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Summary

The Medical Instrument Technician is a proficient specialized technical support to the total operation of Gastroenterology (GI) Services. The MIT Hybrid is a vital component to the team that is knowledgeable and operates complex equipment - which requires extensive knowledge and proficiency to maintain an optimal working environment. The individual must use independent judgment in applying knowledge of clinical GI and proficiency to operate and maintain GI Equipment.

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:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• 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 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
• Six months of this experience may have been in medically related fields such as nursing assistant - practical nursing - or similar fields
• The remaining six months must have been in operating diagnostic and therapeutic equipment covered by this occupation
• Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited at this level
• OR Education: Successful completion of two years of education above high school or an associate's degree with a major field of study directly related to the medical instrument technician occupation
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above - the candidate must demonstrate the following 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 Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following 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 - and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1
• Ability to set up endoscopy equipment - ensuring endoscopes and ancillary equipment functions properly
• 2
• Ability to aid the physician with standard and routine procedures such as colonoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
• 3
• Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy in order to assist practitioner with routine standardized gastroenterology procedures
• 4
• Ability to interact with patients explaining procedures and positioning the patient for the procedure - recognizing disabilities or impaired mobility and assisting the patient as necessary
• 5
• Ability to reprocess and maintain specialty critical reusable medical equipment (RME) - following approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and universal precautions
• 6
• Ability to use basic computer systems and programs to record patient and endoscopic data - adhering to patient privacy and information security policies
• 7
• Ability to manually clean and disinfect non-critical reusable equipment and surfaces - dispose of onetime-use equipment and trash per facility policy - and restock supplies such as linens - suction equipment - and cleaning products
• GS-7 Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge - skills - and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled
• This would be experience which provided knowledge of proper performance of endoscopic equipment and procedures
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of endoscopic equipment and use in basic and complex endoscopic procedures
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology related to the GI system - with ability to recognize and report obvious abnormalities during procedures
• Ability to assist physician with specialized - complex procedures
• Knowledge of universal precautions and disinfection techniques and ability to follow SOP's to clean reusable medical equipment (RME)
• 5
• Ability to collaborate - communicate - and demonstrate customer service skills and interpersonal skills with all healthcare professionals to ensure quality and continuity of care
• 6
• Ability to use basic computer systems and programs to record patient and endoscopic data - adhering to patient privacy and information security policies
• 7
• Ability to deliver patient care - including vital sign measurements and medication administration
• Preferred Experience: MIT GI endoscopy care experience Proficient computer skills Meet physical requirements
• Sterile processing background Excellent communication and teamwork skills Knowledge of instruments - supplies - and equipment regarding GI procedures SGNA Certificates BLS Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

• The ability to assist physicians directly with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) - colonoscopy - sigmoidoscopy - endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) - percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement - endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) procedures - bronchoscopies - and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) procedures
• Ability to set up equipment - assist with biopsy procurement - snare polypectomy - esophageal/pyloric/colonic dilation - variceal banding - injection - and/or electrocautery for treatment of bleeding - Barret's Esophagus treatment (BARRX) disease with ablation balloon - and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) procedures
• Assists physicians directly with the performance of specialized diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (ERCP - EUS - Argon-Plasma Laser cautery - Esophageal Manometry - pH Studies - Barret's Esophagus Treatment (BARRX) - etc.) in addition to the duties described in 3.a) Provides technical support and performs post-procedure equipment care and maintenance
• Is responsible to label - verify - log and transport pathology specimens to the laboratory for processing
• Responsible for setting up room/equipment and assessing proper functioning of equipment by following manufacturer's guideline for testing prior to procedures - assuring equipment is operational and ready for each procedure
• Has the skill and competency for post-procedure pre-cleaning - reprocessing and proper documentation of all endoscopic scopes and accessories
• Responsibilities include - but are not limited to assisting in the placement of esophageal - Biliary/pancreatic stents - sphincterotomy - lithotripsy and stone removal Coordinates equipment repairs and safety checks as needed - arranges for loaner equipment when appropriate - makes recommendations regarding repairing/replacing equipment and maintains documentation of equipment repair expenditures and safety checks in the absence of the Lead Technician
• Serves as liaison to hospital bio-medical equipment repair section as well as outside repair vendors in the absence of the Lead Technician
• Prepares patients for procedures and room turnover activities - including proper patient position during the procedure and attaching monitoring devices
• Performs cleaning and stocking of the procedure rooms - cabinets/drawers - video stand and monitors
• Maintains stock items in procedure rooms - procedure carts and properly stocks medication in proper areas
• Ensures oxygen - Ambu bag and gurney is ready for every procedure
• Responsible for imaging equipment and fully knowledgeable in the use of Olympus Endo works Imaging System utilized during procedures and assists with updating schedules daily for all procedures
• Maintains - evaluates - troubleshoots - and performs on site adjustments for all technical components as well as investigating multiple systems equipment links to achieve desired clinical outcomes
• As a team member - GI Technician assists in transferring and transporting patients to PACU after procedure completion
• Responsible to attend scheduled and impromptu staff/team meetings and training in service/education with Vendor Representatives for new equipment and as the need arises
• Work Schedule: M-F 0800-1730 variable Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact Susan.Bringel@va.gov - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized