The Medical Instrument Technician (GI) assigned to the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System is responsible for handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during GI procedures such as: Anoscopy, Colonoscopy, Cytology, Digestive tract biopsies, Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), Enteroscopy, Esophageal biopsy, Esophageal dilation, Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), Polypectomies, and Sigmoidoscopy. Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Citizenship of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, 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. 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". 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. Grandfathering Provision. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the criteria discussed in the applicable headings, or that defined in the appendices, must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-7 Full Performance 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 technical 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 candidates at this level have BLS certification. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/54 Part II Appendix G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds Walking 2 hours Standing 2 hours Kneeling 1 hour Repeated bending 1 hour Both legs required Both eyes required Depth perception Ability to distinguish basic colors Ability to distinguish shades of colors Hearing (aid may be permitted) Working closely with others Working alone ["Duties include but are not limited to: Prepares procedural rooms for the performance of GI procedures. Sets up GI procedure rooms with all required items for each procedure such as video equipment, endoscopes, endoscope flushing system, image management systems ERCP equipment, Fluoroscopy/x-ray, EUS equipment, computers and monitors, cautery units, and reprocessing equipment. Prepares and processes Semi Critical and Non-Critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) in accordance with appropriate Standard Operating Procedures. 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, and equipment, as well as follows all RME reprocessing protocol for high level of disinfection. Assists the GI Team members with care of the patient, i.e., positioning, prepping, and obtaining supplies. Applies various monitoring equipment, i.e., BP/P/O2Sat/ECG, etc., when assisting with patient procedure preparation. Performs CBG tests. Transports sedated/non-sedated patients to/from Admit/Recovery via gurney/WC safely. 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, and injection of contrast solutions during GI procedures. Prepares diagnostic biopsy specimens, assessing the adequacy of each, and placing in appropriate specimen bottle with appropriate labeling to meet pathology laboratory specifications during procedures. Works closely with SPS, Bio-Med, hospital inpatient wards, operating room, pharmacy, and clerical staff to accomplish the goals of the GI Endoscopy Unit. Maintains GI Endoscopy area. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Financial Disclosure Report: Not required\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nPosition Title/Functional Statement #:Medical Instrument Technician - Gastroenterology (GI)/PD00224F\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nEDRP Authorized: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]