Medical Instrument Technician Advanced-Gastroenterology

Summary

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.

Duties

Functions as a primary person responsible for knowledge and handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during GI procedures, such as but not limited to: 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. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 51890A. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

Qualifications

**This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until 12/21/2026. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be 11/02/2026. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.** 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. 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. 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. Gastroenterology (GI) Technicians assist the practitioner in endoscopic procedures, such as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), 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). Certification is offered by the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA) for level one and level two training. GI endoscope reprocessing certification is offered through the Certification Board of Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD). Grade Determinations: GS-7 GI Technician (Full Performance Level) 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 1. Knowledge of endoscopic equipment and use in basic a