Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography)

Summary This position is located in the Pulmonary Section - Sleep Lab - of Medical Service at the VA New Jersey Health Care System Medical Center. The Medical Instrument Technician operates and monitors computerized and other equipment in the Sleep Laboratory to obtain high quality polysomnographic studies. The technician is responsible for performance of sleep monitoring studies - occasionally assisting in technical analysis. The work is performed during an evening tour to accommodate a 40 hour week. 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. Licensure or Certification: Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are strongly desirable at GS-6 or above. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition. 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). Grade Determinations: GS-6, GS-7, GS-8 Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) – Candidates must possess 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 position to be filled. Qualifying experience includes but is not limited to: Performs sleep monitoring (PSG) on individuals with a variety of sleep disorders – prepares, calibrates, interfaces, and operates all equipment used in polysomnographic procedures – recognizes sleep apnea, sleep movements, nocturnal seizures, and parasomnias such as nocturnal myoclonus and rapid eye movement (REM) behavior disorder. Makes adjustments in recording parameters to optimize performance of sleep studies, monitors patient and diagnostic equipment, recording and video equipment throughout the study. Obtains artifact-free data and tracings. Records significant observations – prepares, calibrates, interfaces, and operates all equipment used in polysomnographic procedures; performs a full range of standard routine examinations including overnight sleep studies, MSLT (Multiple Sleep Latency Test), MWT (Maintenance of Wakefulness Test), and PAP (Positive Airway Pressure Titration). Demonstrates Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities, including: Knowledge of standard computerized polysomnographs and related physiological data recording (EEG, EOG, EKG, EMG, respiratory parameters). Knowledge of standard devices (oximeters, respiratory effort devices, nasal pressure devices, thermistors, thermocouples, CPAP machines) and laboratory computers; ability to calibrate, operate equipment, recognize and eliminate recording artifacts. Knowledge of medical terminology and medical record organization. Knowledge of polysomnographic procedural protocols. Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology and the international 10-20 electrode placement system. Knowledge of CPAP function and operation to select and fit appropriate PAP patient interface devices. Ability to independently titrate and document PAP level to achieve therapeutic goals. Knowledge of indications, complications, and contraindications of CPAP therapy. Knowledge of Bi-Level pressure titrations. Ability to recognize changes in PSG tracing and identify all stages of sleep, including scoring and analysis of sleep stages. For GS-7 and GS-8 additional responsibilities include interacting fully with the patient and physician, diagnosing uncommon or rare sleep disorders, conducting full sleep studies, anticipating problems, mentoring lower graded technicians, and applying advanced knowledge of Bi-level pressure titrations, Auto Servo-Ventilation, and complex sleep study tracings such as seizure activity and parasomnias including REM Behavior Disorder. Preferred experience: RPSGT credential, NJ state polysomnography license, CPR certification. Duties Orient patients regarding the nature and purpose of procedures being performed. Maintain a good rapport with patients to ensure maximum relaxation and cooperation during procedures. Calibrate and adjust equipment to obtain an accurate and technically acceptable record. Perform and appropriately document all types of sleep disorder studies as specified by the physician's order. Document pertinent events and changes during the study; maintain a log of patient data. Report pertinent and significant data from previous nights to Chief Technologist/Physician in charge of the department. Recognize technical, mechanical, and patient-induced artifacts and take appropriate steps to eliminate them. Follow specific protocol for oxygen and CPAP administration; intervene promptly and appropriately for respiratory and cardiac emergencies. Maintain and organize the sleep laboratory and patient area before and after patients leave to ensure cleanliness and patient safety. Conduct weekly inventory and order supplies to replenish stock levels. Perform light clerical duties as needed. Work Schedule: Night Shift – 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Benefits Working hour: Evening shift; 40‑hour workweek. Competitive salary and regular salary increases; higher step rate may be determined for higher qualifications. Paid Time Off: 37‑50 days per year (13‑26 days of annual leave; 13 days of sick leave; 11 paid Federal holidays). Eligibility for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military experience. Parental leave: up to 12 weeks of paid leave after 12 months of employment for birth, adoption, or foster care placement. Childcare subsidy (for those with total family income below $144,000 after 60 days of employment): up to 25% of eligible childcare costs, up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement benefits: Traditional federal pension (5‑year vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% employer contribution. Health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care insurance (various federal programs). Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. #J-18808-Ljbffr Direct Jobs