The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting for Medical Instrument Technologists (Polysomnography). The Medical Instrument Technologists (Polysomnography) will function in Medicine Service.

Duties

This announcement will remain open until December 29, 2024. All qualified applications will be forwarded to the selecting official for a review based on the hiring needs of the service. A selection may be made at any time during the open period of the announcement. Understands etiology, anatomy, pathology, diagnosis, and treatment of common sleep-disordered breathing conditions. Demonstrates knowledge of testing procedures used in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders, including, but not limited to: in-lab and in-home overnight polysomnography testing, Multiple Sleep Latency Testing (MSLT) and positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. Identifies common patient surveys/questionnaires used in the screening process for sleep disorders, including the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and the STOP-BANG questionnaire. Identifies limitations or common issues encountered with polysomnography testing & treatment initiation/titration Demonstrates ability to perform comprehensive patient assessment including assessment of heart rate and respiratory rate & effort, oxygen saturation, transcutaneous carbon dioxide measurements and electroencephalogram (EEG). Identifies the indications, contraindications and hazards of frequently performed procedures, including in-lab overnight polysomnography testing & scoring, in-home overnight testing & scoring, MSLT testing, application and titration of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) therapies, pulse oximetry & transcutaneous carbon dioxide monitoring. Identifies critical information that must be communicated during testing and procedures. Properly and completely documents all assessments, results, interventions, issues, and any other pertinent information in the patient's medical record. Assists the Sleep Program Manager/Assistant Chief of Sleep Disorders with training, policy/procedure creation/revision and other performance improvement projects, as directed. Communicates effectively and professionally with patients, families, coworkers, and other staff. Provides patient education related to the purpose of study, the time required and instructions for use, ensuring adequate teach-back and understanding. Ensures a safe patient environment at all times. Work Schedule: Night Shift, 12 hour shifts with one 8 hour shift every two weeks, alternating weekends. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 92199A 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. English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a. 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-6 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: 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 Certification. No certification or registration is required at this level. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable. GS-7 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: 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. Certification. No certification or registration is required. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable. GS-8 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/45, 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: Considerable walking/standing may be required. Frequent lifting, positioning, pushing/pulling may be required when moving equipment or supplies or other infrequent needs. Frequent, prolonged extensive or considerable sitting is often required. Manual dexterity and mobility are required. The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as above-average dexterity to perform intricate respiratory therapy procedures. Frequent reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, or crouching may be necessary. Moderate physical effort (ability to lift/carry up to 50 pounds) may be occasionally required. Intermittent exertion is possible. Subject to interruptions and stress from multiple calls, patient needs and/or inquiries from others, whether in-person, on the telephone or via computer. Sound judgement and ability to function under stress is required. Inappropriate actions/judgment, especially those during emergency or crisis situations, may result in injury or death.

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 VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System 10701 East Boulevard Cleveland, OH 44106 US
• Name: Ruby Urban
• Phone: 216-215-2733
• Email: [email protected]