Career Center

The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) is a member of the Gastroenterology Procedure Team (GPT) 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. 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. 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. 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. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition. 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. 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). GS-7 Medical Instrument Technicians (Gastroenterology (GI) Technician) 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:: 1. Knowledge of endoscopic equipment and use in basic and complex endoscopic procedures 2. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology related to the GI system, with ability to recognize and report obvious abnormalities during procedures 3. Ability to assist physician with specialized, complex procedures. 4. 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. Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certifications. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/54 PART II APPENDIX G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is 07. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 06 to 07. Physical Requirements: Light lifting, under 15 lbs., moderate carrying, 15-44 lbs., reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, standing 4-6 hours; hearing, aid permitted. Duties require extensive use of fingers to perform keyboarding and the ability to hear requests by phone and in person. Version must be adequate to read and prepare documents. ["Major duties: Responsible for knowledge and handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during GI procedures, such as but not limited to: argon plasma cautery, colonoscopy, cytology, digestive tract biopsies, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), Spyglass, esophageal banding, esophageal biopsy, esophageal dilation, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), polypectomies, sigmoidoscopy, BARRX (RFA), and endoscopic mucosal resections (EMR). Able to contact Biomed for equipment issues and notifying GI lead RN & Nurse manager as issues arise. Prepares procedural rooms for the performance of GI procedures, including the set- up/ testing of the video imaging system, ERCP, computers and monitors, cautery units, Endo Manager, appropriate endoscope for procedure, specialized accessories and supplies. Turns procedure rooms over within an average of ten-minute time frame. Turnover time represents the time from which a patient leaves the procedure room to the time the room is ready for the next patient. Responsible for demonstrating and maintaining full competency in the use, pre- cleaning and/or reprocessing of reusable medical equipment. The employee must ensure that the appropriate Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and manufacturer's instructions are followed for any step in the use of RME and RME storage (pre-cleaning, maintenance) in which he/she is involved. Prepares, organizes, and maintains highly complex GI set-ups. Utilizes universal precautions and follows all infection control policies and procedures when handling specimens, supplies, equipment. Recognizes potentially hazardous situations (i.e. frayed cords, water on floor, etc.)and takes corrective action. Assists the GPT members with the care of the patient, i.e., positioning, and obtaining supplies. Applies various monitoring equipment, i.e. BP/O2 sat/ ECG, etc., when assisting with patient preparation. Responsible for the accountability of all GI instruments and equipment during the procedure. Assesses equipment needs and maintains adequate stock of supplies and materials. Restocks procedure room at the end of the procedure day, rotates stock in order to assure usage before outdated, assuring that the room is ready for procedures at all times. 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, injection of contrast solutions and other agents during GI procedures. Prepares diagnostic biopsy specimens, assesses the adequacy of each, properly orientating the biopsy and placing in appropriate specimen bottle with appropriate labeling to meet pathology laboratory specifications during procedures. Responsible for performing final biopsy check with the endoscopist post-procedure, verifying that patient labels on the specimen are correct. Responsible for moving the endo cart and all endoscopes and accessory equipment to the ICU, assist the physician with the procedure, perform RME bedside cleaning, and ensure that SPS is notified to pick up used endoscopes. Work Schedule: 7:30am-4:00 pm. ON call on a rotational basis. 8 00 am - 4:30 pm. Tour may be subject to change and is at the discretion of management and Medical Center needs.\nCompressed/Flexible: Not Available\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 00000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nPCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]