What are the responsibilities and job description for the Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) - Night Technician position at Veterans Health Administration?
Full-time Night technician at Mather, CA clinic in the Sleep Section of the VA Neurology Department. Incumbent performs in-lab attended polysomnography (PSG) studies at night and all associated lab maintenance and patient care and educational tasks, sleep study scoring and reporting, titration studies using PAP or dental oral appliances or hypoglossal nerve stimulators, multiple sleep latency testing and scoring, and working with advanced PAP modalities including AVAPS, ASV and duties as needed.
1. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
2. English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English.
Grade Determinations
Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) GS-6 :
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:
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
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 polysomnographic 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.
Certification: No certification or registration is required at this level. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable.
Assignment: Polysomnography (PSG) Technicians at this level perform a full range of standard, routine examinations including overnight sleep studies, MSLT (Multiple Sleep Latency Test), MWT (Maintenance of Wakefulness Test), and PAP (Positive Airway Pressure Titration).
Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) GS-7:
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:
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.
Certification: No certification or registration is required. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable.
Assignment: At this level the Polysomnography Technician 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.
Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) GS-8
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:
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
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.
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.
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 graded technicians.
Work Schedule: 4 nights per week, 40 hours per week, 80 hours a pay period, two weeks in a pay period, specific nights are to be determined based on service and coverage needs and after discussion with the employee. Possible work schedules include, but are not limited to:
Remote: This is not a remote position.
Position Description/PD#: 612-05399F (6), 612-05400F (7), 612-05401F (8)
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Qualifications:
Basic Requirements1. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
2. English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English.
Grade Determinations
Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) GS-6 :
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:
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
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 polysomnographic 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.
Certification: No certification or registration is required at this level. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable.
Assignment: Polysomnography (PSG) Technicians at this level perform a full range of standard, routine examinations including overnight sleep studies, MSLT (Multiple Sleep Latency Test), MWT (Maintenance of Wakefulness Test), and PAP (Positive Airway Pressure Titration).
Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) GS-7:
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:
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.
Certification: No certification or registration is required. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable.
Assignment: At this level the Polysomnography Technician 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.
Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) GS-8
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:
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
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.
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.
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 graded technicians.
Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform all duties and procedures in maintaining an effective Sleep Clinic including working closely with patients and families, physicians, techs, and other departments as needed. Major duties include but are not limited to the following:- Polysomnography(PSG). This includes the use of EEG video equipment, video/audio mixers, respiration monitors for respiration effort, airflow, EKG, EOG, EMG, oximetry. Tabulate & summarize data, score sleep and respiratory parameters.
- Multiple Sleep Latency testing. This includes the use of EEG recording with adjunct recordings of respiration monitors, airflow, EKG, EOG, and EMG. Tabulate and summarize data and score sleep stages.
- Scoring. The technician will score portable and/or attended sleep studies prior to specialist review; and alert specialist of critical findings. Creates sleep study report for specialist's review. Scan results documents into patient chart.
- Educate patients and caregivers about sleep-disordered breathing and how sleep studies can identify sleep apnea.
- CPAP/ DME Clinic. Able to independently program, set-up and adjust settings on PAP equipment based on prescription, working with a variety of brands and types of PAP (CPAP, BiPAP, ASV, AVAPS and others). Demonstrate to patient how to use, clean, and maintain masks and equipment to assure proper function and extended use. Troubleshoot machine and/or mask to determine patient barriers to use and correct them. Downloads data and creates electronic chart documentation of download results. Takes appropriate immediate action based on download results including correcting leaks and minor pressure adjustments.
- Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) portable titration. This includes selecting and fitting patient with appropriate interface devices. Demonstrate how to use masks and equipment to assure appropriate function. Instructs patients and their significant other or caregiver in PAP set-ups for overnight portable sleep testing, ensure full understanding of the procedure and function of PAP unit. Provides patient supplies including filters, hoses, masks, chinstraps, and headgear for home PAP testing. Able to identify indications, complications, and contraindications of PAP therapy. Able to complete titration with interface between sleep recorder and PAP for extensive titration. Able to interface PAP with home oximetry monitor for follow-up evaluation of efficacy. Receives posttest PAP units and downloads sleep data via smartcard, submit to licensed Sleep provider for review. Create electronic chart note that documents a summary of posttest download data for specialist review.
Work Schedule: 4 nights per week, 40 hours per week, 80 hours a pay period, two weeks in a pay period, specific nights are to be determined based on service and coverage needs and after discussion with the employee. Possible work schedules include, but are not limited to:
- Sunday - Wednesday, 08:30pm - 07:00am (PST)
- Saturday - Tuesday, 08:30pm - 07:00am (PST)
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 08:30pm - 07:00am (PST)
- Thursday - Sunday, 08:30pm - 07:00am (PST)
Remote: This is not a remote position.
Position Description/PD#: 612-05399F (6), 612-05400F (7), 612-05401F (8)
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Salary : $61,447
