The technician independently operates and monitors neurodiagnostic equipment in the Integrated Sleep Disorders Center. The technician performs a full range of standard, but complex examinations including overnight sleep studies, MSLT (multiple sleep latency tests), and PAP (positive airway pressure).

Duties

The technician independently operates and monitors neurodiagnostic equipment in the Integrated Sleep Disorders Center. The technician performs a full range of standard, but complex examinations including overnight sleep studies, MSLT (multiple sleep latency tests), and PAP (positive airway pressure). They are responsible for properly and accurately calibrating all instruments prior to PSG tracings. Following laboratory protocol, they independently determine the need for CPAP therapy. Technicians at this level will provide briefings and orientation about sleep studies and lab policy to residents, fellows, and other personnel who may rotate thru department. They may serve as mentor to lower level technicians. Duties at this level may involve more complex procedures (under closer supervision) to prepare the technician for promotion to higher levels. Equipment: The technician will operate computerized polysomnographs for recording continuous all night physiological data including EEG, EOG, EKG, EMG, and respiratory parameters. They will use devices such as oximetry, respiratory effort devices, nasal pressure devices, thermistors, thermocouples, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, and laboratory computers. They will select and fit appropriate CPAP patient interface devices and provide education to patients during the daytime CPAP Group Clinics. The technician will conduct routine maintenance and adjustment checks on the equipment during the daytime CPAP Clinics (CPAP Maintenance Clinics, Walkins, Telehealth Clinics). Additionally, he/she will be able to address CPAP compliance via machine downloads and remote monitoring with machine modems. The technician will recognize and report any equipment failure to the supervisor. Medical Terminology: The technician will know medical terminology, anatomy, physiology as it relates to sleep disorders. They have advanced knowledge of The International classification of Sleep disorders and the ability to recognize uncommon and or rare sleep disorders. The technician will understand the relationship of events, sleep stages, and possible medical conditions which influence or result from events occurring during sleep. They will use this knowledge to review medical records and read and understand routine and complex sleep study orders. They will know normal and abnormal results and will document abnormalities during procedure. Testing: The Polysomnography (PSG) technician will utilize standard or alternate position for patients with common physical disabilities for the procedure being performed. They will utilize two methods of patient identification. They will explain the testing procedure to the patient. They will utilize the 10/20 method of electrode application during procedures. The technician will follow established laboratory protocol in performing standard overnight sleep studies, PAP, and MSLT's. The technician will independently titrate and document PAP level to achieve therapeutic goals. They will know the indications, complications, and contraindications to CPAP therapy. They will know how to use Bi-Level PAP therapy. They will obtain written permission to perform audio and video during the procedures that require such. They will recognize biologic and non-biologic (artifacts) EEG waveforms. They will know corrective actions to eliminate artifacts. They will recognize all levels of sleep. The technician has knowledge of event characteristics (ie. respiratory, cardiac, sleep stages, seizures, etc.) and will take appropriate action. They will make changes in recording techniques and parameters to optimize display of the clinical question (e.g. seizure monitoring, parasomnias). They will score and analyze sleep stages on the recordings. The technician recognizes obvious clinical manifestations of various types of epileptic and non epileptic seizures as they occur. The technician annotates observed behavior or anomalies on recordings. They use equipment specific processing software to execute several automation functions such as storing, retrieving, and transferring, electronic document and files. The technician will summarize and report Polysomnographic data in narrative form. They will recognize life threatening or medically emergent patient situations and take appropriate action to provide emergent care. Work Schedule: 7:00pm - 7:00am, with an 8 hour day or night shift every other week 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

Requirements

Qualifications

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. 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: 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. For certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments, specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations". For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition. 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). Grade Determinations: 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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. Assignment. Polysomnography (PSG) Technicians at this level perform a full range of standard, routine examinations including overnight sleep studies, MSLT (Multiple Sleep Latency Test), MWT (Maintenance of Wakefulness Test), and PAP (Positive Airway Pressure Titration). References: VA Handbook 5005 /15, Part II, Appendix G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-08. 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.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Salem VA Medical Center 1970 Roanoke Boulevard Salem, VA 24153 US
• Name: Michele Daniels
• Phone: 706-733-0188 X31163
• Email: [email protected]