The Hemodialysis Technician is responsible for the operation of hemodialysis equipment in the treatment of patients with chronic renal failure. Duties include monitoring patients during dialysis treatments; cleaning, disinfecting, and maintenance of dialysis equipment and selecting, ordering, and setting up and operating hemodialysis equipment. *Please ensure to review the Who May Apply/Clarification section to ensure that you are applying to the correct Announcement* Basic Requirements: Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States. Education: There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Certification: No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Grade Determination: GS-8 Medical Instrument Technician Must possess at least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics of the positions to be filled. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of the hemodialysis process and equipment needed for home/self care including knowledge of common machine problems and repairs to such equipment. (b) Knowledge of the equipment and procedures for peritoneal dialysis. (c) Ability to assist the physician with percutaneous renal biopsies and peritoneal catheter insertion. (d) Ability to provide instruction to dialysis patients in home/self care and in the maintenance of the equipment. (e) Ability to provide instruction for physicians, nurses, and other personnel in dialysis procedures, equipment operation and maintenance, etc. Certification GS-8: Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. References: VA Handbook 5005/54 Part II Appendix G27 ["Under the collaborative supervision of an RN Charge Nurse, Team Leader, or Nurse Manager, provides hemodialysis treatment to patients with chronic renal failure Initiates and terminates dialysis treatments following standard procedures Monitors patients throughout treatment and makes necessary adjustments under the direction of the RN based on the patient's medical condition Monitors and reports pretreatment dialysis parameters, temperature, vital signs, weight gain, and health of access (fistula, graft, permcath) to the RN before initiation Collects and records vital signs using a blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, scale and thermometer Records patients' condition and changes (blood pressure, excess fluid, etc.) and determines proper treatment procedure, technique, and machine adjustments Assembles all necessary supplies and equipment at chair side Inspects and evaluates circulatory access site Cleans and dresses site using aseptic and/or sterile technique Selects appropriate instruments and techniques and troubleshoots complex equipment Connects patient to the dialyzer (using venipuncture, permcath) and operates equipment to initiate extracorporeal circulation and performance of dialysis Prepares and dismantles extracorporeal blood circuits and the dialysis machine to create a sterile, air-free blood circuit using a standard aseptic procedure Operates and monitors dialysis machinery in performance of dialysis procedures using prescribed standard procedures and the machine monitoring system Establishes the amount of fluid to be removed and sets the machine pressure per the coefficient of ultrafiltration of the dialyzer Adjusts blood flow rates Obtains blood specimens for routine or special tests, collects laboratory specimens from patients using syringes, needles, tubes, and different sterile techniques, and preprocesses lab samples in centrifuge and delivers to the lab Documents and charts accurately on flow sheets and medical records, and assesses and records the results of dialysis treatment, and reports to the dialysis team Cannulates hemodialysis fistula or graft for dialysis or initiates treatment using a Permcath Initiates pause therapy and recirculation of dialysis system for other patient assisted needs Administers saline intravenously into the dialysis line when in his/her judgment the machine has removed more fluid from the patient than indicated or due to patient conditions Observes dialysis machine for correct functions during dialysis and adjusts when necessary Administers heparin, saline or lidocaine per Medical center UAP protocol Returns blood to patient upon termination of dialysis Recognizes when emergency measures are necessary and institutes life saving measures until medical assistance is secured Responsible for the proper and safe operation of the equipment during the performance of dialysis, for the accuracy of testing, for the correction of malfunctioning, for the replacement of some or all parts of the system in the event of complications (clotting, blood leakage, hypotension, etc.), and for the disassembly and re-sterilization of the equipment Responsible for preparation and sterilization of equipment; cleans and sanitizes dialysis equipment to ensure bacteriostatic operating conditions using hypochlorite and other cleaning solutions Calibrates all dialysis instruments and equipment Safely and accurately perform opening duties of the unit to include activation and safety checks of the water treatment system, as well as, water quality monitoring throughout the day Responsible for obtaining and shipping water and dialysate cultures and AAMI testing of RO water Stocks supplies in the supply room and patient care areas Possesses knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements Maintains skills necessary to do local heparinization, separate blood samples, set up oxygen, administer saline, and maintain equipment Trains and mentor's new dialysis technicians and assigns specific tasks Collaborates with other technicians, RNs, physicians, and physician assistants, and keeps them informed of technical changes, new equipment and procedures, actual or potential difficulties, changes or shortages of supplies, and other issues which may affect the operation of the dialysis center Participates in standby or on-call, whichever is in effect, and works weekend and holiday tours Work Schedule: Monday- Saturday, rotating 12 hour shifts including holidays\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]