Summary The Hemodialysis Technician is responsible for the operation of hemodialysis equipment in the treatment of patients with renal failure at the Durham VA Medical Center - Durham, NC. Responsibilities The Medical Instrumentation Technician (MIT) at this level operates and monitors dialysis systems for chronic and acute renal patients; check patient condition and determine the proper treatment procedures, technique, and machine adjustments; understand medical treatment for patients with renal failure; administer prescribed treatment modalities such as Normal Saline for hypotension and cramping, and observe the patient for desired action or adverse reaction; and recognize and react to signs and symptoms that signal the onset of complications of dialysis including hypotension, disequilibrium, and seizures. At this level, the technician accepts responsibility and accountability for his/her own actions. This represents the full performance level. At this level the hemodialysis technician serves as a member of a dialysis team performing dialysis on renal patients. Assignments involve performing hemodialysis procedures. Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis) GS-08 Duties Initiates and terminates hemodialysis treatments following standard procedures. Monitors patients throughout treatment and makes necessary adjustments under the direction of the RN in response to the patient's medical condition. Monitors and reports pre- and post-treatment patient condition including but not limited to; weight gain or loss related to EDW, edema, vital signs, and dialysis access function to the RN. Collects and records vital signs using blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, pulse oximeters, scales, and thermometers. Records patient's condition and reports changes in the patient's condition or tolerance to the hemodialysis treatment (blood pressure, excess fluid, etc.) to the RN, and assists with proper treatment procedure, technique, and machine adjustments in response. Inspects and evaluates circulatory access site. Cleans and dresses site using aseptic techniques in accordance with the SOPs. Performs vascular access surveillance procedures (e.g. Transonic) per SOP with validated competency. Collects laboratory specimens directly from patient access or extracorporeal circuit per SOP. Skill in setting up, operating, and performing calibrations as required on a variety of dialysis equipment. 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. Knowledge of American Association of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) standards and unit policies as they relate to water treatment. Knowledge of physiological and psychological changes and conditions related to end stage renal disease. Ability to calculate dialysis baths according to the physician's orders per patient by mixing critical concentrates, i.e., calcium, potassium, and bicarbonate. Valid certification in Basic Life Support (BLS). Work Schedule: Monday - Saturday 6:00am - 4:30pm rotating with 7:30am - 6:00pm Telework: Not available 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 trial 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 Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: Citizenship: 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. Licensure or 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. Grade Determinations: 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: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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: At least one year hemodialysis experience. Assignment. This represents the full performance level. At this level the hemodialysis technician serves as a member of a dialysis team performing dialysis on acutely ill patients including those within an intensive care setting. Assignments involve performing both peritoneal and hemodialysis procedures. The dialysis technician may participate in percutaneous renal biopsies, watching the patient during the procedure and properly processing the specimen. Assists the physician in peritoneal catheter insertions and observes the patient for vital signs and provides post operative care. Provides instruction and monitors patients for home dialysis. Performs training of physicians, nurses, and technicians on hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis techniques. 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: See VA Handbook and Directive 5019 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 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.
