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Incumbent is assigned to the Hemodialysis Unit, which is organizationally responsible to Nursing Service. The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) is responsible for the technical aspects of the equipment utilized in the dialysis setting. The MIT is expected to have a thorough knowledge of the psychology of renal failure and mechanics of machine/human interface and all ramifications of treatment delivery. This position requires specialized advanced knowledge and skills. 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. Must be proficient in spoken and written English 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. 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 treatments and serving 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. Participating in percutaneous renal biopsies, watching the patient during the procedure and properly processing the specimen. Assisting the physician in peritoneal catheter insertions and observing the patient for vital signs and provides post-operative care. Providing instruction and monitors patients for home dialysis. Performing training of physicians, nurses, and technicians on hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis techniques. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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. Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at each grade level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certifications. References: VA Handbook 5005/5, Part II, Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standards. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: The work requires standing or walking for a major portion of the work day. The walking will often require carrying supplies or pushing carts and equipment. Standing will require holding patients or stocking supplies. This may occupy half of the work day and will hence be considered demanding physical activity. A certain mechanical dexterity is required in the replacement of parts and the repair of equipment to restore or maintain operability after faults are identified. ["Provide direct patient care to patients with End Stage Renal Disease. The Hemodialysis Technician provides hemodialysis in both the inpatient and outpatient clinics. Serves as a member of a dialysis team performing dialysis on acutely ill patients including those within an intensive care setting. Assignments involve but not exclusive to performing hemodialysis procedures, cannulation, and machine disinfection. The dialysis technician monitors the patient during the dialysis procedure and notifies the charge nurse of changes in patient's condition. The Hemodialysis Technician properly processing lab specimen as indicated. Performs training to new staff as needed. The Hemodialysis Technician is expected to have a thorough knowledge of the pathology of acute and chronic renal disease and the various treatment modalities. Completes all log records as indicated. Has a thorough knowledge of American Association of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) standards as it applies to all aspects of dialysis. The ability to operate multiple hemodialysis equipment such as portable reverse osmosis systems. TABLO, NxStage, and hemodialysis machines. Maintain all log records on all equipment that includes but is not limited to water treatment systems and dialysis equipment. Has a thorough knowledge of American Association of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) standards as it applies to all aspects of dialysis. Stays abreast of AAMI changes and implements actions that reflect these changes. Has a thorough knowledge of the JCAHO and other regulatory standards such as OSHA as they apply to the dialysis setting. Works collaboratively with the biomedical engineering technical assigned to dialysis in assuring the safety of all equipment used in the dialysis setting and assures the proper functioning of the equipment. Oversees or performs as necessary all daily, weekly or monthly checks, cultures, LAL, chemistries on all equipment included but not limited to dialysis machines, all RO water treatment systems, checks log records for accuracy and completeness, tracks results and takes corrective action as necessary. Apprises and consults with Infection Control as necessary for persistent or unresolved issues with positive water and dialysate samples. Able to work in both the chronic and acute hemodialysis settings. Set up and monitor dialysis machines and various pieces of the hemodialysis water system to assure proper functionality. Review dialysis orders, notes general physical and mental condition of patient through observations and interview, provide data to determine compliance to dietary or medical regimen. Accept on call assignments on a rotating basis for weekend and evening assignments. Current Basic Life Support. CPR card. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Full-Time, Monday-Friday with weekend rotation, 4:00am-12:30pm and 12:00pm - 8:30 pm\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]