The technician will provide a full range of duties for EEG (Electroencephalography) section of the Neurodiagnostic Department as well as for the EMU (Epilepsy Monitoring Unit) located in the Epilepsy Center of Excellence (ECoE) at the New Mexico VA Healthcare System (NMVAHCS) in Albuquerque, New Mexico (VISN 22). In addition, it is preferred that the technician also perform duties in the NCS/EMG (Electromyography) section.

Duties

The technician will work independently as well as directly with the Neurology Service Chief, ECOE Staff, Neurology Staff Physicians, Residents and Fellows to assist in the operation of the EEG/EMU lab following JCAHO standards. Duties include, but are not limited to the following: Independently performs advanced neurodiagnostic procedures ( EEG/L TM) in complex environments such as the operating room, epilepsy monitoring rooms, intensive care units and at the patient's bedside. These include: Electrocorticography, Motor/Speech Mapping, Carotid Endarterectomy, Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Clipping Independently performs routine and invasive long-term monitoring. (L TM) These include: Extended I 0/20 electrode placement, Strip Electrodes, Grid Electrodes and Depth Electrodes. May perform nerve conduction studies (per laboratory protocols) on various nerves at appropriate locations and intensities as indicated by the medical history and symptoms. May assist staff physician when performing the needle exam portion of the Electromyography (EMG). Acts as lead technician (EEG/LTM) by instructing and guiding Residents and Fellows. Knowledge of medications and their effects on EEG recording. Recognizes life threatening, medically emergent, or complex patient situations. Identifies serious conditions requiring rapid intervention when necessary. Provides patients and their families with a thorough explanation of the procedure being performed. Schedules and assists patients and physicians during L TM admissions. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. Schedules and prioritizes patients per history and symptoms. Follows established laboratory and/or hospital guidelines in completing "administrative duties" for each test performed. Partly responsible for inventory of laboratory supplies Work Schedule: Multiple Schedules Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Medical Instrument Technician (Electroencephalography)PD000000 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. 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, 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. 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 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 knowledge of the more complex procedures, the pharmacology related to this occupation, and knowledge of related acute disorders and diseases and their effects on organs and methods of treatment. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Ability to interpret testing data to evaluate critical information for surgeons and other medical staff during testing procedures. 2. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the nervous system and the ability to understand the relationship of EEG and evoked potential testing in detecting states of disease and health. 3. Knowledge of behavior assessment during seizure attacks in order to insure adequacy of recordings during seizure discharges. 4. Knowledge of a variety of advanced EEG equipment and peripheral equipment such as equipment for brain mapping, video EEG telemetry systems with seizure detection computers, and spike analysis software. 5. Knowledge of anticonvulsant medications and their effects on the EEG as well as other frequently used pharmaceuticals. 6. Ability to adapt neurodiagnostic devices, parameters, and procedures to complex, unusual, and often critical situations. Certification. No certification or registration is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certifications. Assignment. This represents the full performance level. Medical instrument technicians (EEG) at this level are expected to provide independent performance of a full range of procedures. The technician consistently delivers high quality studies for the most complex and non-routine procedures in difficult or demanding environments such as research, intraoperative monitoring, or intensive care monitoring. Procedures are tailored to clinical questions to be answered and may require additional monitors, electrodes, or other devices as clinically indicated. The technician interprets study results and brings to the attention of the physician or supervisor more subtle abnormalities that may require intervention. The technician will highlight portions of recordings of clinical importance for review by the clinical neurophysiologist and will accurately describe the concurrent behavior of the patient. Positive interaction with other health care staff to inform them of the indications for testing; the value, possible outcomes, and limitations of testing; and the policies of the laboratory are expected. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27- MIT EEG Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (Up to 30 lbs); Heavy Carrying (Up to 30 lbs); Straight Pulling (Up to 30 lbs); Pushing (Up to 30 lbs); Walking (Up to 8 hours); Standing (Up to 8 hours); Repeated bending (Up to 8 hours); Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Hearing (aid permitted).

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 Raymond G Murphy Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 1501 San Pedro Drive, Southeast Albuquerque, NM 87108 US
• Name: Sandra Placencia
• Phone: 916-843-9225
• Email: [email protected]