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
• 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
• See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions
• Licensure or Certification-Documentation Submitted
• 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
• For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable
• 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: Medical Instrument Technician (Gastroenterology), GS-6 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 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 or registration is required
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level
• Preferred Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience in the Gastroenterology (GI) department, particularly with advanced procedures
• Knowledge of instruments, supplies, and equipment regarding GI procedures
• 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
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity
• This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing
• Transferring patients and objects may be required
• Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided
• The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative/invasive procedures, or home settings
• The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders
• The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs
• Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment
• The incumbent who provides care in home settings or other off-site locations may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicles.