The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) is a member of the Gastroenterology Procedure Team and provides assistance to the physician, nurse manager, registered nurse, and other team members during diagnostic examinations or medical treatment procedures as part of the diagnosis and treatment of patients. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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. English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Education: There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. Licensure or Certification: Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. Gastroenterology (GI) Technicians assist the practitioner in endoscopic procedures, such as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and endoscopic ultrasound. The technicians ensure proper performance of equipment, set up equipment, and reprocess endoscopic reusable medical equipment (RME). Certification is offered by the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA) for level one and level two training. GI endoscope reprocessing certification is offered through the Certification Board of Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD). 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-7 GI Technician (Full Performance Level): 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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). Ability to collaborate, communicate, and demonstrate customer service skills and interpersonal skills with all healthcare professionals to ensure quality and continuity of care. Ability to use basic computer systems and programs to record patient and endoscopic data, adhering to patient privacy and information security policies. Ability to deliver patient care, including vital sign measurements and medication administration. Certification: No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BLS certification. Assignment: This represents the full performance level. Technicians at this level function with minimal instruction, assisting the staff with complex specialized procedures such as ERCP and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). They are proficient with GI endoscopic equipment and ensure proper performance of endoscopic equipment; select alternate equipment or adjust equipment settings to accommodate patient needs and produce high quality technique. They collect, process, and label all specimens; train other technicians in basic endoscopic procedures; work in and outside the GI unit offering technician support during emergent and on-call endoscopic cases; and assist the nurse in patient care duties such as obtaining vital signs, dressing and documenting all pertinent information in the patient's records. They inventory and maintain par levels of specialty equipment for the endoscopy unit. Preferred Experience: Completions of gastroenterology or endoscopy tech training program, Operating room tech program, associate degree, and/or certified flexible endoscope re-processor with 5 year registration. 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-7. Physical Requirements: light and moderate lifting and carrying (0-44 lbs), straight pulling (6 hrs), pushing (2 hrs), use of fingers, both hands required, walking (6 hrs), standing (6 hrs), kneeling (2 hrs), repeated bending (6 hrs), both eyes required, depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid permitted), mental and emotional stability, visual acuity 20/30 corrected, wearing personal protective equipment. Environmental Factors: Excessive humidity, excessive noise (intermittent), solvents (degreasing agents), electrical energy, slippery or uneven walking surfaces, working around machinery with moving parts, working with hands in water, working closely with others. ["Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf The incumbent is responsible for handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during GI procedures such as: anoscopy, argon plasma cautery, colonoscopy, cytology, digestive tract biopsies, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), enteroscopy, esophageal biopsy, esophageal dilation, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), liver biopsy, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), pH/Manometry Studies, polypectomies, and sigmoidoscopy. Duties will include: Prepares procedural rooms for the performance of GI procedures. Sets up GI procedure rooms with all required items for each procedure such as video equipment, endoscopes, endoscope flushing system, image management systems ERCP equipment, Fluoroscopy/x-ray, EUS equipment, computers and monitors, cautery units, and reprocessing equipment. Prepares and processes Semi Critical and Non-Critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) in accordance with appropriate Standard Operating Procedures. Plans and discusses each procedure with the GI team professionals and assures that all supplies and equipment are available prior to the GI procedures. Prepares, organizes, and maintains highly complex GI endoscopes. Observes and responds promptly to each stage of the GI procedures and anticipates the needs of the physician and/or registered nurse by maintaining a high level of concentration for extended periods of time. Utilizes universal precautions and follows all infection control policies and procedures when handling specimens, supplies, and equipment, as well as follows all RME reprocessing protocol for high level of disinfection. Assists the GI Team members with care of the patient, i.e., positioning, prepping, and obtaining supplies. Applies various monitoring equipment, i.e., BP cuff, pulse oximetry probe, ecg leads, etc., when assisting with patient procedure preparation. Transports non-sedated patients to/from Admit/Recovery rooms via gurney or wheelchair. Handles all GI specimens appropriately. Responsible for the accountability for all GI instruments and equipment during the procedure. Assists the physician, and/or registered nurse with instrumentation necessary to perform the required procedure and treatment such as obtaining biopsies, brushings, performing polypectomies, inflation of balloon dilators, and injection of contrast solutions, approved medications, or medical devices during GI procedures. Prepares diagnostic biopsy specimens, assessing the adequacy of each, and placing in appropriate specimen bottle with appropriate labeling to meet pathology laboratory specifications during procedures. Assists in training medical and surgical residents, medical students, nursing students, GI Fellows, and new GI Team staff in the operation of equipment, proper techniques, handling of instruments, and GI procedures to include the assistant role for invasive procedures. Works closely with SPS, HTM, hospital inpatient wards, operating room, pharmacy, and clerical staff to accomplish the goals of the GI Endoscopy Unit. Notifies outpatients of their upcoming GI procedure and instructs them on the correct preparation for their procedure. Performs non-technical maintenance of equipment to prevent malfunctions. Assesses equipment needs and maintains adequate stock of supplies and materials. Identifies equipment needing preventive maintenance or repair and takes appropriate action. Provides guidance, education, and support to GI staff, patients, and other MITs. Supervises volunteers, Incentive Therapy participants, aides, non-clinical team members, students, and other personnel. Provides guidance and support to professionals, and technical students of an approved GI technology program. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:30pm, 9:00am-5:30pm, or 10:00am-6:30pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized."]

Return to Search Results