Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) displays proficiency and performs at a level of excellence in all Sleep Diagnostic procedures and other related procedures in accordance with the guidelines established by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and policies and procedures of Orlando VA Medical Center. Medical Instrument Technicians (Polysomnography) must be reliable, able to work both independently and as part of a team and be self-motivated.
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: Citizenship: Citizenship of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) 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. 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" Grade Determination: 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 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. Basic Life Support or Advance Cardiac Life Support certification is desirable References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G27 (Appendix I) Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography)The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: All Medical Instrument Technicians must be able to perform the following physical requirements:- Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over- Heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over- Pushing- Reaching above shoulder- Use of fingers/ Both hands required- Walking/ Standing /Kneeling- Repeated bending
The primary duty of the Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) is to independently monitor patients during all stages of sleep utilizing a variety of sophisticated recording devices as well as scoring and analyzing sleep stages and events in clinical polysomnographic recordings (PSG), Multiple Sleep Latency Tests (MSLT), Maintenance of Wakerfulness Tests (MWT), home sleep test recordings (HST), nocturnal oximetries (SpO2).The Polysom Technician is knowledgeable in more complex procedures as well as uncommon and/or rare sleep disorders. The Polysomnographic Technician assists with patient education and other departmental activities to include the CPAP program. Duties include but not limited to: Responsible for reviewing patient history as it relates to sleep disorders and other medical conditions which may affect the diagnosis of sleep disorders. Responsible for explaining the various procedures to the patient and independently performs the following tests or procedures as assigned: diagnostic PSG, titration PSG, Split-night PSG, MSLT, MWT, HST, Oximetry, and actigraphy. Independently performs sleep monitoring on individuals with possible sleep apnea or other breathing related sleep disorders and/or arterial desaturations secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other medical conditions. Independently performs sleep monitoring on individuals with other potential sleep disorders including, but not limited to, narcolepsy and periodic limb movement disorder. Independently applies continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) and other advanced modalities to appropriate levels per established protocols. Applies oxygen therapy as needed per established protocols. Responsible for the safe and proper operation of all equipment used in the Sleep Center. Verifies correct instrument calibration and operation using established procedures. Identifies the cause of common problems and notifies engineering service when appropriate. Obtains technical or factory assistance in order to fully utilize the equipment to its full potential. Accurately scores sleep studies, MSLTs, MWTs, HSTs, and prepares reports when assigned. Assists with CPAP clinic for equipment initiation and instruction, follow-up, and compliance monitoring when assigned. Utilizes sleep software: Natus, ZZZPAT, Care Orchestrator, ResMed AirView, Somnoware in the performance of polysomnography, HST, oximetry, actigraphy and CPAP compliance when assigned. Provides patient education during the performance of in-lab and home sleep studies, when assisting with CPAP clinic, and may assist with sleep education classes. Possess computer skills to access and input typed data on each patient into the computerized patient record system (CPRS), VetLink for patient check-in for appointments, Vista for viewing scheduled appointments and Microsoft Outlook and Teams for communication. Keeps inventory of supplies and initiates purchase requests in a timely fashion to avoid disruption of scheduled studies when assigned. Interacts with staff physicians regarding the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders and may provide briefings and orientation to hospital staff including physicians. Assists with maintaining department spread sheets for department performance measures. Other duties as assigned by supervisor or designee. Major duties include, but are not limited to: The Sleep Technologist also recommends changes in the Sleep Medicine Clinic to improve services and patient care. The Sleep Technologist resolves technical work problems with the aid of references, such as manuals, troubleshooting guides, and other reference sources. The Sleep Technologist will be responsible in assisting the Lead and Supervisor, Sleep Medicine Services for updating manuals and procedures and recommending policies, which will keep Sleep Medicine Clinic up to date. The Sleep Technologist will report progress and resolution of problems in achieving goals and objectives to the Lead and Supervisor, Sleep Medicine Services. The Sleep Technologist will assist the Lead and Supervisor, Sleep Medicine Services for in planning and implementing effective educational programs for in services, orientation, continuing education, and other personnel training in the Sleep Medicine Clinic. The Sleep Technologist participates in the training of Sleep Medicine Staff, Medical Students, House Staff, Nursing Staff, other Medical Center personnel, and patients. The Sleep Technologist provides care based on physical, psychosocial, educational, safety, and related criteria, appropriate to the age of the patients served in his/her assigned area (i.e. adult and geriatric patient populations). Work Schedule: Saturday 4:00pm -7:00am , Sunday - Monday 5:30pm - 7:00am Compressed Schedule: Available Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 80165F