The Hemodialysis Tech performs numerous technical assignments to aid in the delivery of a safe and effective dialysis treatment in addition to providing patient care to veterans whose age may range from 17 years to 100+ years. Performs dialysis on acutely ill patients including those within an intensive care setting. Assignments involve performing both peritoneal and hemodialysis procedures. Assist physician during invasive and noninvasive procedures. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: GS-7 (a) Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 1. Knowledge of the fundamentals of standard equipment operation, calibration and function. 2. Knowledge of correct use of non-invasive patient monitoring equipment specific to anesthesiology. 3. Ability to appropriately interact with patients during anesthetic procedures. 4. Knowledge of anesthesiology supplies and equipment appropriate to routine anesthetic procedures, such as those found in typical inpatient settings. (c) Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification. Certification as a Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) from the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) is required within 18 months of employment.VHA Directive 1042.01 Reference B - Requirements for VA Dialysis Programs Amended VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 MARCH 17, 2006 PART II APPENDIX G27 II-G27-12 GS - 8 At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-07) 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 treatment. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of the hemodialysis process and equipment needed for home/self care including knowledge of common machine problems and repairs to such equipment. Knowledge of the equipment and procedures for peritoneal dialysis. Ability to assist the physician with percutaneous renal biopsies and peritoneal catheter insertion. Ability to provide instruction to dialysis patients in home/self care and in the maintenance of the equipment. Ability to provide instruction for physicians, nurses, and other personnel in dialysis procedures, equipment operation and maintenance, etc. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27 Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standard, dated 06/07/2012 Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical lifts are provided. The MIT may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and will be required to don protective clothing while providing patient care and servicing/cleaning equipment. The MIT may occasionally experience patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The MIT must be a mature and sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations and able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Lifting and transportation of bulky supplies and equipment are required. ["Equipment Maintenance/Repair: Prepares dialysis machine and all related components for treatment, including reverse osmosis water treatment machines,and associated equipment. Patient Care Obtains and documents pre and post-dialysis vital signs, weight, and temperature. Serves as a mentor to lower graded hemodialysis technicians as well as provide instruction to physicians, RNs and other personnel in dialysis procedures, equipment operation and maintenance. Seeks knowledge and skills appropriate to maintain/improve knowledge in the practice setting staying current with national standards of care. Work Schedule: Mondays through Saturdays, 6:00 - 4:30 (4) 10 Hr shifts Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.