This Position functions as a Polysomnographic Technologist in the clinical sleep laboratory, at the Green Road VA Outpatient Clinic, and is organizationally aligned under Ambulatory Care Services. The incumbent functions independently to safely operate sophisticated medical equipment to record sleep/wake physiology.

Duties

Functions independently to safely operate sophisticated medical equipment to record sleep/wake physiology. Additionally, the incumbent performs standardized scoring of patient sleep studies (i.e., sleep staging studies), incorporating supplementary physiological parameters (e.g., respiration, EMG, ECG, etc.), and presents the scored data results in a nationally accepted summary format to the presiding physician for interpretation and clinical decision making. He/she possesses the knowledgebase to recognize and diagnose uncommon and/or rare sleep disorders. At this level, the incumbent exhibits the highest level of professional proficiency and may mentor lower-graded polysomnographic technologists. Plan procedures and is independently responsible for utilizing his/her own judgement, experience, and knowledge in preparing, calibrating, and operating all equipment to perform polysomnograms, multiple sleep latency tests and initiate various treatment modalities during studies. Incumbent monitors equipment to record breathing (airflow/respiratory effort), respiratory inductive plethysmography, electroencephalograms (brain waves), electrocardiograms (heart rate and rhythm), electromyograms (muscle activity), pulse oximetry (blood oxygenation/saturation) to ensure patient safety and data reliability. Performs polysomnographic studies on patients with suspected sleep disorders. This includes ambulatory baseline polysomnograms, multiple sleep latency tests and maintenance of wakefulness tests. The incumbent is knowledgeable on all CPAP processes and procedures and may perform PAP titrations. Ensures that reliable information is being recorded as well as making careful observations of the patient's behavior. All studies performed necessitate a recurring need on the part of the incumbent to continuously evaluate the patient's current condition to determine appropriate changes in the procedures. Responsible for preventative maintenance for all equipment, reusable supplies, keeping accurate records, and maintaining an inventory of supplies. Responsible for the cleaning and disinfection of equipment and sleep study rooms according to the VAAAHS (VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System) standard operating procedures (SOP) for patient exam space and reusable medical equipment (RME) programs. Incumbent is responsible for preparing the sleep study rooms prior to patient arrivals. Sets up, uses, reprocesses, and maintains all unit/department-specific equipment that is designed by the manufacturer to be reused for multiple patients. All steps and activities for set ups, reprocessing and maintenance will be completed in accordance with steps outlined in the equipment manufacturer's SOP. Uses equipment appropriately and demonstrates and/or verbalizes the knowledge of proper use, reprocessing, and maintenance. The reprocessing may be done by the individual on the unit (i.e., wiping down equipment with an approved disinfectant) or may require the equipment to be sent to the VAAAHS Sterile Processing Department for higher-level disinfecting and/or sterilizing per specific RME requirements. Participates in training in the setup, use, reprocessing, and maintenance of their unit/department-specific equipment leading to ongoing professional competence and validation at least annually. Work Schedule: Wednesday - Saturday 7:30 pm - 7:30 am Compressed/Flexible:Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 92841-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: a. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. b. 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. c. 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. d. Grandfathering Provision. The following is the standard grandfathering policy for all Title 38 Hybrid qualification standards. Some of these provisions may not apply to this occupation. Please carefully review the qualification standard to determine the specific education and/or licensure/certification/ registration requirements that apply to this occupation. Grade Determinations: GS-6 (a) 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: (b) 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. (c) Certification. Registered Polysomnographic Technologist Certification is Required. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable. (d) 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). GS-7 (a) 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: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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. (c) Certification. Registered Polysomnographic Technologist Certification is Required. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable. (d) Assignment. At this level the Polysomnography Technician performs a full range of standard, but complex, polysomnography examinations with responsibility for properly and accurately calibrating all instruments prior to the beginning of the PSG tracing and selection of appropriate electrode montages and sensitivity and filter settings to elicit the best possible tracings. They independently determine the need for CPAP during all night sleep studies for sleep apnea. They may administer nerve conduction velocity tests. GS-8 (a) 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 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: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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. (c) Certification. Registered Polysomnographic Technologist Certification is Required. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable. (d) Assignment. This represents the full performance level. At this level Polysomnographic Technicians are able to interact fully with the patient and physician to diagnose sleep disorders including those that are uncommon or rare. They are able to conduct full sleep studies including overnight studies and evaluate the relationship of events, sleep stages, and possible medical conditions which influence or result from events occurring during sleep. They anticipate problems likely to occur during the sleep study and prepare for such situations, make changes in established procedures, or recommend alternative courses of action. They are able to mentor lower graded technicians. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G27, The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8 The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6 to GS-8. Physical Requirements: Regular and recurring work is mostly sedentary involving sitting at a desk, although the position requires the ability to move from one geographic location of the facility to another. Some physical effort such as standing, walking, bending, or prolonged sitting may be required. The work places no special physical demands on the employee.

Education

There is no education substitution for this occupation.

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 Ann Arbor VA Medical Center 2215 Fuller Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105 US
• Name: Lori Banks
• Phone: 989-497-2500 X13077
• Email: [email protected]