Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis Technician)

Medical Instrument technician-Hemodialysis (MIT) at the VA dialysis center are responsible for setting up & operating hemodialysis equipment in the treatment of patients with renal failure. They monitor patients during dialysis treatments, clean & sterilize dialysis equipment. They monitor the quality of the water used for dialysis; collect, record & report water culture results. The MIT performs duties as part of the dialysis team under the direction of the nurse manager and staff nurse.

Medical Instrument technician-Hemodialysis duties include but not limited to: Independently provides hemodialysis treatment to patients with renal failure. Initiates and terminates dialysis treatments following standard procedures. Monitors patients throughout treatment and makes necessary adjustments without consultation per the patient's medical condition, previous experience, and accepted practices. Monitors dialysis treatment parameters, e.g., vital signs, weight loss. Collects and records vital signs using blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, and scales and thermometers. 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 circulatory site using sterile techniques. Connects patient to the dialyzer (using venipunctures, external shunt, etc.) and operates equipment to initiate extracorporeal circulation and performance of dialysis. Prepares and dismantles extracorporeal blood circuits and the dialysis machines 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 according to 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. Processes lab samples. Centrifuges samples, boxes samples, and prepares samples for shipment. Documents and charts accurately on flow sheets and medical records. Assesses and records the results of the dialysis treatment, plans future care, and reports program to the dialysis team. Recognizes medical complications or altered response to treatment and notifies RN or MD. 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 according to the coefficient of ultrafiltration of the dialyzer. Obtains blood specimens for routine or special tests. Collects laboratory specimens from patients using syringes, needles, tubes, and different sterile techniques. Processes lab samples. Centrifuges samples, boxes samples, and prepares samples for shipment. Documents and charts accurately on flow sheets and medical records. Assesses and records the results of the dialysis treatment, plans future care, and reports program to the dialysis team. Recognizes medical complications or altered response to treatment and notifies RN or MD. Maintains skills necessary to do regional heparinization, separate and store blood samples, set up oxygen, administer saline, and maintain equipment. Train and mentor new dialysis technicians and assign specific tasks under the direction of the RN charge nurse/team leader. Collaborates with other technicians, RNs, physicians, and physician extenders and keeps them informed of technical changes, new equipment, and procedures, actual or potential difficulties, changes or shortages of supplies, and other issues which may affect the operation of the dialysis center. Conserves resources effectively by using supplies and equipment in a responsible manner. Documents patient care and technical work. Documentation is consistent, accurate, concise, and timely. Uses the VA Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) and dialysis machine software. Preferred Experience: 2 years of experience as a Certified Hemodialysis Technician & an active CCHT or comparable Hemodialysis Certification. Work Schedule: 9:00 am-7:30 pm rotating schedule including Saturdays. Schedule may be subject to change based on the needs of the Agency. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 94511-A, 94512-A, 93898-A, 93899-A, 93900-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, lifting, carrying, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. May be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and must don protective clothing during patient care. Must be flexible, sensible and capable or working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual employee health requirements. This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity.

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. 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.

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. To meet qualification requirements, your resume should clearly identity the following information for each applicable degree: Name of the college or university Degree earned and the field of study Date the degree was conferred (month and year) Please ensure this information is included directly on your resume so your education can be properly evaluated during the qualification review. Transcript (must include the following information): Your Name Name of the college or university Full address of the college or university Degree Received Date Conferred REMINDER: A copy of your certificate/degree or screenshot of your current classes are not a replacement of your transcript and they will not be used in the qualifying process. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.