Clarification from the agency

Area of Consideration as follows: a. 1st - Current Permanent Salisbury employees (including CBOCs) b. 2nd - Current Permanent Employees of the Veterans Health Administration c. 3rd - Current Permanent Employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs d. 4th - All other U.S Citizens. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis) GS-08 Duties:

• Initiates and terminates dialysis treatments following standard procedures. Monitors patients throughout treatment and makes necessary adjustments under the direction of the RN based on the patient's medical condition.
• Monitors and reports pretreatment dialysis parameters, temperature, vital signs, weight gain, and health of access (fistula, graft, permcath) to the RN before initiation.
• Collects and records vital signs using a blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, scale and thermometer.
• Records patients' condition and changes (blood pressure, excess fluid, etc.) and determines proper treatment procedure, technique, and machine adjustments.
• Assembles all necessary supplies and equipment at chair side.
• Inspects and evaluates circulatory access site.
• Cleans and dresses site using aseptic and/or sterile technique.
• Selects appropriate instruments and techniques and troubleshoots complex equipment.
• Validates two patient identifiers before initiation of treatment.
• Connects patient to the dialyzer (using venipuncture, permcath) and operates equipment to initiate extracorporeal circulation and performance of dialysis.
• Prepares and dismantles extracorporeal blood circuits and the dialysis machine to create a sterile, air-free blood circuit using a standard aseptic procedure.
• Operates and monitors dialysis machinery in performance of dialysis procedures using prescribed standard procedures and the machine monitoring system.
• Establishes amount of fluid to be removed and sets the machine pressure per the coefficient of ultrafiltration of the dialyzer.
• Adjusts blood flow rates.
• Obtains blood specimens for routine or special tests.
• Collects laboratory specimens from patients using syringes, needles, tubes, and different sterile techniques.
• Preprocesses lab samples in centrifuge and delivers to the lab.
• Documents and charts accurately on flow sheets and medical records.
• Assesses and records the results of dialysis treatment, and reports to the dialysis team.
• Recognizes medical complications or altered response to treatment and notifies RN, MD or PA.
• Cannulates hemodialysis fistula or graft for dialysis or initiates treatment using a Permcath.
• Initiates pause therapy and recirculation of dialysis system for other patient assisted needs.
• Administers saline intravenously into the dialysis line when in his/her judgment the machine has removed more fluid from the patient than indicated or due to patient conditions.
• Observes dialysis machine for correct functions during dialysis and adjusts when necessary.
• Responds to equipment alarms, adjusts alarm limits, and corrects the cause of malfunction which triggered the alarm.
• Observes for and/or tests for blood leaks.
• Administers oxygen therapy, e.g., nasal cannula or mask when necessary.
• Administers heparin, saline or lidocaine per Medical center UAP protocol.
• Returns blood to patient upon termination of dialysis.
• Recognizes when emergency measures are necessary and institutes life saving measures until medical assistance is secured.
• Initiates or assists in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other emergency procedures using an Ambu bag, cardiac monitor, and oxygen equipment.

Work Schedule: 10-Hour shifts (6:00am-4:30pm; 6:30am-5:00pm; or 7:00am-5:30pm) 4 days a week (Monday-Saturday)
Compressed/Flexible:Yes
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 00000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

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.
• Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions.
• Licensure or Certification. Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certifications.

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-08 Experience: At least one 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. 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:
1. Knowledge of the hemodialysis process and equipment needed for home/self care including knowledge of common machine problems and repairs to such equipment.
2. Knowledge of the equipment and procedures for peritoneal dialysis.
3. Ability to assist the physician with percutaneous renal biopsies and peritoneal catheter insertion.
4. Ability to provide instruction to dialysis patients in home/self care and in the maintenance of the equipment.
5. Ability to provide instruction for physicians, nurses, and other personnel in dialysis procedures, equipment operation and maintenance, etc.

Preferred Experience: Two years' experience performing Medical Instrument Technician Hemodialysis duties and BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certifications.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. VHA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G27/Appendix G- Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis)

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08.

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 incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative/invasive procedures, or home settings. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must be able to lift and transport bulky equipment and supplies, including large salt pellet bags.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.