Lead Medical Instrument Technician Polysomnography

The Lead Medical Instrument Technologist for Polysomnography works under the general supervision of the Sleep Lab Supervisor as well as the Medical Director of the sleep program. Duties include Polysomnography, EEG, diagnostic and therapeutic services, home sleep testing, MSLT & MWT testing, as well patient care and education. The lead sleep technologist will perform all duties defined for a sleep technologist as well as provide oversight of other staff.

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.
• English Proficiency: Proficient in English (written and spoken) is required for patient care positions.
• 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 of this occupation.
• 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. Registration by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) is highly desirable as well as certification in Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support .

Grandfathering Provision: 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-09: You must meet all experience and KSA requirements below to be found eligible for referral.

Experience: At least 1 full year ( 52 weeks ) of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-8 - full performance level), which is directly related to the duties of the position. 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.

You must also meet the following GS-8 KSAs:

(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.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical GS-9 KSA's.

Demonstrated GS-9 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

1. 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.
2. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements.
3. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels.
4. Ability to manage and supervise employees.
5. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training

Preferred Experience: RPSGT Certification (Registered Polysomnographic Technologist)

References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) Qualification Standard, can be found in local HR Office

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.