The Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center is recruiting for two Medical Instrument Technicians (Polysomnography) assigned to work in Acute Care, Nursing Service. The Polysomnographer conducts sleep study procedures that include patient hookup, sleep screening tests and polysomnograms (night sleep tests). Conducts multiple sleep latency tests (day sleep tests), analysis, sleep staging, record setting up, operating, and troubleshooting diagnostic equipment during on site testing.
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. Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a. Grade Determinations: GS-6 Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, GS-5, which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of standard, computerized polysomnographs for recording continuous all night physiological data including EEG, EOG, EKG, EMG and respiratory parameters. 2. Knowledge of standard devices such as oximeters, respiratory effort devices, nasal pressure devices, thermistors, thermocouples, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, and laboratory computers including the ability to calibrate and operate the equipment and recognize and eliminate recording artifacts. 3. Knowledge of medical terminology and medical record organization to review medical records, sleep study orders, consent forms, medical charts, etc. 4. Knowledge of polysmnographic procedural protocols (including overnight sleep studies, MSLT, MWT, PAP, etc.). 5. Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology and the international 10-20 electrode placement system in order to conduct the sleep studies. Certification: No certification or registration is required at this level. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable. GS-7 Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, GS-06, 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 the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to independently conduct difficult but standardized polysomnography examinations. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of CPAP function and operation to select and fit appropriate PAP patient interface devices. 2. Ability to independently titrate and document PAP level to achieve therapeutic goals. 3. Knowledge of indications, complications, and contraindications of CPAP therapy. 4. Knowledge of Bi-Level pressure titrations. 5. 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. Certification: No certification or registration is required. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable. GS-8 Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, GS-7, 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 a knowledge of the more complex procedures as well as knowledge of the uncommon and/or rare sleep disorders. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Advanced knowledge or the International Classification of Sleep Disorders and the ability to recognize uncommon and/or rare sleep disorders. 2. Ability to summarize and report polysomnographic data in narrative form. 3. Knowledge of event characteristics (e.g., respiratory, cardiac, sleep stage, seizures, etc.) and ability to take appropriate action. 4. Ability to provide briefings and orientation to hospital staff including physicians. Certification: No certification or registration is required. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level. Preferred Experience: Experience working in a sleep and CPAP lab. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standard, GS-649, Veterans Health Administration, dated June 7, 2012. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
The major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: DME CPAP patient setups and all equipment related patient care follow-up visits. Records all polysomnogram scoring and data analysis, technical sleep report generation and provides technical feedback on data acquisition. Troubleshooting of technical and computer issues for acquisition and reading stations. Performs recording and monitoring of sleep/wake physiologic data. Includes patient hookup recognition of sleep stages and events, implements CPAP treatment as indicated by department protocols. Downloads patient's PAP therapy data via Airview/Encore/Devilbiss or Smart card and contacts patients with feedback. Uses problem-solving skills to optimize the evaluation and adjusts the exam to ensure that it is comprehensive and accurate. Records and interprets the results of the exam and presents information to physician. Receives patients, explains procedure and performs exams. Independently sets, calibrates and operates complex testing instruments. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 7:30am to 4:00pm; Monday thru Friday. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Financial Disclosure Report: Not required