Career Center

Summary

Medical Instrument Technicians at this level operate and monitor commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under normal supervision. The technician functions somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity. Deviations from regular procedures - unanticipated problems - and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or help.

Qualifications

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
• 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 Determinations: GS-08 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 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
• 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
• 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
• Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job - the employee is frequently required to stand
• use hand to finger - handle - or feel
• reach with hands and arms
• climb or balance
• and talk or hear
• The employee is occasionally required to walk
• sit
• and stoop - kneel - crouch - or crawl
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds - frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds - and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision - distance vision - color vision - peripheral vision - depth perception - and the ability to adjust focus.

Duties

• Collect - analyze and integrate patient information in order to identify and meet the patient-specific needs (Physical/mental limitations - current emotional/physiological status regarding the testing procedure - pertinent medical/social history) in conjunction with the ordering physician and/or clinical director/laboratory protocols
• Complete and verify documentation
• Explain pre-testing - testing - and post-testing procedures to the patient when appropriate
• Equipment: The technician will know how to operate computerized polysomnograph for recording continuous all night physiological data including EEG - EOG - EKG - EMG - and respiratory parameters
• Polysomnographic Record Scoring: The technician will be able to score sleep/wake stages by applying professional accepted guidelines
• Medical Terminology: The technician will have knowledge of medical terminology - anatomy - physiology as they relate to sleep disorders
• Testing: The Polysomnography (PSG) technician will utilize standard or alternate position for patients with common physical disabilities when applicable
• Patient Safety: The PSG technician will understand the typical patient reaction to the neuro diagnostic procedure being performed and know signs of patient distress
• Communications: The technician will communicate both orally and in writing with patients - visitors - non-healthcare - and a variety of healthcare professionals
• Clerical functions: The technician will submit a request to schedule a follow-up continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) clinic appointment upon completion of the office visit
• The technician will also respond to secure messaging inquiries from veterans using My HealtheVet app
• Work Schedule: Monday- Friday - 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required