Gastroenterology (GI) Technicians assist the provider in endoscopic procedures, such as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGO), colonoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and endoscopic ultrasound. The technicians ensure proper performance of equipment, set up equipment, and reprocess endoscopic reusable medical equipment (RME) at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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. 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. Grade Determinations: GS-4 GI Technician 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. OR, 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. AND, Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of basic medical terminology Ability to learn the components, operating characteristics, and settings of the equipment to be used Ability to learn typical patient reactions to the basic procedures involved and ability to recognize signs of distress Ability to learn the standard positions for the procedure being conducted Ability to communicate orally and in writing GS-5 GI Technician 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. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited through this grade level. OR, 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 AND, Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions Knowledge of common physical disabilities and ability to position patients for the examination or treatment Ability to learn the normal and abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize and report obvious abnormalities Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or procedures Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on the equipment including the ability to disassemble, clean, reassemble, and calibrate the machine GS-6 GI Technician 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. AND, Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Ability to set up endoscopy equipment, ensuring endoscopes and ancillary equipment functions properly Ability to aid the physician with standard and routine procedures such as colonoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy in order to assist practitioner with routine standardized gastroenterology procedures 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 Ability to reprocess and maintain specialty critical reusable medical equipment (RME), following approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and universal precautions Ability to use basic computer systems and programs to record patient and endoscopic data, adhering to patient privacy and information security policies Ability to manually clean and disinfect non-critical reusable equipment and surfaces, dispose of one-time-use equipment and trash per facility policy, and restock supplies such as linens, suction equipment, and cleaning products Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have Basic Life Support (BLS) certification Assignment. Technicians at this level aid the staff with procedures which are routine and standardized in nature. They explain the procedure to the patient to secure the patient's confidence and cooperation; position patients for procedures; and restock linen and consumable supplies. They set-up, clean, and ensure proper performance of the endoscopic equipment; and prepare the procedure rooms for turn-over, adhering to universal precautions and SOPs. The technician logs procedure and reprocessing data, adhering to patient privacy and information security policy. Assignments at this level require knowledge of basic medical terminology as well as common gastrointestinal anatomy. GS-7 GI Technician (Full Performance Level) 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. AND, Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of endoscopic equipment and use in basic and complex endoscopic procedures Knowledge of anatomy and physiology related to the GI system, with ability to recognize and report obvious abnormalities during procedures Ability to assist physician with specialized, complex procedures Knowledge of universal precautions and disinfection techniques and ability to follow SOP's to clean reusable medical equipment (RME) Ability to collaborate, communicate, and demonstrate customer service skills and interpersonal skills with all healthcare professionals to ensure quality and continuity of care Ability to use basic computer systems and programs to record patient and endoscopic data, adhering to patient privacy and information security policies Ability to deliver patient care, including vital sign measurements and medication administration Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees 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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-4 to GS-7. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["The GI Technician has a full range of responsibilities ranging from: Oversight of the endoscopic equipment to ensure proper reprocessing, care and storage to the RME quality testing of the scopes. Maintaining a tracking record of all scopes. Assisting the nurses in preparing and recovery of the patients. Functioning as an assistant to the providers during GI procedures. Sets up and breaks down procedure rooms. Provides support to the unit by managing room supplies, linen availability, assistance to family members, transport and other functions that supports the efficient workflow of the unit. Technician meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. Communicates and treats customers in a courteous, tactful and respectful manner. He / she provides the customer with consistent inforn1ation according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. Communicates in a professional manner both orally and written with peers and other medical center staff. Technician displays a cooperative attitude and effectively works together to implement the organization's mission and goals. Accepts responsibility and accountability for his/her own actions. Technician ensures productivity is maintained at the established level in the program for which he/she is responsible.Age-specific care, as identified in the Age-Specific TMS Competencies, including knowledge of changes associated with aging and principles of growth and development relevant to the adult and geriatric age groups; ability to assess and interpret data about the patient's status; and ability to identify age-specific needs and provide the appropriate care based upon the age related factors noted. The technician will protect printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes/policy, and VHA policy. He / she will protect the data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion. Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as set out in the computer access agreement that the employee signs Work Schedule: 8-hour tours with varied/rotating tours to meet the unit needs. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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