The Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) works as a Sleep Technician, under general supervision of the Medical Director of the Sleep Section of Medical Service. The Technician also serves as a consultant to staff physicians, fellows, residents, and interns of the medical center.

Duties

The Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) must have a thorough understanding and intimate knowledge of the principles, theories, techniques and practices pertaining to the field of Sleep Technology. They must be able to demonstrate the practical application of these principles, theories, and techniques and must have an understanding of related disciplines such as microbiology, chemistry, physiology, anatomy, pathology, psychology, and physics as they relate to the field. Duties include but not limited to: Overall responsibilities will include, but are not limited to taking an active role in the portable sleep study and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) programs. The Technician performs a full range of standard as well as portable sleep monitoring examinations with responsibility for properly calibrating and maintaining all necessary equipment. Testing equipment will record multiple respiration parameters for diagnosing sleep apnea with nasal and oral airflow, respiratory effort, body position, oximetry, snoring and heart rate. Downloads, confirms adequate recording, and electronically transfers reports to CPRS folder for completion. Scores sleep studies and alerts providers of critical or urgent results. Assists in communicating sleep study results with patients and arranges for appropriate follow up in the sleep clinic in conjunction with the sleep desk clerk. Independently programs and sets up initial PAP equipment for issue to Veteran based on prescription, including pressure adjustments per prescription or provider recommendation. Shares responsibility with CPAP supply department and helps with veteran's DME supply request. MIT Polysomnography Technician may be assigned to CPAP supply "DME" department on an as need basis. Works with a variety of brands and types of PAP (CPAP, BiPAP, ASV, AVAPS and others) and mask fitting to assure optimal mask seal and comfort. Educates patients on safe and proper use of PAP machine, mask, and associated equipment to assure optimal function and sleep quality. This may be done in a group or in one-on-one formats. Ensures patient's significant other or caregiver fully understands setup procedures and function of BiPAP/CPAP unit. Troubleshoots PAP equipment in CPAP clinic or in other settings as required. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 7:00 am -7: 00 pm Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00441-F 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". 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, 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 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: 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. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/54, Part II, Appendix G-[27] The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Overton Brooks VA Medical Center 510 East Stoner Avenue Shreveport, LA 71101 US
• Name: Rebecca Montgomery
• Phone: (281) 536-7730
• Email: [email protected]