Summary The technician independently operates and monitors neurodiagnostic equipment in the Neurodiagnostic Center at the Durham VAMC, VISN 6. The technician performs a full range of standard, but complex diagnostic testing including overnight sleep studies, Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HSAT), Multiple Sleep Latency Testing (MSLT), Maintenance of Wakefulness Testing (MWT), Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) titrations, Capnometry and Actigraphy. Responsibilities Functions: Equipment: (1) Overnight sleep testing - The technician will operate computerized polysomnograms for recording continuous all-night physiological data including EEG, EOG, EKG, EMG, and respiratory parameters. They will use devices such as oximetry, respiratory effort devices, nasal pressure devices, thermistors, thermocouples, actigraphy, capnometry, positive airway pressure (PAP) machines, and laboratory computers. They will select and fit appropriate PAP patient interface devices. The technician will conduct routine maintenance and adjustment checks on the equipment. The technician will recognize and report any equipment failure to the supervisor. The technician will complete any documentation (study logs, demographic or clinical data, surveys or questionnaires, equipment used, etc. associated with the study). (2) Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HSAT) - The technician will operate home sleep apnea test monitors for recording continuous all-night physiological data including EKG, respiratory effort devices, nasal pressure devices and oximetry. The technician will conduct routine maintenance and adjustment checks on the equipment. The technician will recognize and report any equipment failure to the supervisor. The technician will complete any documentation (study logs, demographic or clinical data, surveys or questionnaires, equipment used, etc. associated with the study). (3) PAP equipment - The technician will work with a variety of brands and types of PAP (CPAP, BiPAP, BiPAP ST, ASV and others) and mask interfaces. Medical Terminology: The technician will know medical terminology, anatomy, physiology as it relates to sleep disorders. They have advanced knowledge of The International Classification of Sleep Disorders and the ability to recognize uncommon and or rare sleep disorders. The technician will understand the relationship of events, sleep stages, and possible medical conditions which influence or result from events occurring during sleep. They will use this knowledge to review medical records and read and understand routine and complex sleep study orders. They will know normal and abnormal results and will document abnormalities during procedure. Testing: (1) In-lab Sleep Testing - The technician will utilize two methods of patient identification. They will explain the testing procedure to the patient. They will utilize the 10/20 method of electrode application during procedures. The technician will follow established laboratory protocol in performing standard overnight sleep studies, PAP titrations, MSLTs, MWTs, Actigraphy and Capnometry. The technician will independently titrate and document PAP level to achieve therapeutic goals. They will know the indications, complications, and contraindications to PAP therapy. They will know how to use CPAP, BiPAP, BiPAP ST and ASV therapy. They will know when to administer supplemental oxygen when indicated. They will know how to use and interpret capnometry. The technician will utilize standard or alternate positions for patients with common physical disabilities for the procedure being performed. They will obtain written permission to perform audio and video during the procedures that require such. They will recognize biologic and non-biologic (artifacts) EEG waveforms. They will know corrective actions to eliminate artifacts. They will recognize all levels of sleep. The technician has knowledge of event characteristics (i.e. respiratory, cardiac, sleep stages, seizures, etc.) and will take appropriate action. They will make changes in recording techniques and parameters to optimize display of the clinical question. They will score and analyze sleep stages on the recordings. The technician recognizes obvious clinical manifestations of various types of epileptic and non-epileptic seizures as they occur. (2) Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HSAT) - The technician will explain the testing procedure to the patient. They will utilize two methods of patient identification. They will instruct the patient on self-application of the home sleep test monitor through verbal, audio/visual or demonstration methods as needed to ensure patient comprehension. They will score and analyze the recordings. Patient Safety: The technician will know the typical patient reaction to the neurodiagnostic procedure being performed and know signs of patient distress. They will understand electrical safety and recognize unsafe recording equipment and environments. They will perform the proper corrective actions to ensure an electrically safe recording. The technician will take proper actions to ensure patient safety during neurodiagnostic testing. The technician will utilize proper hospital and laboratory infection control guidelines. They will understand and follow the hospital HIPPA guidelines. Work Schedule: M-F 0730-1600 Telework: Not authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications BASIC REQUIREMENTS Citizenship. Citizenship of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) 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 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". 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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. 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). GS-8 (a) 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: (b) 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. (c) 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. (d) 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. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.