This position functions to score sleep studies as needed, plans, directs and coordinates patient care related to the in-lab and home sleep testing (HST) and integrates the polysomnographic data into patient care by coordinating care with other functional areas of the Sleep Center, such as CPAP Clinic and Sleep Clinics.

Duties

Duties, include, however not limited to: Scans patient's health records of common and complicated medical conditions pertinent to the performance of sleep testing procedures. He/she explains the procedure to patients to insure patient comfort for optional recording of sleep studies. Anticipates and corrects patient discomfort, mechanical and electrical interface (artifacts). Scans/examines environment of recording to detect and eliminate possible sources of artifacts in order to preserve integrity of recording; Recognizes patient movements and diagnostic findings and makes changes in recording techniques and parameters to optimize display of the phenomenon in question. Performs patient physical assessments related to sleep disorders, including mask fittings and adjustments, etc. Conducts patient setups, calibration and acquisition performance verification; performs pre and post-test calibrations. Able to perform monitoring of multiple physiological data throughout the specific tests conducted;. Troubleshoots polysomnographic recording equipment. Identifies and treats appropriately sleep related breathing disorders. Integrates polysomnographic data into patient care by coordinating care with other functional areas of the Sleep Center, such as CPAP Clinic and Sleep Clinics. Provides patient instructions and education. Recognizes the need for medical intervention if patient safety is at risk. Removes, and sterilizes electrodes and sensors at completion of study, as needed; orders necessary supplies and equipment for the Sleep Lab, etc. Able to perform timely sleep staging of the sleep studies according to the latest professional standards and specific VA Sleep Lab protocols, generates reports for physician interpretations, assists physicians and trainees in insuring quality standards of the sleep reports are maintained. Documents all data in CPRS as needed, including the data generated through acquisition and scoring. Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the testing system and accepted procedures. Correlates quantitative data with patient data (i.e., history, medications, card downloads, etc.) to verify results. Performs additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results. Recognizes abnormal results that require immediate attention by the physician and reports them directly. Work Schedule: Monday - Sunday, 7:00AM - 7:00PM, 7:00PM - 7:00AM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 51620FS 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. Licensure or Certification: Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, Registration by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level. 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: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. This would be experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required to provide all aspects of polysomnography services. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/15; Part II; Appendix G27 dated 3/17/06.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-8. Physical Requirements: here is a combination of potentially extended periods of standing, walking, and lifting of items. The other physical demands that coincide with the duties of an echo technologist, such as performing portable examination in other areas of the hospital or travel to CBOC's. Heavy Lifting (45 lbs. and over); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (4-8 hours); Standing (4-8 hours); Repeated bending (up to 2 hour); Must possess emotional and mental stability.

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 Atlanta VA Medical Center 1670 Clairmont Road Decatur, GA 30033 US
• Name: Donna Mackey-Pollard
• Phone: 334-590-9523
• Email: [email protected]