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The Medical Instrument Technicians, Polysomnography (PSG), at the Truman VA Medical Center in Columbia, MO, which is a Complexity Level 1c facility. The evening/night MIT Polysomnography staff at this level, operate and monitor electroencephalographic and polysomnography equipment to perform specialized examinations and studies involving neurological, epilepsy and seizure testing, monitoring of neuro-electrical activity, on patients to include acutely ill as well as ambulatory patients. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/29/2023. 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. Registration by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technolgists (BRPT) is highly desireable. For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which doesn't result in official certification does not meet this definition. English Proficiency: Proficient in English (written and spoken) is required for patient care positions Preferred Experience: 3 years of Polysomnogram, Electroencephalogram or Respiratory care. Supervisory experience. Grade Determinations: For GS-9 at the next lower grade, GS-8: 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 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA's): 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. GS-9. In addition to the above core competencies defined at the GS-8 level, positions at this grade may be lead, supervisory, or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments. (a) Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, 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 all aspects of polysomnography services. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): 1. Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques in order to provide training and supervision in these procedures, to evaluate and initiate performance improvement projects, and to write policies, procedures, and protocols, that pertain to Polysomnography. *2. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. 3. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. (b) Certification. Registration by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level. (c) Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Special Assignments. Non-supervisory polysomnography technicians may have assignments that because of their nature substantially exceed the full performance level. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) Qualification Standard, can be found in local HR Office The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is above full performance at the GS-9 level. Physical Requirements: Assist the patient as needed and using the patient lift when needed for transferring assistance. Light lifting (under 15 lbs.); Light carrying (15-44 lbs.); reaching above shoulders; use of fingers; both hands required; both legs required; standing (4-6 hours); ability for simultaneously rapid mental and muscular coordination; both eyes required; ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish basic shades of color; hearing (aid permitted) ["General Description: The incumbent is responsible for rendering Sleep Disorders Center services ordered by and in collaboration with the physician on all tours of duty with minimal or no direct supervision. A Sleep Technician works under the Supervisor or designee to provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders. This may involve polysomnography, diagnostic and therapeutic services or patient care and education. The incumbent participates in complex decisionmaking processes related to the Sleep Disorders Center at many levels, including but not limited to, patient observation, examination, education, equipment preparation and use, data collection and analysis, and the evaluation of the need to commence, modify, or terminate services. The incumbent is responsible to work with the Medical Director to assure the provision of quality care in the Sleep Laboratory. The incumbent is responsible to the Medical Director and supervisor on issues related to the guidelines set forth by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and to assist with the CPAP compliance monitoring program and facilitates the training and continuing education of other Sleep Center staff and Respiratory students. Functions: a. The sleep technologist shall have an extensive background in pulmonary and/or cardiopulmonary technology with proficiency in patient care and is responsible for facilitating many phases of the sleep apnea program. b. Responsible for reviewing patient history as it relates to sleep disorders. He/she is responsible for explaining the various procedures to the patient. c. Independently perfom1s sleep monitoring (polysomnography) on individuals with possible sleep apnea or arterial desaturations secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other medical conditions and will score while acquiring all sleep studies. d. Independently perfonns sleep monitoring on individuals with other potential sleep disorders including, but not limited to, narcolepsy and periodic limb movement disorder. e. Independently applies continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) to appropriate levels. Applies oxygen therapy as needed. f. Responsible for the safe and proper operation of all equipment used in the Sleep Center. g. Keeps inventory of supplies and initiates purchase requests to the supervisor in a timely fashion to avoid disruption of scheduled studies. h. ls skilled in utilizing computer databases and word processing and/or is willing to attend courses to obtain such skills. I. Verifies correct instmment calibration and operation using established procedures. Identifies the cause of common problems and notifies Tech Support or BlOMED when appropriate. J. Obtains technical or factory assistance in order to fully utilize the equipment to its full potential. K. May perform Multiple Sleep Latency Tests (MSLT) or Maintenance of Wakefulness Tests (MWT) during the day. to assess daytime sleepiness. Must be able to recognize sleep onset during nap opportunities. I. Stays abreast of technological developments related, but not limited to, polysomnographic technology. m. Possesses an abiding interest in polysomnography and is willing to attend courses in polysomnographic technology to adapt to future technologic changes and continue educational development n. Participates in the development of new procedures and assists and reviews existing procedures, updating them in accordance with new equipment and clinical practice when asked. o. Possesses advanced knowledge of uncommon and/or rare sleep disorders and is familiar with the treatment of those disorders. p. Assesses Quality of Care according to American Academy of Sleep Medicine guidelines q. Assists with the establishment ofa CPAP compliance monitoring program. r. Interacts with staff physicians regarding the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. s. Maintains BLS and ACLS certification. t. Registered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists and obtains continuing education to maintain that credential. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday; 8:00 pm - 6:00 am (alternate / compressed available) day tours also available. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Title/Functional Statement #:Medical Instrument Technician - Polysomnography FS-000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required References: Please provide \"References\" with application. At a minimum two current or former supervisors or from individuals who were in a position of a professional nature. Indicated if the Hiring Manager may contact."]

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