The primary duties of the Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) are to independently monitor patients during all stages of sleep utilizing a variety of sophisticated recording devices, score and analyze sleep stages in clinical polysomnographic (PSG) recordings, and perform interventions, such as positive airway pressure and oxygen therapies, with minimal supervision.

Duties

Receives and acts on assignments for a variety of difficult examinations on compromised patients for planned, urgent, and emergent tests Performs the full range of complex procedures using specialized equipment that requires precise adjustments to respond to individual patient needs, conditions or test sequences Performs sleep monitoring (PSG) on individuals with a variety of sleep disorders, including but not limited to; possible sleep apnea, arterial desaturations secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other medical conditions, narcolepsy, parasomnias and periodic limb movement disorder. Demonstrates knowledge of respiratory, neuroanatomy and physiology, basic electronics and electrical safety, general knowledge of PSG instruments, pattern recognition, and various medical and pharmacological conditions that influence the PSG. Sets up PAP equipment, performs quality checks to ensure readiness for use during the procedure; applies positive airway pressure (PAP) devices and titrates settings to appropriate levels per established protocols. Explains procedures and positions patient to insure comfort during a variety of tests, taking into account the patient's age, mental and physical status. Functions effectively as a team member when cooperative efforts are needed by doing own share of work and assisting other team members as needed to complete patient workload. Prepares and organizes patient rooms with supplies and equipment required for appropriate polysomnographic procedure and electrode application. Responds appropriately to all situations involving patient care. Analyzes approximately 1000 pages of information per PSG for sleep stages; heart rate and arrhythmias; respiration rate and pattern; oxygen saturation level; pH level; myoclonic activity; seizure activity; thoracic and abdominal movement pattern; tidal volume changes, tumescence activity; EOG activity; bruxism; specific EEG patterns; awakenings/ arousals; and other significant observations. Calibrates and maintains in proper working order complex respiratory equipment Communicates with personnel on inpatient wards and outpatient areas to obtain pertinent information in the planning of care during the test Stays abreast of technological developments related, but not limited to, polysomnographic technology Recognizes sleep onset during Performs other duties as assigned Work Schedule: 6:00pm-6:00am Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authroized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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. English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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-08: (a) Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-07) 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. 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. 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: One year sleep lab experience and Basic Life Support Certification. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/54 PART II APPENDIX G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-08. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address VA Western New York Healthcare System 3495 Bailey Avenue Buffalo, NY 14215 US
• Name: Sarah Cassidy
• Email: [email protected]