The MIT will work in the Neurodiagnostic Laboratory performing a wide range of diagnostic studies, including but not limited to EEG, Evoked Potentials, EMG/NCV, Polysomnography and Out of Center Sleep test. The MIT will advise the neurology and/or referring physician of critically abnormal results of diagnostic studies. The Technician is responsible for overseeing the efficiency and day-to-day operations of the Neurodiagnostic Technologist.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to the following: ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM (EEG): Independently performs reports and records basic Electroneurodiagnostic procedures. EEG-Routine, Stat, ICU, Emergency Room, Electrocerebral inactivity (brain death), and intraoperative monitoring during Carotid Endarterectomies. Verifies identity of the patient using two patient identifiers Interacts on a level appropriate to patient's age and cognitive level Uses the 10-20 System for electrode placement Explains electrode placement (skin prep, paste/collodion) Disinfecting electrodes after each procedure. Adheres to infection control, safety and universal precautions Explains all test procedures including activation procedures (hyperventilation, photic stimulation and when contraindicated) Verifies electrode impedances are below 10,000 hms and documents on recording Maintains instruments/equipment is in good working order Notate all sensitivity, HF and LF settings. Montages and paper speed on the recording Notates all observations, thoroughly documents care, and the patient's response. Seeks assistance and guidance from Lead Technician or Supervisor when urgent or emergent patient care requires higher level of intervention o Knows disease processes- seizure, stroke, trauma, altered consciousness NERVE CONDUCTION STUDIES (NCS): MIT will independently perform NCV studies and will possess the knowledge of motor and sensory nerves in the human body (peripheral nerves). The MIT will correlate patient history and clinical symptoms to the disease process and test the appropriate nerve conduction studies to be performed. o Understands the basis of the active, reference and ground electrodes as they apply to each study Disposable surface electrodes Stimulator-anode(+) and cathode(-) position to produce the appropriate waveforms and ensure desired polarity for the particular study being performed Importance of using conductive solution on the stimulator to maximize conductivity. o Electrical Safety, Patient Safety and Personnel Safety Document on patient report-waveform latencies in milliseconds, amplitudes, conduction velocities Evoked Potentials (EP): The MIT technologist will possess the knowledge of motor and sensory nerves in the human body (CNS). Knowledge of the diseases to correlate patient history and clinical symptoms to determine appropriate evoked potential studies to be performed. At least two replications demonstrating consistency of latency and amplitude measurements Identify obligated peaks according to laboratory policy and procedures Expert in all EP modalities- brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP), visual field evoked potentials (VEP), and somatosensory evoked potentials median/tibial (SSEP) Understands the meaning of artifact rejection and how to eliminate rejections Troubleshooting sources of artifact o Enhancing signal to noise ratio by increasing the numbers of sweeps Stimulator-anode(+) and cathode(-) position to produce the appropriate waveforms and ensure desired polarity for the particular study being performed Importance of using conductive solution on the stimulator to maximize conductivity. Home Sleep Apnea Test(HSAT): The MIT will possess the knowledge and skills required to independently educate, instruct, and administer the monitoring device to patients. Verifies the equipment is working properly before issuing to patient Instructs the patient on how to apply sensory accurately and securely Provides education instructions and pamphlets for review once they are home If lodging, patient lives more than 100 miles, ensures notes /approvals are entered appropriately Maintains database Identify artifact, inadequate signals and study failures Generates accurate report for interpreting physician MULTIPLE SLEEP LATENCY TEST (MSLT): The MIT will possess the knowledge and skills required to independently educate, instruct patients on MSLT. Verifies the equipment is working properly before issuing to patient Documenting the previous night's sleep (must be at least 6-hours) Explains procedure to patient Removing extra recording sensory used for the PSG that are not needed for the MSLT Preforms 5 nap studies given 2-hours apart Obtain sleep logs Instruct patient to go have a urine drug screen ordered by sleep physician Document start and end times of each nap, latency from lights out to first epoch of sleep, mean sleep latency, number of sleep-onset REM periods Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:00am-3:30pm Telework: Not Eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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. No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English. Education: There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. 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. 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: GS-9 Medical Instrument Technician (Electroencephalography): Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-8), 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 (*) GS-8 level KSA's: You must demonstrate the core competencies for the GS-8 full performance level which includes: Ability to interpret testing data to evaluate critical information for surgeons and other medical staff during testing procedures. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the nervous system and the ability to understand the relationship of EEG and evoked potential testing in detecting states of disease and health. Knowledge of behavior assessment during seizure attacks in order to insure adequacy of recordings during seizure discharges. Knowledge of a variety of advanced EEG equipment and peripheral equipment such as equipment for brain mapping, video EEG telemetry systems with seizure detection computers, and spike analysis software. Knowledge of anticonvulsant medications and their effects on the EEG as well as other frequently used pharmaceuticals. Ability to adapt neurodiagnostic devices, parameters, and procedures to complex, unusual, and often critical situations. GS-9 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): 1. Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques in order to provide training and supervision in these procedures. *Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. 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. All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to demonstrate your experience in your resume may result in disqualification. It is strongly recommended that you write to each KSA in your application package. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G27 The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

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 Iowa City VA Health Care System 601 Highway 6 West Iowa City, IA 52246 US
• Name: Kira Kuhn
• Phone: 3193380581 X636737
• Email: [email protected]