The Electrophysiology (EEG) technologist maintains state of the art quality in the principles, practices and procedures associated with electroencephalography by meeting the standards set forth by the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society. Using state of the art equipment, the technologist obtains EEGs and evoked potentials on patients with a variety of serious medical and neurological illnesses.

Duties

Functions or scope of assigned duties: Clinical Work -The work involves performance of a wide range of sophisticated diagnostic procedures and therapeutic techniques representing important components of the care of many patients. Many inpatients and outpatients with diverse disorders require such testing and or treatments; therefore, this position has significant scope within our medical center. Technologists monitor EEG tracings to identify seizure-like events and other focal brainwave anomalies in patients with suspected or established central nervous system impairments. They have the duty to start and stop studies and have the clinical competence to alert physicians when a seizure occurs or if a patient experiences unforeseen medical crisis (such as a heart attack or stroke) during a study. They must watch the EEG tracings during the recording session to determine appropriate machine settings, and they must use alternative techniques when established methods do not accomplish acceptable results. This includes adapting equipment and accessories to yield the best results during the examination with the least amount of artifact. They must edit and select an appropriate sample portion of the tracing of the video clip for further assessment and interpretation by a trained neurologist. They must notify the neurologist when electrophysiologic or behavioral change suggestive of a seizure is observed and document changes in their EEG report. The technologist is also responsible for instructing the patient prior to the commencement of the study to assure cooperation and full comprehension by the patient during the procedure The technologist independently explains the various steps of the study including proper positioning, how and when to push the EEG event button when a seizure is expected or has occurred, notifying the nurse when problems arise, to use the rest room only with supervision, and not showering or removing the electrodes during the course of video monitoring. Technologists are also responsible for maintaining integrity of EEG lead contact and must readjust or replace the leads when necessary. They are responsible for clipping, pruning, and archiving video and EEG recordings upon completion of long term monitoring. They are responsible for purchasing EEG parts and accessories when they are in short supply or malfunctioning. Periodically, they will test the equipment to assess the need for mechanical, electronic, and software repair or upgrade. The technologist is expected to work independently under the supervision of the Director, Epilepsy Center of Excellence or his designee, and is responsible to the Neurology Service's Chief. The technologist plans and carries out procedures, handles problems and deviations in the work assignment in line with knowledge base accepted practices and outlined procedures, and tailors each study to the particular patient and is required to make online decisions regarding appropriate testing and therapy. The clinical work is completed independently. The technologist obtains information from the patient and chart pertinent to the diagnosis and clinical testing and plans the appropriate study. The technologist is aware of current aspects of testing and treatment and may suggest and introduce new testing treatment techniques. Teaching - the technologist will assist in teaching new technologists on use of equipment and newer techniques and ensure that they are proficient in these techniques. Also the technologist has a great role in patient teaching as outlined above. The technologist is also expected to teach medical students, nursing staff, neurology resident rotators, and neurophysiology fellows the basics of EEG procedure and analysis. Work Schedule: Full Time, Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 689-F06418 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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 in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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). GS-9: In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-8 full performance level, positions at this grade may be lead, supervisory, or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments. Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 4 and 5 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment. 1. Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques in order to provide training and supervision in these procedures. *2. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. 3. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. *4. Ability to manage and supervise employees. *5. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Certification: Registration by the American Board of Registration of EEG, CNIM &EP Technologists (ABRET) or the American Association of Electrodiagnostic Technologists (AEET) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level. Assignments: For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. References: Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9 . Physical Requirements: Work is primarily performed in patient care areas, in-patient and outpatient. Moving equipment and supplies, lifting , bending, walking, standing, and stooping. Manual dexterity is required to operate equipment controls. Visual acuity is required in reading gauges, dials, and computer screens.

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 West Haven VA Medical Center 950 Campbell Avenue West Haven, CT 06516 US
• Name: William Bernard
• Phone: 203 932-5711 X8234
• Email: [email protected]