Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis)

Veterans Health Administration•Cleveland, OH

4d•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 is a member of the dialysis team and works under the direction of the nurse manager and staff nurse to provide hemodialysis care to patients with renal failure. The vacancy may be filled at GS-4 through GS-8, with GS-8 as the full performance level. The work schedule is Monday through Friday on alternating shifts of 5:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m., with alternating Saturdays and holidays. The position is not eligible for telework and is not virtual. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Meet the applicable GS-4 through GS-8 qualification requirements through qualifying experience or education, as applicable to the grade sought.
GS-4 experience route: at least one year of comparable experience, including six months in a medically related field and six months operating diagnostic or therapeutic equipment; alternatively, qualifying post-high-school education or an associate's degree in a directly related field.
GS-5 experience route: at least one year of comparable experience operating equipment related to the specialization or a related functional area; alternatively, four academic years of post-high-school education leading to a bachelor's degree or an appropriate bachelor's degree.
GS-6: at least one year of comparable experience and demonstrated skills in dialysis equipment setup, operation and calibration; testing and interpreting dialysate and water-treatment results; applying water-treatment standards and unit policies; understanding conditions related to end-stage renal disease; calculating dialysis baths; and knowledge of Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS).
GS-7: at least one year of comparable experience and ability to assist with complex procedures such as central venous catheter insertion, train patients in home or self-care, mentor or precept lower-graded technicians, and assess whether deviations are machine- or patient-related.
GS-8: at least one year of comparable experience and knowledge of hemodialysis equipment for home or self-care, peritoneal dialysis equipment and procedures, related pharmacology and acute disorders; ability to assist with renal biopsies and peritoneal catheter insertion and instruct patients and clinical personnel.
Meet applicable pre-employment screening and onboarding requirements, including drug testing, background/security investigation, and required identification documentation.
Register with Selective Service if applicable.
Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.
Meet the position's physical requirements, including moderate lifting and carrying up to 35 pounds, pushing and pulling items up to 35 pounds, use of an appropriate mechanical lift, and the specified mobility, vision, and hearing capabilities.

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 collaborate with clinicians to make adjustments based on the patient's medical condition, history, and accepted practices.
Assemble necessary supplies and equipment at the patient's chairside.
Operate and monitor dialysis machinery using standard procedures and the machine monitoring system.
Accurately document and chart treatment information on flow sheets and medical records.
Assess and record dialysis treatment results, plan for future care, and report progress to the dialysis team.
Recognize medical complications or altered responses to treatment and notify an RN or physician.
Respond to equipment alarms, adjust alarm limits, and correct the causes of equipment malfunctions.