Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis)

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

• 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 ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers 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 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.

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 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 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.