Medical Instrument Technician (Gastroenterology)

Veterans Health Administration • Martinsburg, WV

7h • Onsite

About The Position

Gastroenterology (GI) Technicians assist practitioners with endoscopic procedures, including esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and endoscopic ultrasound. They set up equipment, ensure it performs properly, and reprocess reusable medical equipment and devices. The role also includes preparing patients and assisting physicians during diagnostic, therapeutic, and minor surgical procedures, including treatment of ulcers and upper GI bleeding.

The technician provides equipment orientation and training; orders and maintains specialized supplies; interprets results to determine whether information required by physician orders is complete; maintains files and records; schedules and coordinates procedures through VISTA; and contacts patients to collect standard information. The full performance level and actual grade for this vacancy are GS-7. The position is permanent and is not available for telework or as a virtual position.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• At least one year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, including knowledge of proper endoscopic equipment performance and procedures.
• Knowledge of endoscopic equipment and its use in basic and complex endoscopic procedures.
• Knowledge of GI anatomy and physiology and ability to recognize and report obvious abnormalities during procedures.
• Ability to assist physicians with specialized, complex procedures.
• Knowledge of universal precautions and disinfection techniques, and ability to follow standard operating procedures for cleaning reusable medical equipment.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively and demonstrate customer service and interpersonal skills with healthcare professionals.
• Ability to use basic computer systems and programs to record patient and endoscopic data while following patient privacy and information security policies.
• Ability to provide patient care, including measuring vital signs and administering medication.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation or examination.
• May be required to travel between VA and/or non-VA clinical care sites; a valid driver's license may be required.
• Must meet applicable federal employment, onboarding, background/security investigation, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is desirable.
• Licensure or certification is not required, but is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above.
• Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA) level one or level two training certification is available.

Responsibilities

• Assist practitioners during endoscopic procedures, including EGD, colonoscopy, ERCP, and endoscopic ultrasound.
• Set up equipment, ensure proper equipment performance, and reprocess endoscopic reusable medical equipment and devices.
• Prepare patients for tests, examinations, treatment, and minor surgery.
• Assist physicians during diagnostic, therapeutic, and minor surgical procedures by preparing supplies and equipment, positioning and draping patients, holding patients, and handing instruments and supplies to physicians.
• Assist physicians in treating ulcers and upper GI bleeding.
• Provide orientation and training in the proper use, calibration, and maintenance of equipment and instruments.
• Order and maintain specialized supplies related to equipment and instruments used in the unit.
• Interpret results to determine whether information required by physician orders is complete.
• Establish and maintain files and records related to gastroenterology activities and functions.
• Schedule and coordinate procedures through VISTA.
• Contact patients independently and collect standard information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 37–50 days of annual paid time off, comprising 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Eligible selected applicants may receive credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to family income, eligible childcare costs, and monthly limits.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and a 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.

What This Job Offers

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