis technicians may have assignments that because of their nature substantially exceed the full performance level. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. Preferred Experience: Minimum 2-3 years of experience providing direct patient care in hemodialysis, in -center or acute care. Experience with central and portable reverse osmosis systems and any equipment used in dialysis settings. Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however it is strongly desirable for GS 7 or above. The agencies that offer national certifications are listed below: Certified clinical hemodialysis technician (CCHT) certification NNCC ( Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission. Board of Nephrology Examiners, Inc., Nursing and Technology (BONENT) National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO) International Certification Commission for Clinical Engineering and Biomedical Technology (ICC) in conjunction with the United States Certification Commission (USCC). Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certifications Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications Physical Requirements: The Technician must spend a great deal of time walking and standing. Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 35 pounds safely. Walking, standing, stooping, bending, and kneeling for 4-6 hours intermittently. Prolonged sitting for 1-2 hours at a time. Frequent reaching above head and shoulders. Pushing equipment or carts for up to 4-5 hours intermittently. Repeated wrist movements setting up dialysis machines for 2-4 hours intermittently. Technician must expend considerable energy in the transport of heavy dialysis equipment and working in close quarters to check, adjust and make major and minor repairs at the bedside.

Education

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. How You Will Be Evaluated

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members. Other Information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.