Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography)

About the role

To serve in a developmental role, the Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) or Polysomnography Technician in the Sleep Lab is responsible for operating electroencephalographs and other specialized equipment to monitor and record brain activity during sleep.

Responsibilities

• Trainees at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels in the Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) position work under the technical and administrative supervision of the Sleep/PAP Supervisor.
• The MIT will serve both internal and external customers. This includes patients, family members, physicians, licensed independent practitioners, nurses, volunteers, allied health professionals and all VA employees.
• The incumbent will provide customers with consistent information according to established policies and procedures.
• Maintains and monitors all necessary supplies stocked and available in the event of an emergent procedure.
• Ensures proper cleaning and performs minor adjustments and maintenance.
• Uses a practical knowledge of location and function of major body organs and structures in order to position the patient and/or connect monitoring equipment to take optimum advantage of equipment capabilities.
• Sets up all necessary accessories or supplies.

Requirements

• To perform in a developmental capacity, GS-6 thru GS-8 Functions/Duties:
• Coordinates the scheduling of the patient's initial evaluation and primary sleep diagnostic testing. Part of this evaluation includes the use of questionnaires relevant to the patient subjective data.
• Utilizes the notes from Sleep Clinic initial work-up evaluation to determine the appropriate recording montage for patients. This includes the development and maintenance of appropriate protocols, participating in the initial patient evaluation and post procedure discussions with patients. Ensures that the patient has an understanding of their particular disorder as well as the corresponding diagnostic and treatment procedures that will follow.
• Performs Studies and Quality Control
• Must be capable of performing all studies of the sleep laboratory. Also Polysomnographic technologist must be BCLS certified in the event of patient arrest.
• Responsible for a working knowledge of the quality improvement program for the sleep lab. This includes the Quality control set for the following: laboratory, analysis of all polysomnographic data, scoring of sleep stages and respiratory events, oximetry, EMG, EKG, and EOG parameters.
• Responsible for having a working knowledge the operating and training manual for the sleep lab. All procedures and policies in this manual will comply with VA regulations and will be in concordance with the Association of Sleep Disorder Centers for Accreditation Guidelines for polysomnographic testing.
• Performs or supervises routine housekeeping duties to assure that the sleep lab area is clean and sanitary. This is done so that when sterile procedures are required in the sleep lab area; there is minimal possibility of cross contamination due to unsanitary conditions.
• The incumbent must be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center, and participate in quality assurance activities as directed.

Qualifications

• Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship, No specific educational requirements, Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels.
• Education/Training: To be creditable education must have been gained in an accredited Community College, College, or University. Training may be allowed on a month-for-month basis through the GS-5 level.
• 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.
• 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).