Medical Instrument Technician; Polysomnography

Summary

The position takes directions from the lead polysomnography technician and is accountable to the Supervisor in the Sleep Health Center. The technician will work independently for the majority of procedures. Should important findings arise or the physician requesting the test need the results immediately, the technician consults with the supervisor or interpreting physician. Otherwise work is reviewed with the physician interpreting the studies.

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.

• 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
• No certification or registration is required
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level
• 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:
  At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS‑7) which demonstrates the knowledge – skills – abilities – and other characteristics related to the duties of the position to be filled
• This would be experience which provides a knowledge of the more complex procedures as well as knowledge of sleep disorders
• Examples of experience equivalent to the GS‑7 grade level include – but are not limited to: performs a full range of standard – but complex – polysomnography examinations with responsibility for properly and accurately calibrating all instruments prior to the beginning of the PSG tracing and selection of appropriate electrode montages and sensitivity and filter settings to elicit the best possible tracings
• They independently determine the need for CPAP during all night sleep studies for sleep apnea
• They may administer nerve conduction velocity tests
• They demonstrate advanced knowledge or the International Classification of Sleep Disorders and the ability to recognize uncommon and/or rare sleep disorders
• Ability to summarize and report polysomnographic data in narrative form
• Knowledge of event characteristics (e.g., respiratory, cardiac, sleep stage, seizures, etc.) and ability to take appropriate action
• Ability to provide briefings and orientation to hospital staff including physicians
• Assignment:
  This represents the full performance level
• 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 grade technicians
• Preferred Experience:
  
  Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable
• Certification as a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) through the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BPPT) or Sleep Disorders Specialty (SDS) through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) is highly desirable
• Experience with in the last three (3) years – conducting sleep studies in a patient care setting including one (1) year scoring sleep studies is highly desirable
• References: VA Handbook 5005/15 – Part II – Appendix G27 – Polysomnography – The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑08
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Medical Instrument Technician…