The Polysomnography Technician is responsible for providing comprehensive evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders in the sleep clinic, sleep laboratory, telemedicine and inpatient settings. The incumbent measure brain waves, eye movement, heart rate, breathing, body position , blood-oxygen level, limb movement and snoring during patient's sleep.

Duties

Major duties: Responsible for providing comprehensive evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders. Independently monitor, analyze, and record sleep monitoring studies and provide diagnostic and therapeutic analyses in preparation for review by the sleep medicine physician. Works with the full range of equipment, procedures, and techniques used in sleep studies, and various forms of positive airway pressure (PAP) treatments. Evaluates medical factors that may influence diagnostic and treatment choices. Utilizes medical terminology and medical records effectively and reviews medical records and sleep study orders in medical charts. Understands and complies with polysomnographic and Sleep Laboratory procedural protocols including but not limited to diagnostic overnight sleep studies (in lab and portable), scoring of sleep studies, performing PAP titrations, multiple sleep latency tests (MSLT), actigraphy, maintenance of wakefulness tests (MWT), sleep laboratory and sleep study equipment maintenance and inventory. Utilizes knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system and the latest version of the AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and Associated Events. Rules, Terminology and Technical Specifications in order to conduct the sleep studies. Recognizes changes seen during the PSG tracing and identifies all stages of sleep, scores, and analyzes sleep stages in clinical polysomnography recordings and other sleep studies. Understands CPAP function and operation, selects and fits appropriate patient interfaces. Independently titrates and documents PAP level to achieve therapeutic goals. Performs diagnostic and therapeutic polysomnograms according to the Sleep Lab Protocols in compliance with the VHA and American Academy of Sleep Medicine standards Provides Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) treatment and support. Works independently with a variety of types of PAP (CPAP, BiPAP, ASV, AVAPS and others) and mask fitting to assure optimal mask seal and comfort. Adhere to PAP titration protocols in order to achieve a therapeutic pressure and assess complications related to PAP. Performs mask desensitization to optimize compliance. Downloads and reviews positive pressure therapy compliance/efficacy data and acts upon it if necessary Communicates effectively with sleep specialist and other steep service staff members. Performs a full range of standard but complex portable sleep monitoring examinations with responsibility for properly calibrating and maintaining all necessary equipment. Provides instruction and support on patient instruction for home testing, including how to contact sleep laboratory and medical director. Downloads, confirms adequate recording, and electronically transfers to folder for processing. Scores sleep studies and alerts providers of critical or urgent results. Fits patients with appropriate mask and adjusting auto-PAP settings based on individual patient needs. Demonstrates use of equipment to assure appropriate fit and function. Performs oximetry studies when needed to validate efficacy of PAP therapy or efficacy of dental appliance for treatment of sleep apnea. Work Schedule: Rotating Shifts Compressed/Flexible:Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Available 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. Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English 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-7 Medical Instrument Technician 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 the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to independently conduct difficult but standardized polysomnography examinations. 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. GS-8 Medical Instrument Technician 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. 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. Selective Placement factors: Must be proficient written and in spoken Spanish. Preferred Experience: Registered Polysomnography Technologist References:VA HANDBOOK 5005/54, PART II, APPENDIX G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-07 to GS-8. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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 San Juan VA Medical Center 10 Calle Casia San Juan, PR 00921 US
• Name: Mireya Rodriguez-Perez
• Phone: 787-221-2542
• Email: [email protected]