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The Medical Instrument Technicians, polysomnography (PSG), evening/night staff at this level, operate and monitor electroencephalographic and polysomnography equipment to perform specialized examinations and studies involving neurological, epilepsy and seizure testing, monitoring of neuro-electrical activity, on outpatients and inpatients to include acutely ill as well as ambulatory patients. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/31/2023. 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. 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. See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions. 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 Technolgists (BRPT) is highly desireable. For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which doesn't result in official certification does not meet this definition. English Proficiency: Proficient in English (written and spoken) is required for patient care positions Preferred Experience: 3 years of Polysomnogram, Electroencephalogram or Respiratory care. Supervisory experience. Grade Determinations: For GS-9 at the next lower grade, GS-8: Demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided a knowledge of the more complex procedures as well as knowledge of the uncommon and/or rare sleep disorders. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA's): 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. GS-9. In addition to the above 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 designated by an asterisk (*): 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. (b) 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. (c) Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Special Assignments. Non-supervisory polysomnography technicians may have assignments that because of their nature substantially exceed the full performance level. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) Qualification Standard, can be found in local HR Office The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is above full performance at the GS-9 level. Physical Requirements: Assist the patient as needed and using the patient lift when needed for transferring assistance. Light lifting (under 15 lbs.); Light carrying (15-44 lbs.); reaching above shoulders; use of fingers; both hands required; both legs required; standing (4-6 hours); ability for simultaneously rapid mental and muscular coordination; both eyes required; ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish basic shades of color; hearing (aid permitted) ["The incumbent simultaneously acquires and analyzes tracings to identify abnormalities and suspicious activity that requires medical intervention. Staff will demonstrate the ability to recognize normal versus abnormalities, to repeat certain procedures, when to stop test procedures, and when to get the immediate attention of a physician. They evaluate test results to determine appropriate machine adjustments and use alternative techniques and procedures when established procedures do not accomplish acceptable results. This includes adapting equipment and accessories to yield the best results during the examination. The individual edits and selects appropriate sample portions of the tracing for further interpretation by the physician. This position maintains knowledge base to make recommendations and prepare detailed reports on findings. The incumbent will order, issue and educate patients on any/all PAP equipment prescribed by a physician to patients according to Sleep Lab policy and procedures. The incumbent is responsible for rendering Sleep Disorders Center services ordered by and in collaboration with the physician on all tours of duty with minimal or no direct supervision. A Sleep Technician works under the Supervisor or designee to provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders. This may involve polysomnography, diagnostic and therapeutic services or patient care and education. The incumbent participates in complex decision making processes related to the Sleep Disorders Center at many levels, including but not limited to, patient observation, examination, education, equipment preparation and use, data collection and analysis, and the evaluation of the need to commence, modify, or terminate services, The incumbent is responsible to work with the Medical Director to assure the provision of quality care in the Sleep Laboratory. The incumbent is responsible to work with the Medical Director and supervisor on issues related to the guidelines set forth by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and to assist with the CPAP compliance monitoring program, and facilitates the training and continuing education of other Sleep Center staff and Respiratory students. The incumbent works under the supervision of the Supervisory, Sleep/ EEG Lab. Additional guidance is provided by the Chief of Pulmonary Care, Sleep Lab Director, Specialty Care. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday; 8:00 pm - 6:00 am Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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