Summary The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) assigned to the Hemodialysis Unit provides direct and indirect patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse. The MIT supports the delivery of safe, effective hemodialysis treatments for patients with acute and chronic renal failure in accordance with VA policies, clinical standards, and infection control guidelines. This position will be located at the San Francisco VA Medical Center. Responsibilities The Medical Instrument Technician is responsible for preparing dialysis equipment, assisting with treatment initiation and termination, monitoring patients throughout therapy, and responding promptly to complications. The role requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to function effectively in both routine and emergent situations. Duties include but are not limited to: Initiate and terminates dialysis treatments per physician orders and established protocols. Performs cannulation of vascular access (AV fistula, graft, or catheter) using aseptic technique. Monitors patients during treatment, including vital signs and clinical response. Recognizes and responds to complications such as hypotension, disequilibrium syndrome, arrhythmias, and allergic reactions. Initiates emergency response, including basic life support, as needed. Assists with patients comfort, positioning, and safety during treatment. Obtains and handles laboratory specimens accurately and timely. Communicates changes in patient condition promptly to the registered nurse. Documents patient care activities. Prepares, calibrates and tests dialysis machines prior to use. Performs cleaning, disinfection and routine maintenance of dialysis equipment. Monitors and maintain water treatment systems, including portable RO units. Troubleshoots equipment issues and reports malfunctions promptly. Maintains adequate dialysis supplies and coordinates restocking as needed. Ensures a clean, organized and safe treatment environment. Adheres to infection control practices, including hand hygiene and PPE use. Assists with setup for emergent or add-on dialysis treatments. Participates in quality improvement and unit-based initiatives. Other related duties may be assigned. Work Schedule: Full time (Schedule may vary depending on service needs) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 10795F 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. To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the 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. Qualifications Medical Instrument Technician, 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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, etc. 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. Preferred Experience: Minimum of 2 years of recent experience as a Hemodialysis Technician or Patient Care Technician in an outpatient or inpatient dialysis setting. Experience performing: Initiation and termination of hemodialysis treatments. Cannulation of arteriovenous (AV) fistulas and grafts. Central venous catheter care under RN supervision. Collection of pre- and post-dialysis laboratory specimens. Monitoring patients during dialysis and recognizing complications. Experience with dialysis equipment such as: BBraun or equivalent dialysis machines. Reverse Osmosis (RO) water treatment systems. Water quality monitoring and disinfection procedures. Experience working with: Electronic Health Records (EHR), preferably CPRS/Cerner or equivalent. Infection prevention and control practices. 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: The position requires standing, walking, bending, lifting, and handling equipment and supplies. The MIT must be able to respond quickly in emergency situations and perform repetitive technical tasks. Education There is no education substitution at this grade level. Education Documents may requested from eligible applicants. Additional Information 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. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. Receiving Service Credit for 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.
