Hemodialysis Technicians provide treatment to patients with renal failure, operating and monitoring several kinds of instruments, and pieces of equipment specially designed for extracorporeal circulation and dialysis. Operate and monitor all aspects of the hemodialysis treatment, to include assembly of equipment, preparation of dialysis machine, cannulation of access or appropriate use of central venous catheter. Assess the patient during dialysis treatment.
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. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a. 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). Licensure or Certification: Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills and abilities. GS-08 Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis) 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. 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. Certification. 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. Reference. For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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. The position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, pushing, and reaching over head. The incumbent must be able to stand and move for extended periods of time.
The incumbent independently provides Hemodialysis treatment to patients with chronic renal failure under the supervision of the Registered Nurse. The tasks performed include, but are not limited to the following: Record patients' condition and changes (blood pressure, excess fluid, etc.), and determines proper treatment procedure, technique and machine adjustments. Rinses and primes dialyzer, attaches and installs all required tubing, positions, positions dialyzer, prepares dialysate delivery unit for dialysis, connects dialyzer and all pumps, alarms and monitors. Tests dialysate conductivity. Assembles all necessary supplies and equipment at bedside. Inspects and evaluates circulatory access site. Determines clotting times, follows protocol for regional heparinization, adjusts heparin and protamine dosage. Adjusts blood flow rates under the supervision of the Registered Nurse. Cleans and dresses circulatory access site using sterile techniques. Sterilizes machines per unit policy and manufacturer specifications. Assesses and records the results of the dialysis treatment, plans future care and reports program to the dialysis team. Operates diagnostic and therapeutic medical instruments and equipment as part of the treatment of kidney failure. Responsible for the routine maintenance, troubleshooting and disinfection of equipment, water quality monitoring, restocking of supplies and preparation of dialysate concentrates for dialysis procedures. Preferred Experience: 1 Year in Hemodialysis. Work Schedule: 7:30am to 8:00pm Telework: Not Available