Summary The Hemodialysis Technician is responsible for the operation of hemodialysis equipment in the treatment of patients with renal failure at the Samuel S Stratton VA Medical Center - Albany Responsibilities The hemodialysis technician is responsible for the operation of hemodialysis equipment in the treatment of patients with renal failure; monitoring patients during dialysis treatments; cleaning, sterilizing, and maintenance of dialysis equipment; monitoring the quality of the water used for dialysis; collecting, recording and reporting water culture results; setting up and operating hemodialysis equipment; selecting, ordering, stocking, and preparing supplies needed for dialysis procedures; and mentoring new technicians. Dialysis equipment is highly complex mechanically and electronically. The hemodialysis technician performs his/her duties as part of the dialysis team under the direction of the nurse manager and staff nurse. Maintains equipment including preventative maintenance on dialysis machines, portable R/O machines, calibration equipment, and the Unit R/O system. Sets up, operates, and performs calibrations as required on a variety of dialysis equipment. Makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to insure accurate results. Maintains a machine maintenance log, Daily R/O check sheet log, and a purchase log for parts ordered. Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis) GS-08 Duties: Performs and interprets test results including water treatment testing and is able to analyze deviations from the expected norm and responds appropriately. Is knowledgeable of the American Association of Medical Instruments (AMMI) standards and unit policies as the relate to water treatment, cell counts and disinfection. Performs routine dialysis start up and take off procedures under the supervision of the primary RN. Checks patient's condition and knowledgeable of proper treatment procedures, technique, and machine adjustments; understands medical treatment for patients with renal failure Is knowledgeable of the physiological and psychological changes and conditions related to ESRD. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section. Calculates dialysis baths according to the physician's orders per patient by mixing concentrates, i.e., calcium, and potassium. Recognizes and reacts to signs and symptoms that signal the onset of complications of dialysis including hypotension, and cramping. Maintains unit stock levels of disposable dialysis items. Monitors and reports stocking discrepancies that would impact patient flow. Technician is aware of and practices the safety policies/procedures of the medical center, and participates in quality assurance activities as directed. Assists the physician in more complex procedures such as central venous catheter insertion. Assists in training patients in home/self-care dialysis by teaching components of dialysis operation such as water treatment and monitoring patients for compliance to any recommended water system changes. Mentor or precept less experienced technicians. Able to analyze deviations from the expected, determine whether the deviations are machine or patient related, and respond according to the findings. 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. 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. Performs dialysis Adequacy evaluations for Hemodialysis and Peritoneal dialysis patients. Performs unit Quality Assurance Audits. Maintains and updates unit database program and monitors system performance. Works under the general direction of the Dialysis Nurse Manager. On most assignments, technologist works independently. On the more unusual and complex assignments, works closely and confers with Nurse manager and facility Bio-Medical shop. Work is evaluated on a spot-check basis for achievement of objectives. Perform other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 2:30pm, with rotating weekends Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 37682F 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. 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). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. 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: Skilled in cannulating AVF/AVG Knowledge of AAMI Standards and Dialysis Water System At least one year chronic 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 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/. 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. 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.
