Job Description
The Medical Instrument Technician-Gastroenterology (MIT-GI) is assigned to the GI Lab at the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System in Nashville, TN, under Nursing Solutions.
Operating under the supervision of the Chief Gastroenterologist and GI physicians, the MIT-GI functions as a participant of the nursing back workforce, caring for patients in acute, sub-acute, critical care, and outpatient areas.
This role is integral to the GI Lab group, assisting with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as obtaining biopsy specimens, removing colon polyps using snares and retrieval baskets, and injecting hemostatic agents.
Qualification
To qualify for this 1-7 Medical Instrument Technician (Gastroenterology) post, you must have at least one year of background comparable to the next lower grade level, demonstrating insight of endoscopic equipment and procedures. U.S. Citizenship is called for.
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- At least 1 year of experience comparable to 1-6 level, demonstrating knowledge of GI endoscopic equipment and procedures.
- Expertise must include: proficiency with GI endoscopic equipment, selecting alternate equipment or adjusting settings, collecting/processing/labeling specimens, training other technicians, providing assist during emergent and endoscopic cases, and maintaining inventory of specialty equipment.
- Demonstrated knowledge of endoscopic equipment and apply in core and intricate procedures.
- Expertise of anatomy and physiology related to the GI system, with ability to recognize and report abnormalities.
- Aptitude to assist physicians with specialized, involved procedures.
- Knowledge of universal precautions and disinfection techniques, and capacity to follow SOPs for cleaning reusable medical equipment.
- Aptitude to collaborate, communicate, and show customer solution and interpersonal abilities.
- Capacity to use elementary computer systems to record patient and endoscopic information, adhering to privacy and security policies.
- Aptitude to provide patient care, such as vital sign measurements and medication administration.
Role Responsibilities
Assist with diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures.
- Obtain biopsy specimens and strip colon polyps by manipulating snares, hot biopsy forceps, and retrieval baskets.
- Inject hemostatic agents during endoscopic injection.
- Collect specimens for cytological and microbiological examinations.
- Manipulate the outer abdominal wall of patients during colonoscopy procedures (splinting) to facilitate advancement of the endoscope and lower threat of perforation.
- Make sure patient safety during electro-surgical procedures, including correct patient grounding and function of electrocautery equipment.
- Offer care that incorporates age, gender, cultural, and learning wants of patients.
- Register infection control measures and don personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriately.
- Communicate with team participants about patient care.
- Adhere to ethical standards and patient privacy policies.
Conditions & Requirements
Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use before appointment.
- Selective Service Registration needed for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Must finalize an online onboarding process.
- Acceptable form of identification called for (REAL ID compliant after May 7, 2025).
- Participation in seasonal influenza vaccination plan is required.
- Must cater to a 2-year trial period.
- Physical conditions: visual acuity, keen hearing, evident speech, manual dexterity, prolonged walking/standing/stooping/bending/lifting/pushing, capacity to transfer patients, and aptitude to operate in stressful situations.
Benefits
Wrap up federal advantages package covering health insurance, retirement, and paid exit.
- Access to a span of gains designed for federal employees.
- Eligibility depends on role type (full-time, part-time, intermittent).
- Contact the hiring agency for particular benefits offered.
Additional Information
This role is unseal to all U.S. Citizens.
- Selections will be made without regard to Veterans preference under Office of the Chief Human Capital Office Bulletin dated 9/25/2025.
- The 2-page Resume requirement doesn’t register to this role.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination scheme is a condition of employment.
- A 2-year trial period is required.
- Physical demands cover prolonged walking, standing, stooping, bending, lifting, and pushing.
- The MIT may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials; PPE is offered.
- Agency contact: Arti Zepeda, Phone 406-373-3319, Email [email protected].
- Address: Tennessee Valley HCS
- 1, 1310 24th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212.
About Company
The Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) is portion of the Veterans Health Administration, providing finalize healthcare offerings to veterans across middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky. The Nashville campus is a major interdisciplinary teaching facility serving medical, surgical, and neurological inpatients and outpatients, with a sizable outpatient psychiatric population. As a federal 1, TVHS offers secure, permanent positions with structured cover scales and a commitment to serving those who have served our country. Tennessee Valley Healthcare System | Service: Nursing is named as the hiring organization for the Medical Instrument Technician
- Gastroenterology post.
FAQs
What does a Medical Instrument Technician in Gastroenterology do at the VA?
The MIT-GI assists physicians with endoscopic procedures such as colonoscopies and upper endoscopies, including obtaining biopsy specimens, removing polyps, and injecting hemostatic agents. They also confirm patient safety during electro-surgery, round up specimens, and keep up endoscopic equipment.
Is certification called for for this GS-1 GI Technician role?
No certification is needed, but BLS certification is desirable. At the GS-1 level, certification isn’t mandatory, though it’s strongly recommended as evidence of necessary understanding and skills.
Can I substitute education for expertise at the GS-1 level?
No, education may only be substituted for experience at the 1-4 and GS-5 levels. For GS-7, you must have at least one year of specialized know-how comparable to the next lower grade level.
What is the operate environment like for this role?
The MIT-GI operates in the GI Lab at the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System in Nashville, a teaching facility. Operate in this role includes exposure to infected patients and contaminated materials, requiring use of PPE. Physical demands cover prolonged standing, walking, lifting, and transferring patients.
How extended is the trial period for this federal role?
You’ll be called for to assist a 2-year trial period. During this time, your performance and run will be evaluated to decide if your continued employment advances the public interest.