Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography)-Sleep Lab

The technician independently operates and monitors neurodiagnostic equipment in the Neurodiagnostic Center at the Durham VAMC, VISN 6. The technician performs a full range of standard, but complex diagnostic testing including overnight sleep studies, home sleep testing, MSLT (multiple sleep latency tests), MWT (maintenance of wakefulness test) and PAP (positive airway pressure) titrations. They will educate patients on purpose and procedure of these diagnostic tests.

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.
• 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".
• 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-9. In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-8 level, positions at this grade may be lead, supervisory, or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments.

(a) Experience. 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 and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs.

(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level.

• Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques in order to provide training and supervision in these procedures, to evaluate and initiate performance improvement projects, and to write policies, procedures, and protocols, that pertain to Polysomnography.
• Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels.

Certification.

• 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.

Preferred Experience: Experience working directly with patients in a clinical setting, particularly in a sleep study environment.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. VA Handbook 5005/54, Part II, Appendix G27,

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09.

Physical Requirements: Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) functional requirements: light lifting (under 15 lbs.); Light carrying (under 15 lbs.); Reaching above shoulders; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 1 hour); Standing (up to 2 hours); kneeling (up to 1 hour); Ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted); and emotional stability.

Responsibilities:

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

MIT Polysomnography duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Sets up patient for testing according to accepted published standards.
• Performs appropriate physiological calibrations to determine proper functioning and adjust as needed.
• Prepares and calibrates equipment required for testing.
• Documents about routine observations include sleep stages, clinical events, changes in procedures, and significant events.
• Performs routine mask fitting for positive airway pressure (PAP).
• Scores sleep studies by applying professional accepted guidelines.
• Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style.
• Gathers and analyzes patient information to identify and meet the patient-specific needs.
• Reviews active polysomnograms and offer corrections as needed.
• Review sleep study reports for correct information.
• Review sleep study consults for appropriate study performed.
• Utilize proper hospital and laboratory infection control guidelines.
• Utilizes Veterans Health Information and Technology Architecture (VISTA) and CPRS to access patient information, receive memoranda, and send and receive work related e-mail.
• Send procedure specific instruction letters for scheduled appointments.
• Answers department phone returns patient calls, and transfers calls as needed.
• Completes proper electronic and written information for each procedure performed.
• Utilizes VISTA, CPRS and Neurodiagnostic specific medical equipment to complete administrative duties with each procedure.
• Understands and follows the hospital HIPPA guidelines.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Full-time, Night Shift. Week 1: 7pm-7am; Week 2: 8pm-7am. Rotating weekends and Holidays.
Compressed/Flexible: Not Available
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 00000T
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Salary : $64,453