Medical Instrument Technician (GI)

About the role

The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) is located in the gastrointestinal area of the endoscopy section within the Medical Subspecialty Clinical Procedures Center at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center. MITs at this level provide technical support to Gastroenterology and Pulmonology physicians and serve as subject‑matter experts for all equipment and supplies needed to service these specialties.

Qualifications

• Basic Requirements
  • U.S. citizenship
  • Proficiency in basic written and spoken English
• Grade Requirements (GS‑8)
  • Specialized experience: at least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS‑7) that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the duties of the position.
• Relevant Experience
  • Assisting staff with complex specialized procedures such as ERCP and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
  • Proficiency with GI endoscopic equipment and ensuring proper performance of equipment, including selecting alternate equipment or adjusting settings to accommodate patient needs
  • Collecting, processing, and labeling all specimens
  • Training other technicians in basic endoscopic procedures
  • Providing technician support during emergent and on‑call endoscopic cases, both inside and outside the GI unit
  • Assisting nursing staff with patient‑care duties such as obtaining vital signs, dressing, and documenting pertinent information in patient records
• Technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
  • Knowledge of complex gastroenterology procedures (e.g., ERCP with SpyGlass, ablation, mucosal resection, fine‑needle aspiration, capsule studies)
  • Ability to brief and orient hospital staff, including physicians
  • Familiarity with regulatory and advisory agencies: Joint Commission, OSHA, SGNA, ASGE, and applicable laws such as HIPAA
  • Understanding of medical terminology related to GI and biliary systems, advanced anatomy and physiology, and ability to recognize obvious abnormalities during procedures
  • Capability to provide staff development and training

Physical Requirements

• Regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing or walking for prolonged periods
• Frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and stretching to set up and take apart equipment and apparatus
• Lifting and repositioning patients
• Pushing or pulling heavy objects such as oxygen tanks and other equipment
• Above‑average dexterity to perform intricate respiratory‑therapy procedures

Duties

• Perform and/or assist in diagnostic examinations
• Coordinate MIT‑related procedures and operation/maintenance of biomedical equipment, including video endoscopes, lasers, and other specialty devices
• Independently assist Gastroenterology and Pulmonology providers with complex procedures such as DISE, ERCP, EUS, EBUS, and navigational bronchoscopy
• Ensure proper performance of endoscopic equipment, stay current on SOPs, and provide annual education on SOPs
• Select alternate equipment, adjust equipment settings to accommodate patient needs, and demonstrate high‑quality techniques to ensure safety and desired outcomes
• Provide technician support during emergent and on‑call endoscopic cases, both inside and outside the GI unit
• Inventory and maintain par levels of specialty equipment for the endoscopy unit, including equipment required for pulmonary cases
• Prepare procedural rooms for endoscopic and pulmonary procedures
• Assist in obtaining biopsies, brushing, polypectomy, inflation of balloon dilators, and handling intraprocedural equipment for optimal outcomes
• Prepare diagnostic biopsy specimens, assess adequacy, orient specimens correctly, and place them in properly labeled containers for precise laboratory processing
• Perform pre‑cleaning of scopes used for endoscopies and pulmonary procedures and post‑cleaning of equipment prior to transport to SPS to enhance sterility and reduce infection risk
• Work collaboratively with physicians and nursing personnel in a mutually supportive environment
• Maintain adequate inventory of supplies in endoscopy rooms
• Manage the technical aspects of the Endoscopy and Pulmonary suites

Work Schedule

10‑hour shifts, 07:00 am – 5:30 pm. Telework not available.