Summary

The Medical Instrument Technician for Polysomnography must be reliable - able to work both independently and as part of a team and be self-motivated. The sleep tech is responsible for performing job duties in accordance with mission - vision - and values of Orlando VA Medical Center.

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
• English Language Proficiency Applicants must be proficient in spoken & written English
• Education
• There are no specific educational requirements for occupation
• Education may be substituted for experience only at GS-4 & GS-5 levels
• See grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions 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: For GS-07: 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 the individual with the knowledge - skills - and abilities to independently conduct difficult but standardized polysomnography examinations
• In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of CPAP function and operation to select and fit appropriate PAP patient interface devices
• Ability to independently titrate and document PAP level to achieve therapeutic goals
• Knowledge of indications - complications - and contraindications of CPAP therapy
• Knowledge of Bi-Level pressure titrations
• Ability to recognize changes seen during the PSG tracing and identify all stages of sleep
• This includes the ability to score and analyze sleep stages in clinical polysomnography recordings
• Certification
• No certification or registration is required
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable Preferred Experience: Knowledge of sleep disorders and sleep disorder treatments required to perform sleep diagnostic procedures
• Monitors and evaluates patient performance during sleep procedures and evaluate response to therapy
• Recommends changes based on information obtained
• Performs pre and post-test calibrations
• Knowledge of medical terminology and medical record organization to review medical records - sleep study orders - consent forms - and medical charts - etc
• Conduct full sleep studies including staging with guidance from lead or supervisor MIT - and recognize possible medical conditions which influence or result from events occurring during sleep 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-07
• Physical Requirements: The position requires potentially long periods of continued sitting - walking - standing - stooping - bending - pulling - and pushing
• Transferring of equipment/objects may be required
• Ability to lift 45 pounds
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

• Major duties but not are limited to: Knowledge and level of expertise of sleep disorders and sleep disorder treatments required to perform Sleep diagnostic procedures
• Monitors and evaluates patient performance during sleep procedures and evaluates response to therapy
• Recommends changes based on information obtained
• Performs pre and post-test calibrations
• Knowledge of standard devices such as oximeters - respiratory effort devices - nasal pressure devices - thermistors - thermocouples - continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines - and laboratory computers including the ability to calibrate and operate the equipment and recognize and eliminate recording artifacts
• Knowledge of medical terminology and medical record organization to review medical records - sleep study orders - consent forms - and medical charts - etc
• Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology and the international 10-20 electrode placement system for electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring in order to conduct the sleep study
• Removes electrodes and sensors at completion of study
• Knowledge of PAP function - indications - complications - and contraindications and operation to select and fit appropriate PAP patient interface devices
• Ability to recognize changes seen during the PSG tracing and identify all states of sleep
• This includes the ability to score and analyze sleep stages in clinical polysomnography recordings
• Knowledge of event characteristics (e.g. - respiratory - cardia - sleep stage - seizures - etc.) and ability to take appropriate action to provide medical intervention if patient safety is at risk
• Knowledge and proficiency in preparing polysomnographic technical summary reports for sleep physician review
• Recognizes changes in patients' condition and responds appropriately as per policy and SOP
• Communicates with other members of the healthcare team when changes in condition occur
• Report problems following the departmental chain of command
• Verify physician orders are accurate and current
• Appropriately receive - document and carry out physician verbal and protocol orders within scope of practice
• Completes assigned and delated responsibilities within established time frames
• Demonstrates ability to plan and prioritize assigned workload to assure completion of tasks and required documentation within tour of duty
• Demonstrates and promotes positive image through professional conduct - appearance and communication
• Attends all annual and mandatory in-services - required meetings and continuing education programs
• Maintains required continuing education units for licensure/certifications required for position
• Demonstrates and promotes positive image through professional conduct - appearance and communication
• Attends all annual and mandatory in-services - required meetings and continuing education programs
• Maintains required continuing education units for licensure/certifications required for position
• Understands the Mission - Vision and Values of the organization and acts accordingly
• Formulates goals for professional development annually
• Demonstrates active listening skills
• Demonstrates appropriate verbal and written communication skills in interactions with patients - staff and visitors
• Demonstrates cooperative interactions with co-workers
• Works with other members of the healthcare team to provide appropriate and timely care for patients
• Offers assistance to other staff when time is available
• The MIT for Polysomnography operates under the direction of the Lead Sleep Tech and the supervision of the Supervisor of Sleep
• They review completed work for results achieved and for conformance to department policies and requirements
• Work Schedule: Compressed tour - 10 hour shifts (4 out of 5 days per week) rotating - (Saturdays - as needed) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 82494F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized