Career Center

The incumbent will be assigned to the Pulmonary Services Section, Specialty Care Service, and New Mexico VA Health Care System. This is an Open and Continuous announcement. Applicant referrals will be issued to the hiring manager bi-weekly as appropriate. 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 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). 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). Registration is highly desirable. Grade Determinations: 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:: Advanced knowledge r the International Classification of Sleep Disorders and the ability to recognize uncommon and/or rare sleep disorders. Ability t 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 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. Registration by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) is highly desirable. Preferred Experience: Registered Respiratory Therapist experience. References: VA Handbook 5005/15 Part II Appendix G27 (Please see appendix G27 for description of assignments). The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-08. Physical Requirements: Please see VA Handbook 5019. ["Responsible for providing direct, safe, appropriate and effective sleep testing and care to patients in accordance with patient needs, current standards of sleep medicine practice, physician's orders and organizational policies under the direction and supervision of a physician. Accountabilities: Delivers safe, direct care to an assigned group of patients. Works within system and department policies. Maintains a safe, comfortable and therapeutic environment for patients/families in accordance with NMVAHCS standards. Overall responsibility for maintain accurate medical records on all patients. This employee will possess good customer skills, will be able to work in a team environment and have a strong desire and willingness to fill in different positions as appropriate and as needed. Duties include but are not limited to: Demonstrates knowledge and level of expertise required to perform Sleep Diagnostic procedures Monitors and evaluates patient performance during sleep procedures and evaluates' response to therapy and recommends changes based on information obtained Demonstrates proficiency in all sleep procedures performed (education, acquisition, scoring) Correctly applies established protocols for consistent, accurate and reliable scored sleep study results Possesses advanced knowledge of the classification of sleep disorders. Knowledge of indications, complications and contraindications of CPAP therapy. Knowledge of standard, computerized polysomonographs for recording continuous all night physiological data including EEG, EOG, EKG, EMG and respiratory parameters. Plans, provides and maintains a safe environment for patients, staff and families. Collects, evaluates and accurately records patient's relevant clinical history or mode of treatment according to policy and procedure. Demonstrates ability to obtain a quality sleep study. Corrects and ensures all necessary data is recorded accurately. Recognizes changes in patients' condition and responds appropriately. Communicates with other members of the healthcare team when changes in condition occur. Recommends alternative patient therapies when appropriate. Reports problems following the departmental chain of command. Completes assigned and delegated responsibilities within established time frames. Meets the department Code of Conduct standards. Demonstrates ability to plan and prioritize assigned workload to assure completion. Ensures completion of documentation. Uses resources appropriately to minimize waste. Demonstrates and promotes positive image through professional conduct, appearance and communication. Supports hospital and departmental missions and goals. Participates in orientation and training of new employees, students and other members of the healthcare team and serves as a mentor to lower grade technicians. Attends all annual and mandatory in-services, required meetings and continuing education programs. Demonstrates cooperative interactions with co-workers. Works with other members of the healthcare team to provide appropriate and timely care for patients. Demonstrates interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively and positively with a wide variety of internal and external customers. Remains sensitive to the needs and expectations of others. Treats others with respect, dignity and courtesy. Considers the age of patients when assessing, planning, and implementing care. Demonstrates the ability to interpret and integrate information in terms of the patient needs based on age and developmental level. Additional duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Thursday, 10 hour shifts, this is a night position (please confirm with the hiring manager if selected to interview for the position)\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 00000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]