Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography)

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.

01Basic Requirements

United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions.

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. Grade Determination: GS - 8 - Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) (a) 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, as well as knowledge of the uncommon and/or rare sleep disorders. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Advanced knowledge or the International Classification of Sleep Disorders and the ability to recognize uncommon and/or rare sleep disorders. Ability to summaries 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. (c) 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. (d) Assignment. This represents the full performance level.

At this level the Polysomnographic Technicians are able to interact fully with the patient and physician to diagnose sleep disorders including those that are uncommon or rare. They are able to conduct 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.

They anticipate problems likely to occur during the sleep study and prepare for such situations, make changes in established procedures, or recommend alternative courses of actions. They are able to mentor lower graded technicians. 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) Preferred Experience: Possession of RPSGT through the BRPT.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

02Physical Requirements

As outlined in VA Handbook 5019.

The incumbent will serve as a Medical Instrument in the Sleep Center and will perform a wide variety of polysomnographic studies in the sleep laboratory; routine polysomnogram, PAP titration studies including CPAP, Bi-level, ASV technologies. The incumbent will also have responsibility for education of veterans and family members as well as following all technical and hospital, federal and state regulations as well as following recommendations of the AASM, JCAHO, BRPT, and the AAST.

The incumbent needs to have a high level understanding of high and low filters, sensitivities, gain, AC/DC filters and inputs, bio-calibrations, machine calibrations, and also needs high level understanding of instrumentation and electrical safety. This can be accomplished through journals, attending educational conferences, etc.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Carries out the above duties in accordance with the standard procedures for performing, scoring, and reviewing Polysomnography and other sleep studies. Attends monthly staff meetings and educational opportunities. Troubleshoots and repairs EEG, EKG, EOG, EMG, and respiratory monitoring equipment, as necessary. Recognizes when a situation is above his/her skill level and asks for assistance of the supervisor..

Timely and accurate with patient hook up utilizing the international 10-20 system of measurement. Delivers compassionate quality care to our veteran population. Educates the veteran and his/her family on the procedures that are performed. Involves the veteran and his/her family in regards to decisions about sleep testing and therapy. Titrates patients on CPAP therapy devices, bi-level titration devices, and auto-servo ventilation devices.

Recognizes when a change in device type is required to adequately treat the veteran. Demonstrates effective written and verbal communication. Demonstrates the ability to recognize and treat complex patients and can readily adapt to changing situations. Demonstrates the ability to learn to titrate patients who have the Inspire device. Programs and coordinates the initiation of home sleep study devices with patients.

Follows all Joint Commission, VA, OSHA, etc safety policies and procedures including infection control and equipment usage. Accurately and timely records patient treatment, progress notes, etc into patient records via CPRS based program. Provides all statistical data including encounter forms in a timely manner. Information provided is complete, accurate, and work is performed within prescribed timeframes. Completes the required VA hours of training/education annually including mandatory training.

Attends and participates in presentations at monthly staff meetings as well as maintains CEC's as required by state and federal regulations. Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: 6pm-6am. Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases.

When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.

Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 14751F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.