Medical Instrument Technician Advanced-Gastroenterology

About the role

The Advanced Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) is a member of the Gastroenterology Procedure Team (GPT) provides assistance to the physician, nurse manager, registered nurse, & other team members during diagnostic examinations or medical treatment procedures as part of the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

The MIT participates with the GPT members in planning & implementing complex procedures under the general supervision of the physician, nurse manager, & registered nurse.

What you will do

• argon plasma cautery, colonoscopy, cytology, digestive tract biopsies, esophageal banding, esophageal biopsy, esophageal dilation, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), polypectomies, sigmoidoscopy, BARRX (RFA), and endoscopic mucosal resections (EMR).
• Place IT ticket requests and/or contact Biomed for equipment issues and notifying GI Manager and/or Charge Nurse as issues arise.
• Prepares procedural rooms for the performance of GI procedures, including the set-up/ testing of the video imaging system, computers and monitors, cautery units, pill cameras, data collectors, appropriate endoscope for procedure, specialized accessories and supplies.
• Responsible for performing Fibroscans and reporting results to liver providers.
• Turns procedure rooms over within an average of ten-minute time frame.
• Responsible for demonstrating and maintaining full competency in the use pre-cleaning of reusable medical equipment.
• 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, disinfection, sterilization, maintenance) in which he/she is involved.
• Plans and discusses each procedure with the GPT professionals and assures that all supplies and equipment are available prior to the GI procedures.
• Prepares, organizes, and maintains highly complex GI set-ups.
• 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, 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.
• 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 orientates the biopsy and place 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.
• The MIT is responsible for ensuring that all specialized GI accessories, including, but not limited to, snares, injection needles, esophageal and are monitored for availability through Logistics in a timely fashion.
• Specialized, patient specific, items require consultation directly with the Gastroenterologist for proper sizing, etc. Comply with all safety/fire prevention rules/regulations, using protective equipment when required and provided.
• Promptly reports all accidents and notifies supervisors of unsafe/unhealthful conditions in the workplace.
• Attends scheduled training sessions and participates in medical center/service level safety promotions as directed by the supervisor.
• Knows fire drill and emergency plans for work area, including location of all emergency fire equipment.
• All employees shall be familiar with how their activities impact VA's goal to implement sound stewardship practices that are protective of the air, water, land, and other natural and cultural resources.
• In accordance with the goals of the VA GEMS Program, it seeks to cost-effectively meet or exceed compliance with applicable federal, state, and local environmental; public health; and resource protection laws, regulations, and VA requirements; seeks to incorporate practices necessary to implement the requirements of EO 13423.
• The MIT will assist the charge nurse and RNs with other duties as assigned.
• Will take call for afterhours procedures.
• Trains technicians and other staff to assist with endoscopic procedures.
• Work Schedule: M-F 8:00am-4:30pm.
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
• Functional Statement #: 51890A.
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (***).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
• Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: ***

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: ***

How you will be evaluated

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.

WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Documents you must provide

• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
• Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) BLS Other (2) Other (3) Professional Certification SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

What to expect next

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.

After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.

HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.

HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.

HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Additional information

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer.

For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.