Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis)

Qualifications

Medical Instrument Technician - GS-8 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 positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided knowledge of the more complex procedures, the pharmacology related to this occupation, and knowledge of related acute disorders and diseases and their effects on organs and methods of treatment. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of the hemodialysis process and equipment needed for home/self care including knowledge of common machine problems and repairs to such equipment.
  • Knowledge of the equipment and procedures for peritoneal dialysis.
  • Ability to assist the physician with percutaneous renal biopsies and peritoneal catheter insertion.
  • Ability to provide instruction to dialysis patients in home/self care and in the maintenance of the equipment.
  • Ability to provide instruction for physicians, nurses, and other personnel in dialysis procedures, equipment operation and maintenance, etc.
• 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.

Preferred Experience: Minimum of 2 years of recent experience as a Hemodialysis Technician or Patient Care Technician in an outpatient or inpatient dialysis setting. Experience performing: Initiation and termination of hemodialysis treatments. Cannulation of arteriovenous (AV) fistulas and grafts. Central venous catheter care under RN supervision. Collection of pre- and post-dialysis laboratory specimens. Monitoring patients during dialysis and recognizing complications. Experience with dialysis equipment such as: BBraun or equivalent dialysis machines. Reverse Osmosis (RO) water treatment systems. Water quality monitoring and disinfection procedures. Experience working with: Electronic Health Records (EHR) - preferably CPRS/Cerner or equivalent. Infection prevention and control practices.

Responsibilities

The Medical Instrument Technician is responsible for preparing dialysis equipment, assisting with treatment initiation and termination, monitoring patients throughout therapy, and responding promptly to complications. The role requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to function effectively in both routine and emergent situations. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Initiate and terminates dialysis treatments per physician orders and established protocols.
• Performs cannulation of vascular access (AV fistula, graft, or catheter) using aseptic technique.
• Makes sure patients are monitored during treatment, including vital signs and clinical response.
• Recognizes and responds to complications such as hypotension, disequilibrium syndrome, arrhythmias, and allergic reactions.
• Initiates emergency response, including basic life support, as needed.
• Aids in patients' comfort, positioning, and safety during treatment.
• Collects and handles laboratory specimens accurately and timely.
• Communicates changes in patient condition promptly to the registered nurse.
• Prepares, calibrates, and tests dialysis machines prior to use.
• Performs cleaning, disinfection, and routine maintenance of dialysis equipment.
• Maintains adequate dialysis supplies and coordinates restocking as needed.
• Ensures a clean, organized, and safe treatment environment.
• Adheres to infection control practices, including hand hygiene and PPE use.
• Aids in setup for emergent or add-on dialysis treatments.
• Participates in quality improvement and unit-based initiatives.

Physical Requirements

The position requires standing, walking, bending, lifting, and handling equipment and supplies. The MIT must be able to respond quickly in emergency situations and perform repetitive technical tasks.