Will function as a Polysomnographic Technologist in the clinical sleep laboratory, at the Green Road VA Outpatient Clinic, and is organizationally aligned under Ambulatory Care Services. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 93159-0 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: 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. 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. (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 Preferred Experience: Registered Polysomnographic Technologist Certification References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G27 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 at this grade level.

Contacts

• Address Ann Arbor VA Medical Center 2215 Fuller Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105 US
• Name: Jessica Kidd
• Phone: 734-596-3177
• Email: [email protected]