Serves as an RRT (Polysomnography) in the specialty assignment of Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) under the direction of the RRT Chief. Respiratory care and polysomnographic services are performed in accordance with the guidelines established by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), the American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC), the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT).

Duties

Duties: Performs polysomnographic testing and titration studies including applying testing electrodes and monitors in multiple body sites per standard and facility protocol. Evaluates the relationship of events, sleep stages, and possible medical conditions which influence or result from events occurring during sleep. Anticipates potential problems likely to occur during a sleep study, prepares for such situations, and makes changes in established procedures. Obtains data measuring wake, sleep, and breathing states and records various signals from the brain and airways, cardiac rate, oxygen saturation, and position to enable the physician to assess and diagnose sleep and breathing disorders. Ability to troubleshoot and calibrate polysomnography, computer, oximeters, movement monitors, and patient electrodes prior to the onset of recording. Analyzes and scores patient data and summarizes reports for physician interpretation. Monitors and initiates interventions for complications of testing and determines whether patients meet criteria for termination of testing. Performs home sleep testing, uploads data, and presents reports for physician interpretation. Provides education to patient/ family/ caregiver related to the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Provides education to patient/ family/ caregiver related to use, management, and maintenance of home positive airway pressure therapy equipment and supplies. Monitors patient compliance with prescribed therapy by follow-up assessment with device download and documentation of subjective response to therapy. Offers additional follow-up visits for poor compliance, inadequate response to therapy, mask fitting, desensitization, and/ or replacement of device interfaces. Acts as liaison between Dental Services for oral appliances and Behavioral Health for cognitive behavioral therapy. Monitors patients, recognizes the need for assistance if patient safety or health is at risk, and initiates interventions for complications of testing or medication delivery. Communicates with other health care team members, orally, in writing, and/ or through electronic charting, any changes, adjustments, and recommendations for patient care. Provides training and competency assessment of staff in the performance of positive airway pressure equipment. Provides effective education and training, as appropriate, to patients, family members, students, volunteers, and coworkers; secures the confidence and cooperation of patients by explaining procedures to obtain optimal compliance with and management of therapy. Assumes other duties and responsibilities as needed or assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Thursday, 7:00am - 5:00pm (subject to change based on the needs of the facility) Compressed/Flexible:Eligible Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:520-00574-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements- To qualify for appointment as an RRT, all applicants must possess the following: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, of this part. See 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a) for more information. Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor. Licensure. Persons appointed or reassigned to RRT positions in the GS-0601 series must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a full, current and unrestricted license from a state to practice as an RRT. Credential. Persons appointed or reassigned to RRT positions in the GS-0601 series must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a valid, current, unrestricted credential of RRT. English Language Proficiency. RTs/RRTs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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: Registered Respiratory Therapist (Polysomnography) GS-12 Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: 1.One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. 2. Hold an active license and RRT credential. Certification. Candidates must hold a RPSGT. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Skill in performing polysomnographic studies to include obtaining both physiologic and diagnostic data. 2. Skill in calibrating and troubleshooting polysomnographic equipment. 3. Skill in monitoring both physiologic and diagnostic parameters. 4. Skill in scoring data both during and post diagnostic testing. 5. Skill in analyzing data both during and post diagnostic testing. 6. Skill in preparing output for physician interpretation of data obtained both during and post diagnostic testing 7..Skill in the assessment of oxygenation, ventilation and adverse responses. Preferred Experience: 1. Two years experience as RRT. 2. Two years experience as RPSGT. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. 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 Biloxi VA Medical Center 400 Veterans Avenue Biloxi, MS 39531 US
• Name: Keewanda Smith
• Phone: (228) 523-8415
• Email: [email protected]