Medical Instrument Technician (Gastroenterology (GI) Technician)

Full Job Description

The Medical Instrument Technician performs technical and patient care functions during procedures performed at the Gastroenterology Procedure Suite under the supervision of the Physician or Registered Nurse.

The Medical Instrument Technician provides assistance to the physician, nurses and/or physician assistants with a thorough understanding of safe care and handling of equipment.

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. 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. Grade Determinations: GS-04: Experience.

At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-3) 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.

AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

In addition to the Education/Experience requirement, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs at the GS-04 Grade Level: Knowledge of basic medical terminology.

Ability to learn the components, operating characteristics, and settings of the equipment to be used.

Ability to learn typical patient reactions to the basic procedures involved and ability to recognize signs of distress. Ability to learn the standard positions for the procedure being conducted.

Ability to communicate orally and in writing. GS-05: Experience.

At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-4) 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.

AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

In addition to the Education/Experience requirement, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs at the GS-05 Grade Level: Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions.

Knowledge of common physical disabilities and ability to position patients for the examination or treatment.

Ability to learn the normal and abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize and report obvious abnormalities.

Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or procedures.

Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on the equipment including the ability to disassemble, clean, reassemble, and calibrate the machine. GS-06: Experience.

At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-5) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs at the GS-06 Grade Level: Ability to set up endoscopy equipment, ensuring endoscopes and ancillary equipment functions properly.

Ability to aid the physician with standard and routine procedures such as colonoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).

Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy in order to assist practitioner with routine standardized gastroenterology procedures.

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.

Ability to reprocess and maintain specialty critical reusable medical equipment (RME), following approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and universal precautions.

Ability to use basic computer systems and programs to record patient and endoscopic data, adhering to patient privacy and information security policies.

Ability to manually clean and disinfect non-critical reusable equipment and surfaces, dispose of one- time-use equipment and trash per facility policy, and restock supplies such as linens, suction equipment, and cleaning products.

GS-07: 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. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs at the GS-07 Grade Level: 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.

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).

Preferred Experience: No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BLS certification.

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.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-4 to GS-7.

Physical Requirements: The work requires some physical exertion such as prolonged periods of standing, bending, reaching, crouching, stooping, stretching, and lifting moderately heavy items such as manuals, record boxes, equipment or assisting patients.

The work requires above average agility and dexterity.

The incumbent may be required to travel between VA and/or Non-VA clinical care sites and possession of a valid driver's license may be required. Major Duties:

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional 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 devices (RMD).

The Medical Instrument Technician (GI) provides the following: Procedure support. Prepares patients for tests, examinations, treatment, or minor surgery.

Assists physician during diagnostic, therapeutic and minor surgical procedures by preparing necessary supplies and equipment.

Positions patient for desired results and cushions/shields patient as appropriate for a variety of procedures.

Assists nurse to position patients and address patients' questions during more complex procedures. Incumbent is competent to administer basic life support and other resuscitative measures as needed.

Instructs patients in sound health practices considering illness, physical limitations, culture, and socioeconomic status.

Performs a variety of auxiliary duties connected with patient care such as checking operational status of emergency equipment and maintaining a clean, safe, and orderly work environment by applying knowledge of infection control measures and aseptic techniques.

Ensures adherence to sterile techniques and other established safety measures to prevent patient infection and cross-contamination.

Independently pre-cleans and disinfects endoscopes after GI Procedures. Uses a washer for sterilizing scopes. Performs operator testing and preventive maintenance on equipment and disinfector.

Assists physician and RN in various specialized and emergency therapeutic treatment procedures. Assist the physician in the treatment of ulcers and upper GI bleeding.

Sets up the bipolar cautery unit to the proper energy levels and water pressure necessary for the procedure. Assists the physician with the Sclerotherapy of Varices.

Prepares syringes with the sclerosing agent and operates the injector by evaluation the resistance encountered while injecting the sclerosant into the vein. Other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday thru Thursday 8:00am to 4:30pm, Friday 7:30am to 4:00pm with on call.

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).

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) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.

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 Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized