Scope of practice is defined by the competencies and training developed for the Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) Hybrid. The Medical Instrument Technician is a proficient specialized technical support to the total operation of Gastroenterology (GI) Services. The MIT Hybrid is a vital component to the team that is knowledgeable and operates complex equipment. The individual must use independent judgment in applying knowledge of clinical GI and proficiency to operate and maintain GI Equipment. 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 certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments, specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations". Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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. 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-04: 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 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: OR, 1. 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. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Knowledge of basic medical terminology. 2. Ability to learn the components, operating characteristics, and settings of the equipment to be used. 3. Ability to learn typical patient reactions to the basic procedures involved and ability to recognize signs of distress. 4. Ability to learn the standard positions for the procedure being conducted. 5. Ability to communicate orally and in writing. (c) Assignments. At this level assignments are trainee in nature. The medical instrument technician trainee is performing limited routine assignments of a developmental nature under close supervision. GS-5: 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 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. (b) 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.Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited through this grade level.In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:(c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions. 2. Knowledge of common physical disabilities and ability to position patients for the examination or treatment. 3. Ability to learn the normal and abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize and report obvious abnormalities. 4. Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or procedures. 5. Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on the equipment including the ability to disassemble, clean, reassemble, and calibrate the machine. (d) Assignment. Medical Instrument Technicians (Trainee) at this level operate and monitor commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under normal supervision. GS-06: (a) 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities1. Ability to set up endoscopy equipment, ensuring endoscopes and ancillary equipment functionsproperly.2. Ability to aid the physician with standard and routine procedures such as colonoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).3. Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy in order to assist practitioner with routine standardized gastroenterology procedures.4. 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.5. Ability to reprocess and maintain specialty critical reusable medical equipment (RME), following approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and universal precautions.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 manually clean and disinfect non-critical reusable equipment and surfaces, dispose of onetime-use equipment and trash per facility policy, and restock supplies such as linens, suction equipment, and cleaning products. GS-7 GI Technician (Full Performance Level) (a) 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: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities1. 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. This position includes on-call. Preferred experience: Procedural experience preferred. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/54 JUNE 7, 2012 PART II APPENDIX G27 Appendix L The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-04 to GS-07. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. This position requires to undergo a pre-employment medical examination/physical, TB test and other related other medical related requirements. ["The GI Tech will serve as a responsible member of the GI Department Team and interact with patients, family members, professional and supportive personnel who provide patient care and with member of other services. The GI technician has full knowledge of GI policies and procedures and a basic knowledge of GI anatomy to prepare and care for patients in the GI procedure area. 2. The GI Technician is responsible member of the GI Department and interacts in an appropriate manner with patients, family members, professionals and other supportive personnel involved in the delivery of patient care incorporating acceptable, established customer service standards into practice. 3. The GI Technician performs, reports and records assigned duties with minimal supervision: a) The ability to assist physicians directly with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) procedures, bronchoscopies, and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) procedures. b) Ability to set up equipment, assist with biopsy procurement, snare polypectomy, esophageal/pyloric/colonic dilation, variceal banding, injection, and/or electrocautery for treatment of bleeding, Barret's Esophagus treatment (BARRX) disease with ablation balloon, and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) procedures. c) Assists physicians directly with the performance of specialized diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (ERCP, EUS, Argon-Plasma Laser cautery, Esophageal Manometry, pH Studies, Barret's Esophagus Treatment (BARRX), etc.) in addition to the duties described in d) Provides technical support and performs post-procedure equipment care and maintenance. e) Is responsible to label, verify, log and transport pathology specimens to the laboratory for processing. f) Responsible for setting up room/equipment and assessing proper functioning of equipment by following manufacturer's guideline for testing prior to procedures, assuring equipment is operational and ready for each procedure. g) Has the skill and competency for post-procedure pre-cleaning, reprocessing and proper documentation of all endoscopic scopes and accessories. h) Responsibilities include, but are not limited to assisting in the placement of esophageal, Biliary/pancreatic stents, sphincterotomy, lithotripsy and stone removal i) Coordinates equipment repairs and safety checks as needed, arranges for loaner equipment when appropriate, makes recommendations regarding repairing/replacing equipment and maintains documentation of equipment repair expenditures and safety checks in the absence of the Lead Technician. j) Serves as liaison to hospital bio-medical equipment repair section as well as outside repair vendors in the absence of the Lead Technician. k) Prepares patients for procedures and room turnover activities, including proper patient position during the procedure and attaching monitoring devices. l) Performs cleaning and stocking of the procedure rooms, cabinets/drawers, video stand and monitors. Maintains stock items in procedure rooms, procedure carts and properly stocks medication in proper areas. Ensures oxygen, Ambu bag and gurney is ready for every procedure. m) Responsible for imaging equipment and fully knowledgeable in the use of Olympus Endo works Imaging System utilized during procedures and assists with updating schedules daily for all procedures. n) Maintains, evaluates, troubleshoots, and performs on site adjustments for all technical components as well as investigating multiple systems equipment links to achieve desired clinical outcomes. o) As a team member, GI Technician assists in transferring and transporting patients to PACU after procedure completion. p) Responsible to attend scheduled and impromptu staff/team meetings and training inservice/education with Vendor Representatives for new equipment and as the need arises. 4. GI Technician shall be available to perform after hour's emergency call from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 24 hours on weekend for seven (7) day intervals on a regular schedule distributed equally among GI Technicians. GI Technician will be available within 30 minutes of the call. 5. The GI technician will assist the RN or physician in addressing patient's needs for treatment, accurately administering medications as prescribed according to established policy and procedure as directed by the GI Provider during procedures. Work Schedule: M-F, 0800-1630 Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
About Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
