Supervisory Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis)

Veterans Health Administration • Saint Louis, MO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Supervisory Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) for Hemodialysis supervises hemodialysis MITs and assumes responsibility for the operational function of the service. The role has full administrative and professional responsibility for planning and directing subordinate technicians’ work. The incumbent provides hemodialysis technician services, including in complex cases, and supports staff instruction, training, and supervision.

The technician operates diagnostic and therapeutic medical instruments and equipment used in dialysis treatment. Duties include cannulation of chronic dialysis patients with established grafts and fistulas; initiating, monitoring, documenting, and terminating dialysis treatments; obtaining vital signs and blood samples; and following physician orders for treatment parameters. The role also performs equipment setup, operation, cleaning, disinfection, maintenance checks, and troubleshooting, and manages water-treatment quality assurance in accordance with applicable standards and guidance.

The position is full-time, with rotating tours that include days, nights, and weekends. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA non-citizen appointment exception.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• At least one year of experience comparable to the GS-8 level and directly related to the position.
• Knowledge of complex examination and treatment procedures, including procedures for acutely ill patients and peritoneal dialysis, sufficient to provide training and supervision.
• Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels.
• Ability to manage and supervise employees.
• Ability to provide or arrange staff development and training.
• Meet applicable VA grade-determination requirements for the GS-9 supervisory assignment.
• Meet pre-employment requirements, including background/security investigation, pre-employment physical examination, and required onboarding steps.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program and comply with drug-testing requirements for testing-designated positions.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Complete all application requirements specified in the announcement.

Nice To Haves

• Certification from NNCC, BONENT, NNCO, or ICC in conjunction with USCC.
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• One year of dialysis experience.
• Previous MIT supervisory experience.
• Dialysis Technician Certification.

Responsibilities

• Operate diagnostic and therapeutic medical instruments and equipment as part of dialysis treatments.
• Perform routine cannulation on chronic dialysis patients with established grafts and fistulas, ensuring pre-dialysis observations and safety checks are completed and recorded.
• Initiate and monitor dialysis treatments, document the treatment process, and terminate treatments according to unit policy.
• Promptly report treatment deviations to the charge nurse.
• Weigh patients and obtain vital signs before, during, and after dialysis.
• Use aseptic techniques and follow standard precautions and infection-control practices, including handwashing and personal protective equipment.
• Obtain blood samples through the extracorporeal pathway and other methods for laboratory testing.
• Monitor, record, and follow physician orders for the artificial kidney, dialysate bath, treatment time, heparin dose, and dry-weight goal.
• Set up, operate, clean, and disinfect hemodialysis machines and accessories, including the acute reverse osmosis system, according to manufacturer guidelines or recommendations.
• Report and document machine malfunctions or irregularities to the Biomedical Department.
• Perform return-to-service checks, including disinfection, when indicated before equipment is released for patient care.
• Remove malfunctioning equipment from service, replace it with backup equipment, and ensure equipment pulled from service is tagged for repair.
• Ensure annual maintenance of dialysis machines is completed by the Biomedical Department.
• Apply AAMI water-treatment standards and perform water-treatment maintenance and processes, including main and portable RO disinfection and cultures.
• Ensure monthly dialysis-machine and RO-water culture test results are sent to the Infection Prevention Department.
• Perform and interpret dialysate chemistry and water-treatment-system test results for main and portable units.
• Analyze deviations from expected norms and respond appropriately, reporting deviations promptly to the nurse manager, charge nurse/team, supervisory staff, and biomedical engineering.
• Plan and direct the work of subordinate technicians; assign and evaluate work, provide instruction and training, and identify staff development needs.
• Provide dialysis technician services in more complex cases; review and recommend new and emerging procedures.
• Interview candidates and recommend selections, advancements, and promotions; evaluate performance and take disciplinary action when necessary.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; eligibility and specific benefits depend on position status.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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