The primary responsibility of the MIT (Polysomnography) at this level is to receive requests and/or instructions for procedures and conducts diagnostic studies as ordered by the VA Providers. The MIT (Polysomnography) will be expected to provide education the patient on proper technique to ensure optimal test results. Other duties include but are not limited to cross -training to at least one other area of the Pulmonary and Critical Care and cross training other staff to the Sleep Lab. 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.). Education: There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Licensure or Certification: n. 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. English Language Proficiency: No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English. 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-8 Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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. 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-08. Physical Requirements: The MIT (Polysomnography) must meet the physical requirements to provide pulmonary function and diagnostic testing: Sight corrected to 20/20 vision, no color or night blindness Lifting 30 lbs. Pushing 65 lbs. Repeated stooping Repeated bending Repeated twisting Prolonged standing and walking Ability to sit in front of a computer screen for long periods of time The MIT (Polysomnography) may be required to function as sole Clinician in the Pulmonary Services area if circumstances dictate. ["Major duties include but are not limited to: Incumbent performs Polysomnography studies of limited complexity and related interventions to include but not be limited to: Full polysomnogram, unattended sleep studies, Multiple Sleep Latency Tests (MSLT), Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT). Must have knowledge of normal vs. abnormal test data and be able to distinguish between artifact and an actual event. Incumbent must have knowledge of respiratory therapy and necessary equipment related to oxygen delivery systems, pulse oximetry, and noninvasive ventilation. Preps patients and calibrates complete sleep recording equipment. Reviews the consult for appropriateness, enters all information into the sleep equipment software program and saves data when testing is completed. Reviews the patient's medical record, orders and physician's notes. After the study, the technician writes a brief note describing the procedure and outcome in the electronic medical record. Reviews results of all sleep related diagnostic testing to determine if the test is valid. Responsible for accurately scoring each polysomnogram according to the R and K criteria and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine scoring standards. Distinguishes and annotates any change in recording parameters or conditions on the test tracings as they occur. Recognizes sleep apnea, sleep movements, hypopneas, and rapid eye movement (REM) behavior disorder and makes adjustments in recording parameters to optimize performance of sleep studies. Follows standard precautions to prevent spread of disease. Will actively participate in DME and or Sleep Lab meetings. May be required to Set-up equipment for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) titration studies and oxygen titrations. Completes all annual competencies. Will communicate effectively in person, via telephone and electronic venue. Must maintain a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and complete all annual competencies. Will display a cooperative, positive attitude and will effectively work together with patients and peers to implement the organization's mission and goals. Will assist in other areas of the Pulmonary and Critical Care Section as directed by the Supervisor/Manager/Chief to ensure the goals of the Section are met. Will be flexible in job performance to meet the demands of an ever-changing patient population. Will be expected to assist in other areas of the Pulmonary and Critical Care Section as related to their education, training and licensure. Must have knowledge of anatomy and physiology, including an in-depth understanding of the circulatory and pulmonary systems, and the major organs associated with these systems. Must have expertise in the operation of all sleep study related equipment and follow-up intervention and be able to select and manipulate the equipment and therapy to meet the patient's needs. May be expected to occasionally travel to other locations such as the Community Based Out-patient Clinics (CBOC's) to assist with patient coverage as needed. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00PM - 6:00AM Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.
