The Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) will work as a technician in the Sleep Disorders Lab performing a range of diagnostic studies, including Polysomnography, Home Sleep Apnea Testing, and Out of Center Sleep tests. They will assist in scheduling, preparing, collecting, monitoring and assessing complex biological electroencephalographic and pulmonary data for difficult polysomnographic procedures independent of direct supervision in accordance with the established guidelines. 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. Grade Determinations: In addition to the Basic Requirements candidates must meets the following Grade Requirements: GS-7 GRADE REQUIREMENTS: Must have at least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-6) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the duties of the position. Experience includes: Independently conducting difficult but standardized polysomnography examinations. Performing a full range of standard, but complex, polysomnography examinations with responsibility for properly and accurately calibrating all instruments prior to the beginning of the PSG tracing and selection of appropriate electrode montages and sensitivity and filter settings to elicit the best possible tracings. Independently determine the need for CPAP during all night sleep studies for sleep apnea and administering nerve conduction velocity tests. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:- Knowledge of CPAP function and operation to select and fit appropriate PAP patient interface devices.- Ability to independently titrate and document PAP level to achieve therapeutic goals.- Knowledge of indications, complications, and contraindications of CPAP therapy.- Knowledge of Bi-Level pressure titrations.- Ability to recognize changes seen during the PSG tracing and identify all stages of sleep. This includes the ability to score and analyze sleep stages in clinical polysomnography recordings. GS-8 GRADE REQUIREMENTS: Must have at least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-7) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the duties of the position. Experience includes: Providing complex procedures as well as knowledge of the uncommon and/or rare sleep disorders. Interacting fully with the patient and physician to diagnose sleep disorders including those that are uncommon or rare. Conducting full sleep studies including overnight studies and evaluate the relationship of events, sleep stages, and possible medical conditions which influence or result from events occurring during sleep. Anticipating problems likely to occur during the sleep study and prepare for such situations, make changes in established procedures, or recommend alternative courses of action. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:- Advanced knowledge or the International Classification of Sleep Disorders and the ability to recognize uncommon and/or rare sleep disorders.- Ability to summarize and report polysomnographic data in narrative form.- Knowledge of event characteristics (e.g., respiratory, cardiac, sleep stage, seizures, etc.) and ability to take appropriate action.- Ability to provide briefings and orientation to hospital staff including physicians. PREFERRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: Successful completion of an accredited educational program; leading to an associate degree with an emphasis in polysomnography. OR Successful completion of a polysomnography program of no less than one year duration associated with a state licensed and/or a nationally accredited educational facility or equivalent experience and documented proficiency at all competencies required of a Sleep Technician PREFERRED CERTIFICATION: Certification by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists as a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist or Valid RPSGT certification. Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing or walking for prolonged periods of time; frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and stretching to set up and take apart equipment and apparatus; lifting and repositioning patients; and pushing or pulling heavy objects such as oxygen tanks and/or equipment. The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as above-average dexterity to perform intricate respiratory therapy procedures. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. ["Duties Include but are not limited to: Patient setup, calibration and acquisition performance verification Monitoring of multiple physiological data throughout the test Troubleshooting of polysomnographic recording equipment Identify and treat sleep related breathing disorders Remove, and sterilize electrodes and sensors at completion of study The staging of the sleep studies Document all data in CPRS including for scoring Collect, analyze and integrate patient information in order to identify and meet the patient specific needs (Physical/mental limitations, current emotional/physiological status regarding the testing procedure, pertinent medical/social history), and to determine final testing parameters/procedures in conjunction with the ordering physician or clinical director and laboratory protocols. Performs diagnostic polysomnography studies, home sleep testing, split night studies CPAP/Bi-Level ventilation/oxygen titration studies, multiple sleep latency tests (MSLT), and the maintenance of wakefulness test (MWT). Adapts the equipment to the veteran based on information gained through trained observation and laboratory procedures. Performs some administrative duties in the Sleep Study Laboratory including scheduling out-patients which encompasses interpreting the physicians request in order to complete the testing process Work Schedule: Rotating weekends, Rotating shifts: 0600pm to 0630am, 0800pm-0630am. Compressed/Flexible: Not available 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"]

Return to Search Results