Summary The Incumbent works in the Renal Section of Nursing Services in Rocky Mountain Regional Medical Center, operates the dialysis machines, the Portable reverse osmosis (RO) machines and the main RO system used for dialysis treatments. The Hemodialysis technician at this level functions with minimal instruction, in the hemodialysis unit under the supervision of the dialysis RN. The incumbent is a member of the Hemodialysis team and performs both technical and patient care activities. Responsibilities The Hemodialysis Technician adheres to universal precautions and all applicable SOPs. The Hemodialysis Technician documents and logs data adhering to patient privacy and information security policy. Under the supervision of an assigned Dialysis RN, the hemodialysis technician performs all duties related to dialysis: machine set-up, obtaining physiological information on patients (i.e. BP, weight, TPR) initiation of dialysis, cannulation of dialysis access, connecting patient to machine, monitoring patient and machine during treatment, termination of dialysis to include rinse back of blood, extracting needles from access site, ensuring that bleeding of needle sites ceases, and documentation of care provided during the treatment. The hemodialysis technician instructs patient pre-procedure to assure confidence and cooperation of patient during procedures. He/she independently explains various procedures including basic concepts of dialysis process, cannulation or catheter procedure, purpose of alarms on the dialysis machine and a demonstration of what they sound like, possible symptoms to be aware of during the dialysis treatment (i.e., cramping of the muscles). He/she explains requirements for accurate monitoring of BP and pulse every 15-30 minutes during treatment. The hemodialysis technician provides answers to questions that patient and or family members may have or refers to RN if unable to provide information. The hemodialysis technician can assess basic deviations from the unexpected, determine whether the deviations are machine or patient related. The hemodialysis technician can recognize and, in collaboration with the RN, responds appropriately to a variety of routine and extraordinary complications and emergencies specific to dialysis, i.e. symptomatic hypotension, inadequate access flow, cramping, infiltrated access, clotted dialyzer, and machine alarm assessments. The hemodialysis technician collaborates with Dialysis RN & Charge RN on the needs of the chronic dialysis patient, assists with inpatient treatment care by assisting with equipment needs for the inpatient setting, i.e. transporting, setting up, disinfection, and other equipment needs as indicated by the Charge/. Inpatient RN. The hemodialysis technician has knowledge of the water system that includes the performance of water testing for chorine and chloramines prior to each patient shift and proper operation of water treatment equipment used to make water suitable for hemodialysis procedures. Other duties included are disinfection, rinsing procedures and record keeping. The hemodialysis technician communicates to Lead Technician the need for repairs of machines and other dialysis equipment. The hemodialysis technician recognizes abnormal results for water samples and respond accordingly. They may assist Lead dialysis technician in delegated tasks such as required monthly water sampling. The hemodialysis technician consistently utilizes proper infection control practices per unit guidelines. The hemodialysis technician on a regular and recurring basis stocks dialysis supplies in the patient care area and assist with inventory of supplies The hemodialysis technician participates in duties such as access flow monitoring on a monthly or as needed basis. The hemodialysis technician participates in interdisciplinary Quality Improvement activities within the dialysis unit. The hemodialysis technician operates, troubleshoots, calibrates and repairs different kinds of dialysis delivery equipment including dialysis machines, and water treatment systems. Duties include cleaning, disinfecting, and rinsing of equipment as well as re-usable expendables. Perform other duties as assigned Work Schedule: 0400-1630 Mon-Sat compressed, rotating schedule including Saturdays & holidays. Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 554-55533-A, 554-55534-A,554-55535-A,554-55536-A, 554-55537-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements 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. You may be required to serve a probationary period. 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 dentification 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). 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 aren't specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education can only be substituted for experience at the GS-4 & GS-5 level. 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. 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-4 Experience: At least 1 year experience comparable to next lower grade demonstrating KSAs & characteristics related to position duties. 6 months of experience may have been in medically related fields: nursing assistant, practical nursing, or similar fields. The other 6 months must have been operating diagnostic & therapeutic MIT equipment. Experience gained operating MIT equipment for animal diagnosis/treatment may be credited at this level. OR Education. Successful completion of 2 years of education above high school or associate's degree w/ major field study directly related to MIT occupation Demonstrated KSAs: 1. Knowledge of basic medical terminology. 2. Ability to learn the components, operating characteristics, and settings of the equipment to be used. 3. Ability to learn typical patient reactions to the basic procedures involved and ability to recognize signs of distress. 4. Ability to learn the standard positions for the procedure being conducted. 5. Ability to communicate orally and in writing. GS-5 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 position to be filled. This would be experience in operating equipment related to the particular specialization for which application is made or in related functional areas. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited through this grade level. OR Education: Successful completion of [4 academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, or] a bachelor's degree in a major field of study appropriate to medical instrument technician functions. Demonstrated KSAs: 1. Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions. 2. Knowledge of common physical disabilities and ability to position patients for the examination or treatment. 3. Ability to learn the normal and abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize and report obvious abnormalities. 4. Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or procedures. 5. Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on the equipment including the ability to disassemble, clean, reassemble, and calibrate the machine. GS-6 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. Demonstrated KSAs: 1. Skill in setting up, operating, and performing calibrations as required on a variety of dialysis equipment. 2. Skill in performing and interpreting test results (dialysate chemistries, water treatment testing for contaminates, etc.) including the ability to analyze deviations from the expected norm and responding appropriately. 3. Knowledge of American Association of Medical Instrumentation (AMMI) standards and unit policies as they relate to water treatment. 4. Knowledge of physiological and psychological changes and conditions related to end stage renal disease. 5. Ability to calculate dialysis baths according to the physician's orders per patient by mixing critical concentrates, i.e., calcium, potassium, and bicarbonate. 6. Knowledge of Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS). GS-7 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 the equipment, standard procedures, and typical machine problems and/or patient reactions to treatment. Demonstrated KSAs: 1. Ability to assist the physician in more complex procedures such as central venous catheter insertion. 2. Ability to assist in training patients in home/self-care by teaching components of machine operation including water treatment and monitoring patients for compliance. 3. Ability to act as a mentor or preceptor to lower graded technicians. 4. Ability to analyze deviations from the expected, determine whether the deviations are machine or patient related, and respond according to the findings. GS-8 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. Demonstrated KSAs: Ability to interpret testing data to evaluate critical information for surgeons and other medical staff during testing procedures. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the nervous system and the ability to understand the relationship of EEG and evoked potential testing in detecting states of disease and health. Knowledge of behavior assessment during seizure attacks in order to insure adequacy of recordings during seizure discharges. Knowledge of a variety of advanced EEG equipment and peripheral equipment such as equipment for brain mapping, video EEG telemetry systems with seizure detection computers, and spike analysis software. Knowledge of anticonvulsant medications and their effects on the EEG as well as other frequently used pharmaceuticals. 6. Ability to adapt neurodiagnostic devices, parameters, and procedures to complex, unusual, and often critical situations. Preferred Experience: Hemodialysis Experience, Reverse Osmosis knowledge including portable WRO and MRO 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-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-04 to GS-08. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, including color blindness screening, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. The incumbent will be required to carry/push bulky equipment or supplies that usually do not exceed fifty (50) pound weight. Assist in handling patients with a variety of impairments and disabilities, which may involve lifting, positioning or restraining patients, or assisting them with such tasks as walking, sitting, standing, or using the scale. Work requires regular and recurring periods of standing and walking through the Dialysis area. Stand, crouches or kneels for prolonged periods while working with equipment the transporting of equipment. The incumbent must be able to demonstrate care procedures requiring technical skills. The incumbent is required to set up, manage, and operate highly technological equipment. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, requiring the shifting of priorities based on emerging and changing patient/ unit needs. 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/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
