Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis)

Veterans Health Administration • Cleveland, OH

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting a full-time Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis) for the Surgical-Perioperative section of Patient Care Nursing Service. The technician works as a member of the dialysis team under the direction of the nurse manager and staff nurse, providing hemodialysis care to patients with renal failure.

The position operates and monitors dialysis equipment, prepares supplies, initiates and terminates treatments, monitors patients, documents care, and reports treatment outcomes and concerns to the dialysis team. The role also involves responding to equipment alarms and recognizing complications or changes in a patient's response to treatment.

The position is full-time, with a Monday–Friday schedule and alternating shifts of 5:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m., plus alternating Saturdays and holidays. The position is onsite and is not telework or virtual. The full performance level is GS-8. The role includes physical activities typical of inpatient care, including lifting and carrying up to 35 pounds and use of an appropriate mechanical lift.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• At least one year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, demonstrating knowledge of complex procedures, related pharmacology, acute disorders and diseases, effects on organs, and methods of treatment.
• Knowledge of the hemodialysis process and equipment used for home/self-care, including common machine problems and repairs.
• Knowledge of peritoneal dialysis equipment and procedures.
• Ability to assist physicians with percutaneous renal biopsies and peritoneal catheter insertion.
• Ability to instruct dialysis patients in home/self-care and equipment maintenance.
• Ability to instruct physicians, nurses, and other personnel in dialysis procedures and equipment operation and maintenance.
• Pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and meet the stated background, security, drug-testing, onboarding, and identification requirements.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Meet physical requirements including bending, grasping, kneeling, moderate lifting and carrying up to 35 pounds, pushing and pulling items up to 35 pounds, reaching within five feet or above shoulder height, sitting, squatting, standing, walking, twisting, and wrist flexion and extension; use proper body mechanics.
• Have adequate vision to perform assigned duties, distinguish basic colors, and assess patients and the environment safely; have sufficient hearing to perform assigned duties (hearing aids are permitted).
• Serve a 1- or 2-year trial period, during which continued employment is subject to written certification that it advances the public interest.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of chronic hemodialysis experience.
• Dialysis certification through the Ohio Board of Nursing or another state.
• Current BCLS and ACLS certifications.

Responsibilities

• Provide hemodialysis treatment to patients with renal failure.
• Initiate and terminate dialysis treatments according to standard procedures.
• Monitor patients during treatment and, in collaboration with the clinician, make adjustments based on the patient's medical condition, prior experience, and accepted practices.
• Assemble necessary supplies and equipment at the patient's chair side.
• Operate and monitor dialysis machinery using prescribed procedures and machine monitoring systems.
• Accurately document and chart on flow sheets and medical records.
• Assess and record dialysis treatment results, plan for future care, and report the treatment program to the dialysis team.
• Recognize medical complications or altered responses to treatment and notify an RN or MD.
• Respond to equipment alarms, adjust alarm limits, and correct causes of malfunctions.
• Assist physicians with percutaneous renal biopsies and peritoneal catheter insertion.
• Provide instruction to dialysis patients in home/self-care and equipment maintenance.
• Provide instruction to physicians, nurses, and other personnel in dialysis procedures and equipment operation and maintenance.

Benefits

• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment, in connection with birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• Eligible full-time employees with total family income below $144,000 may qualify after 60 days of employment for a child care subsidy of up to 25% of eligible costs, subject to a monthly maximum of $416.66.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and federal 401(k) with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed