The technician independently operates and monitors neurodiagnostic equipment in the Integrated Sleep Disorders Center Richmond VAMC, VISN 6. The technician performs a full range of standard, but complex examinations including overnight sleep studies, MSLT (multiple sleep latency tests), and PAP (positive airway pressure). They are responsible for properly and accurately calibrating all instruments prior to PSG tracings. Following laboratory protocol, they independently determine the need for CPAP therapy. Technicians at this level will provide briefings and orientation about sleep studies and lab policy to residents, fellows, and other personnel who may rotate thru department. They may serve as mentor to lower level technicians.
Duties at this level may involve more complex procedures (under closer supervision) to prepare the technician for promotion to higher levels.
The technician will operate computerized polysomnographs 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, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, and laboratory computers. They will select and fit appropriate CPAP patient interface devices and provide education to patients during the daytime CPAP Group Clinics. The technician will conduct routine maintenance and adjustment checks on the equipment during the daytime CPAP Clinics (CPAP Maintenance Clinics, Walk-ins, Telehealth Clinics). Additionally, he/she will be able to address CPAP compliance via machine downloads and remote monitoring with machine modems. The technician will recognize and report any equipment failure to the supervisor.
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.
The Polysomnography (PSG) technician will utilize standard or alternate position for patients with common physical disabilities for the procedure being performed. They 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, and MSLT's. The technician will independently titrate and document PAP level to achieve therapeutic goals. They will know the indications, complications, and contraindications to CPAP therapy. They will know how to use Bi-Level PAP therapy. 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 (ie. 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 (e.g. seizure monitoring, parasomnias). 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. The technician annotates observed behavior or anomalies on recordings. They use equipment specific processing software to execute several automation functions such as storing, retrieving, and transferring, electronic document and files. The technician will summarize and report Polysomnographic data in narrative form. They will recognize life threatening or medically emergent patient situations and take appropriate action to provide emergent care.
Work Schedule: Monday- Friday; 8:00AM - 4:30 PM
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #:000000
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Starting at $56,658 Per Year (GS 8)