Summary

The Polysomnography Medical Instrument Technicians (MITs) at this level perform duties which are routine and standardized in nature with minimal supervision. Assignments at this level require knowledge of basic medical terminology as well as common sleep medicine terminology. Tests consist of partial and full Polysomnography - positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy devices setup and operation - and telemedicine equipment operation.

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
• 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
• 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"
• For all specialties identified in this standard - Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable
• Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition
• 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-6 (a) 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
• In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities 1
• Knowledge of standard - computerized polysomnographs for recording continuous all night physiological data including EEG - EOG - EKG - EMG and respiratory parameters
• 2
• 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
• 3
• Knowledge of medical terminology and medical record organization to review medical records - sleep study orders - consent forms - medical charts - etc
• 4
• Knowledge of polysmnographic procedural protocols (including overnight sleep studies - MSLT - MWT - PAP - etc.)
• 5
• Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology and the international 10-20 electrode placement system in order to conduct the sleep studies
• (c) Certification
• No certification or registration is required at this level
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable
• GS-7 (a) 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: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities 1
• Knowledge of CPAP function and operation to select and fit appropriate PAP patient interface devices
• 2
• Ability to independently titrate and document PAP level to achieve therapeutic goals
• 3
• Knowledge of indications - complications - and contraindications of CPAP therapy
• 4
• Knowledge of Bi-Level pressure titrations
• 5
• 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
• GS-8 (a) 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 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 KSAs: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities 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
• Preferred Experience: 2 years sleep lab/DME or related experience
• CRT-SDS/RT-SDS - RPSGT or RST certifications preferred 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-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6 to GS-8. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination
• Exceptions: A pre-placement examination is required for any occupation or assignment that requires the operation of a government-owned or -leased motor vehicle in order to properly carry out assigned duties
• Examinations may also be required for any occupation or assignment that requires a pre-placement examination by virtue of another policy - regulation - or statute

Duties

• Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties: Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Program and Operations: Incumbent recognizes relevance of information for DME and Sleep Clinic needs
• Identifies - evaluates - and assimilates information from multiple sources
• Has sufficient knowledge and skills in communicating the purpose of PAP and how to integrate PAP therapy in the home setting
• Able to desensitize patients to PAP therapy
• Must be able to recognize disabilities and handicaps some patients may have and be able to act and react with professionalism and courtesy while communicating with the patient
• Incumbent must be able to address patients' complex barriers regarding the PAP therapy when they arise - either via phone - CPAP clinic - CPAP Emergent Clinic - or VA Video connect
• Checks in and stages patients for CPAP clinic
• Assists patients with proper fit for PAP equipment and masks
• Sets up the exam rooms to assure sterile supplies and other required equipment are carefully selected and properly presented as determined by the test being performed
• Sets up the PAP equipment - performs quality checks to ensure readiness for use during the procedure
• Establishes and monitors quality control - record keeping systems and measures to assure the accuracy and validity of results
• Establishes and writes instructions for calibrating and standardizing instruments and equipment
• Translates data into meaningful information
• Examines and considers all aspects of a situation - including its context and complexity - in order to identify the best course of action and reach an informed decision
• Ensures all equipment is kept clean and safe for use by the PAP patient
• Able to recognize and report malfunctioning equipment to Biomedical Services for repair or replacement
• Maintains and monitors all necessary supplies are stocked and available in the event of an emergent procedure
• Ensures proper cleaning and performs minor adjustments and maintenance
• Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HSAT) Program and Operations: Incumbent works with a variety staff at local and remote sites to train clinic staff on HSAT data collection and setup - PAP setup - and follow-up
• Instructs the technicians at remote sites on the proper hookup procedure for the HSAT device so the studies are close to artifact free
• Communicates effectively with a range of personnel (physicians - nurses - administration and clinic managers) within the medical center and at Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) to develop policy and procedures for the HSAT program
• Provides oversight of the HSAT program to assure that it meets with all Joint Commission - American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) - and other regulatory bodies prescribed standards
• Helps with instructing the remote - CBOC technicians to download the HSAT data to the Portland VA Sleep Center and score the HSAT study
• Oversees staff working at remote CBOCs for the HSAT program to assure competency in HSAT and PAP setup
• Independently explains the procedures to the patient and answers any questions regarding HSAT study
• Appropriately prepares patient for test using standardized aseptic technique
• Performs triage - rearranges schedule according to patient priorities - and assists other MITs when needed
• Evaluates and reviews market of HSAT equipment to determine if new equipment would provide additional clinical diagnostic abilities and recommends new equipment as needed
• In-Lab Sleep Studies Program and Operations: Incumbent may assist in the performance of sleep studies - including Diagnostic - Split Study - PAP Titration - Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) - or a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)
• Incumbent establishes and writes instructions for calibrating and standardizing instruments and equipment when necessary
• Assures that the required equipment is carefully selected and properly presented as determined by the procedure being performed
• Requests preventative maintenance as required
• Prepares - calibrates - interfaces - and operates all equipment used in polysomnographic procedures
• Applies electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes based on the International 10-20 electrode placement system
• Applies electro-oculogram (EOG) - electromyogram (EMG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) using AASM scoring manual
• Applies pulse oximeter ear or finger probe
• thoracic and abdominal effort belts
• nasal/oral thermistor or thermocouple sensors and pressure sensors to produce flow signals - and other diagnostic electrodes and equipment
• Ensures patient comfort and proper function of applied electrodes and transducers
• Work Schedule:0800-1630 Compressed/Flexible: available Telework: not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 0000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: not authorized