Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography)

Full Job Description

This is a non-supervisory Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) (MITP) position located at the VA Northern Arizona Healthcare System (NAVAHCS) in Prescott, Arizona.

The primary duties of the MITP are to independently monitor patients during all stages of sleep utilizing a variety of sophisticated recording devices, score and analyze sleep stages in clinical home sleep testing (HST) recordings.

The MITP summarizes and prepares reports of HST data.

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: Polysomnography Technicians operate the electroencephalograph and other devices to record the electrical activity of the brain during sleep.

Registration is offered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT). Creditable Experience - Knowledge of Current Medical Instrument Technician Practices.

To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics associated with current Medical Instrument Technician practice appropriate to the identified specialty area.

[Specialized developmental experience obtained under supervision of appropriately certified individuals may be credited at higher levels and is addressed in individual appendices.] Quality of Experience.

Experience is only creditable if it is equivalent to at least the next lower grade level and is directly related to the position/specialty to be filled.

GS-10 - Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography).

In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-9 level, positions at this grade may be supervisory or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments. Experience.

At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-09), 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 the most complex polysomnography technician services.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level. 1. Advanced knowledge of complex and non-standard treatment and examination procedures and techniques. * 2.

Ability to plan and assist in the establishment of a completely integrated treatment and examination program * 3.

Ability to evaluate new products and equipment and make recommendations concerning developments which would improve operations.

Preferred Experience: Possess the Registered Polysomnographic TechnologistTM (RPSGT) certification from Board of Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT).

The RPSGT is an internationally recognized credential representing the highest certification in the field for the health care professionals who clinically assess patients with sleep disorders.

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 GS-10.

Physical Requirements: This work requires moderate physical effort to include: lifting/carrying up to 50-100lbs; prolonged extensive or considerable standing/walking; lifts, positions, pushes and/or transfers patients; assists with lifting and moving patients; lifts supplies/equipment; pushes/pulls or moves/lifts heavy equipment/supplies; manual dexterity and mobility; intermittent exertion when performing treatments; and reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling and crouching.

Normal safety precautions and practices are required for working in a healthcare environment.

For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Major Duties:

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The MITP anticipates problems likely to occur during the sleep study and prepares for such situations, makes changes in established procedures, or recommends alternative courses of action.

The MITP is knowledgeable in complex procedures as well as uncommon and/or rare sleep disorders. Duties of the MITP include but are not limited to: Documents patient responses in the medical record.

This includes documentation in the electronic (BCMA, CPRS and PICIS) medical record. Maintains departmental paperwork I.E., HSAT log, inventory, sleep questionnaires.

Documentation in the electronic patient record will be done in a timely manner and will clearly state events that occurred during therapy as demonstrated through audit.

Ensures that all patient consults /encounters received are accurate and completed daily and closed out in Vista/CPRS.

Responsible to understand, interpret and comply with Respiratory Care Policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

Manages consults for sleep testing and implements strategies to improve productivity.

Acts as subject matter expert on sleep related disorders and provides education to Veterans and staff members alike. Demonstrate knowledge of and compliance with VA Policies and Procedures.

Periodically reviews standard operating practice to ensure compliance and updates documents as needed. Reports productivity to Chief of Service and recommends improvement strategies.

Collaborates with management to develop and maintain a productive work environment and positive working relationship by conducting daily activities, communications and interactions in a cooperative, positive, courteous and professional manner.

Consistently maintains complete confidentiality of all sensitive material which may jeopardize the privacy of others.

Receives and acts on assignments for a variety of difficult examinations on compromised patients for planned, urgent, and emergent tests.

Performs the full range of complex procedures using specialized equipment that requires precise adjustments to respond to individual patient needs, conditions or test sequences.

Performs sleep monitoring (HSAT) on individuals with a variety of sleep disorders, including but not limited to; possible sleep apnea, arterial desaturations secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other medical conditions.

Demonstrates knowledge of respiratory, neuroanatomy and physiology, basic electronics and electrical safety, general knowledge of HSAT instruments, pattern recognition, and various medical and pharmacological conditions that influence the HSAT.

Sets up PAP equipment, performs quality checks to ensure readiness for use during the procedure; applies positive airway pressure (PAP) devices and titrates settings to appropriate levels per established protocols.

Explains procedures and positions patient to insure comfort during a variety of tests, taking into account the patient's age, mental and physical status.

Applies thoracic and abdominal transducer; pulse oximeter finger or ear probe; respiratory effort belts; nasal/oral sensors; and, other diagnostic electrodes and equipment.

Recognizes sleep apnea, sleep movements, nocturnal seizures, and parasomnias such as nocturnal myoclonus and rapid eye movement (REM) behavior disorder; makes adjustments in recording parameters to optimize performance of sleep studies.

Recognizes artifacts, patient movements and diagnostic findings and makes changes in recording techniques and parameters to optimize display of the phenomenon in question.

Performs all other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; 08:00AM to 04:30PM, but tours may vary depending on the needs of the service.

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 000000