Medical Instrument Technician (GI)

The Gastroenterology (GI) Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) functions as a member of the GI/ENDO multidisciplinary team and assists the RN in the care of patients in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness. The GI MIT delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care with minimal instruction to assigned patients while developing technical competencies.

Major Duties Include, but are not limited to the following: Functions as a primary person responsible for knowledge and handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during GI procedures, such as but not limited to: argon plasma cautery, colonoscopy, digestive tract biopsies, esophageal banding, esophageal biopsy, esophageal dilation, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), polypectomies, sigmoidoscopy, endoscopic ultrasounds, and pill endoscopies. Assist staff with complex specialized procedures. Ensures all patients are appropriately prepared with IV access as required the procedure, maintaining strict compliance with infection control standards. Able to troubleshoot equipment and IT issues quickly. Able to place yourHTM requests or contact Biomed for equipment issues and notifying GI manager as issues arise. Prepares procedural rooms for the performance of GI procedures, including the set-up/ testing of the video imaging system, computers and monitors, cautery units, pill cameras, data collectors, appropriate endoscope for procedure, specialized accessories and supplies. Turns procedure rooms over within an average of ten-minute time frame. Turnover time represents the time from which a patient leaves the procedure room to the time the room is ready for the next patient. Responsible for demonstrating and maintaining full competency in the use, pre-cleaning and/or reprocessing of reusable medical equipment. The employee must ensure that the appropriate Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and manufacturer's instructions are followed for any step in the use of RME and RME storage (pre-cleaning, reprocessing, disinfection, sterilization, maintenance) in which he/she is involved. Plans and discusses each procedure with the GPT professionals and assures that all supplies and equipment are available prior to the GI procedures. Prepares, organizes, and maintains GI set-ups. Observes and responds promptly to each stage of the GI procedures and anticipates the needs of the physician and/or registered nurse by maintaining a high level of concentration for extended periods of time. Utilizes universal precautions and follows all infection control policies and procedures when handling specimens, supplies, equipment, as well as follows all RME reprocessing protocol for high level disinfection. Recognizes potentially hazardous situations (i.e. frayed cords, water on floor, etc.) and takes corrective action. Assists the GPT members with the care of the patient, i.e., positioning, and obtaining supplies. Applies various monitoring equipment, i.e. BP/O2 sat/ ECG, etc., when assisting with patient preparation. Responsible for the accountability of all GI instruments and equipment during the procedure. Assesses equipment needs and maintains adequate stock of supplies and materials. Restocks procedure room at the end of the procedure day, rotates stock in order to assure usage before outdated, assuring that the room is ready for procedures at all times. Assists the physician, and/or registered nurse with instrumentation necessary to perform the required procedure and treatment such as obtaining biopsies, performing polypectomies, inflation of balloon dilators, injection of contrast solutions and other agents during GI procedures. Prepares diagnostic biopsy specimens, assesses the adequacy of each, properly orientating the biopsy and placing in appropriate specimen bottle with appropriate labeling to meet pathology laboratory specifications during procedures. Responsible for performing final biopsy check with the endoscopist post-procedure, verifying that patient labels on the specimen are correct. Responsible for moving the endo cart and all endoscopes and accessory equipment to the ICU, assist the physician with the procedure, perform RME bedside cleaning, and ensure that SPS is notified to up used endoscopes. Responsible for ensuring that all specialized GI accessories, including, but not limited to, snares, injection needles, are ordered through Logistics in a timely fashion. Specialized, patient specific, items require consultation directly with the Gastroenterologist for proper sizing, etc. The MIT establishes good working relationship with Lead MIT and informs Lead MIT of any items that need ordered. Assists in inventory and maintaining par levels of specialty equipment for the endoscopy unit. Follows VHA Directive 1194 The Use of Unlicensed Assistive Personnel in Administering Medications. Train other technicians in basic endoscopic procedures. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8am to 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: A relocation/recruitment incentive may be authorized for highly qualified candidates Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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.

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. 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/.