Medical Instrument Technician-Polysomnography Technician

SummaryThe primary duty of the Sleep Technologist is to independently monitor patients during all stages of sleep utilizing a variety of sophisticated devices & scoring the acquired data. This technologist is a key individual in the study of sleep-related disorders and the various physiological changes that occur during sleep. The incumbent must not only be familiar with the equipment & its application, but also be able to adapt & integrate new equipment and procedures as sleep technology progresses.DutiesHelpThe full performance level of the Medical Instrument Technician-Polysomnography Technician duties include, but aren't limited to the following:GS-4 & GS-5 graded positions are trainee positions that are taught the following duties as they progress through their trainingAs employees are promoted to grades GS-6 & GS-7 they are trained to perform more complex duties w/ more degrees of independence until they are promoted to GS-8GS-8 graded employees are full performance employees & perform the following duties independently w/ minimal supervisor inputMonitors patients during all stages of sleep utilizing a variety of sophisticated recording devices to score/analyze sleep stages in clinical polysomnographic recordingsSummarizes & prepares polysomnographic data reportsAnticipates problems likely to occur during the sleep study & makes changes in established procedures, or recommends alternative courses of actionIs knowledgeable in more complex procedures & uncommon/rare sleep disordersReviews patient history related to sleep disorders & medical conditions which may affect the diagnosis of sleep disordersExplains various procedures to the patientPerforms sleep monitoring (polysomnography) on patients w/ possible sleep apnea or arterial desaturations secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other medical conditionsPerforms sleep monitoring on individuals w/ other potential sleep disorders including, but not limited to, narcolepsy and periodic limb movement disorderApplies continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) to appropriate levels per established protocolsApplies oxygen therapy per established protocolsResponsible for the safe & proper operation of all equipment used in the Sleep CenterVerifies correct instrument calibration & operation using established proceduresIdentifies common problems & notifies engineering service as neededObtains technical or factory assistance in order to fully utilize the equipment to its full potentialMust be able to recognize sleep onset during nap opportunitiesPerforms Home Sleep Testing(HST) procedures, scores & prepares HSAT reportsHas a working knowledge of sleep software: Sleepware G3, Somnoware, Noxturnal, nVision, Care Orchestrator, AirView & ActiwareAssists w/ nocturnal oximetry & Actigraphy programsMonitors supply inventory & initiates purchase requests in a timely fashion to avoid disruption of scheduled studiesInteracts w/ staff physicians regarding diagnosis & treatment of sleep disorders & may provide briefings & orientation to hospital staff including physiciansProvides patient education during the performance of sleep studies & may assist w/ sleep education classesAssists w/ scheduling of sleep studies as neededAssists w/ maintaining department spread sheets for department performance measuresAssists w/ providing sleep study results to patientsAssists w/ MD/PA sleep clinics as neededMentors lower graded techniciansAttends courses in sleep related subject mattersStays abreast of technological developments related, but not limited to, polysomnographic technologyProficient w/ computer databases & word processing to prepare reportsMaintains current BLS course completion card, (& ACLS if possible)Protects printed & electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance w/ the provision of the Privacy Act of 1974 & other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes & policiesProtects data from unauthorized release or from loss; alteration, or unauthorized deletionFollows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etcDemonstrates I-Care values when interacting w/ all internal/external customersMaintains current knowledge of & practices in accordance w/ The Joint Commission requirementsProtects printed & electronic files containing sensitive data according to Federal privacy Act & confidentiality statutesFollows regulations & instructions regarding release of sensitive/protected patient/ employee informationMay serve on Service Line/VISN 19/medical center committees, workgroups, &/or task forces, etc.Performs other duties as assignedWork Schedule: Friday-Sunday, from 7pm-7am & one 8 hour shift on Thursday every other week.Duty Location: This position is located at an off site facility located at: 2271 Deerfield Lane Helena MT 59602Compressed Schedule: AvailableTelework: Not AvailableVirtual: This is not a virtual position.Functional Statement #: PD04-58592-A,05-58593-A,06-51227-A,07-51228-A,08-51229-Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorizedPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorizedRequirementsHelpConditions of employmentYou must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.Must be proficient in written and spoken English.You may be required to serve a probationary period.Subject to background/security investigation.Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.QualificationsApplicants pending completion of educational/certification/licensure requirements may be referred & tentatively selected but can't be hired until all requirements are metBasic RequirementsUnited States Citizenship Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified US citizensEnglish Language Proficiency Applicants must be proficient in spoken & written EnglishEducation. There are no specific educational requirements for occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at GS-4 & GS-5 levels. See grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutionsGrade Determination Requirements: Criteria discussed in applicable headings must be met when determining candidate's grade in addition to basic requirements for employmentGS-4 TraineeExperience. At least 1 year experience comparable to next lower grade level which demonstrates Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, KSAs & other characteristics related to position duties. 6 months of experience may have been in medically related fields such as nursing assistant, practical nursing or similar fields. Remaining 6 months must have been in operating diagnostic & therapeutic equipment covered by occupation. Experience gained in operating equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited through this grade level.OREducation. Successful completion of 2 years of education above high school or associate's degree w/ a major field of study directly related to medical instrument technician occupationAlso, candidates must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities, KSAs:Demonstrated KSAs1) Knowledge of basic medical terminology2) Ability to learn components, operating characteristics & settings of equipment used3) Ability to learn typical patient reactions to basic procedures involved & ability to recognize distress signs4) Ability to learn standard positions for procedure being conducted5) Ability to communicate orally & in writingGS-5 TraineeExperience. At least 1 year experience comparable to next lower grade level which demonstrates KSAs & other characteristics related to position duties. Experience in operating equipment related to polysomnography or in related functional areas. Experience gained in operating equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited through this grade level.OREducation. Successful completion of 4 academic years above high school leading to bachelor's degree w/ courses related to occupation or bachelor's degree in major field of study appropriate to medical instrument technician functionsAlso, candidates must demonstrate the following KSAs:Demonstrated KSAs1) Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions2) Knowledge of common physical disabilities & ability to position patients for the examination or treatment3) Ability to learn the normal/abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize & report obvious abnormalities4) Ability to operate equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or procedures5) Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on equipment including ability to disassemble, clean, reassemble & calibrate machineGS-6Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to next lower grade level which demonstrates KSAs & other characteristics related to position duties.Also, candidates must demonstrate the following KSAs:Demonstrated KSAs1) Knowledge of standard, computerized polysomnographs for recording continuous all night physiological data including EEG, EOG, EKG, EMG & respiratory parameters2) Knowledge of standard devices such as oximeters, respiratory effort devices, nasal pressure devices, thermistors, thermocouples, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines & laboratory computers including ability to calibrate & operate equipment & recognize & eliminate recording artifacts3) Knowledge of medical terminology & medical record organization to review medical records, sleep study orders, consent forms, medical charts, etc4) Knowledge of polysmnographic procedural protocols (including overnight sleep studies, MSLT, MWT, PAP, etc)5) Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology & international 10-20 electrode placement system to conduct the sleep studiesGS-7Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to next lower grade level which demonstrates KSAs & other characteristics related to position duties. Experience which provided individual w/ KSAs to independently conduct difficult but standardized polysomnography examinationsAlso, candidates must demonstrate the following KSAs:Demonstrated KSAs1) Knowledge of CPAP function & operation to select & fit appropriate PAP patient interface devices2) Ability to independently titrate & document PAP level to achieve therapeutic goals3) Knowledge of indications, complications & contraindications of CPAP therapy4) Knowledge of Bi-Level pressure titrations5) Ability to recognize changes seen during the PSG tracing & identify all sleep stages, including ability to score & analyze sleep stages in clinical polysomnography recordingsGS-8Experience.At least 1 year experience comparable to next lower grade level which demonstrates KSAs & other characteristics related to position duties. Experience which provided a knowledge of more complex procedures & knowledge of uncommon &/or rare sleep disordersAlso, candidates must demonstrate the following KSAs:Demonstrated KSAs1) Advanced knowledge or International Classification of Sleep Disorders & ability to recognize uncommon &/or rare sleep disorders2) Ability to summarize & report polysomnographic data in narrative form3) Knowledge of event characteristics (e.g., respiratory, cardiac, sleep stage, seizures, etc.) & ability to take appropriate action4) Ability to provide briefings & orientation to hospital staff including physiciansPreferred Experience: Registered Polysomnography Technologist certification from Board of Registered Polysomnography Technologists. Sleep lab experience. BLS &/or ALS certificationReference: Reference: Please visit for more information on qualification standardsVacancy full performance level is GS-8 Applicants may be selected in grade ranges GS-4 to GS-8Physical Requirements: Must be able to use your hands to grasp & precisely manipulate objectsMust be able to express or exchange ideas by means of spoken or written wordMust be able to view, read, enter, edit & manipulate information on computer screensMust pass, possess & maintain BLS certificationEducationIMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Transcripts can be unofficial transcripts, but must include your name, the school's entire name, the name of the course, date course taken, grade received for the course, amount of credits earned for the course, date degree conferred, (if applicable), (name of degree received, (if applicable).Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: informationReceiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.Expand Hide additional informationBenefitsHelpA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.