Summary
This is a non-supervisory Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) (MITP) position located at the VA Northern Arizona Healthcare System (NAHCS) (Prescott VAHCS). The primary duties of the MITP are to independently monitor patients during all stages of sleep utilizing a variety of sophisticated recording devices, score and analyze sleep stages in clinical home sleep testing (HST) recordings. The MITP summarizes and prepares reports of HST data.
Duties
The MITP anticipates problems likely to occur during the sleep study and prepares for such situations, makes changes in established procedures, or recommends alternative courses of action. The MITP is knowledgeable in complex procedures as well as uncommon and/or rare sleep disorders. This position also incorporates program managing the sleep clinic to include: creating and updating Standard Operating Procedures, maintain and ordering sleep testing equipment, monitoring consult compliance and recommending ideas to improve productivity, acting as educator for sleep related disorders to both Veterans and staff.
The incumbent, under the supervision of the Section Supervisor(s), Respiratory Care and Sleep Services displays proficiency and performs at a level of excellence in all sleep diagnostic and related procedures in accordance with guidelines established by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the American Association of Sleep Technologists, the National Board for Respiratory Care, the American Association for Respiratory Care and policies and procedures of the Prescott VAHCS.
Duties include but not limited to:
ADMINISTRATION/DOCUMENTATION: Documents all respiratory treatments and patient responses in the medical record. This includes documentation in the electronic (BCMA, CPRS and PICIS) medical record. Maintains departmental paperwork ., HSAT log, inventory, sleep questionnaires. Documentation in the electronic patient record will be done in a timely manner and will clearly state events that occurred during therapy as demonstrated through audit. Ensures that all patient consults /encounters received are accurate and completed daily and closed out in Vista/CPRS. Responsible to understand, interpret and comply with Respiratory Care Policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Manages consults for sleep testing and implements strategies to improve productivity. Acts as subject matter expert on sleep related disorders and provides education to Veterans and staff members alike. Demonstrate knowledge of and compliance with VA Policies and Procedures. Periodically reviews standard operating practice to ensure compliance and updates documents as needed. Reports productivity to Chief of Service and recommends improvement strategies. Collaborates with management to develop and maintain a productive work environment and positive working relationship by conducting daily activities, communications and interactions in a cooperative, positive, courteous and professional manner. Consistently maintains complete confidentiality of all sensitive material which may jeopardize the privacy of others. CLINICAL: Receives and acts on assignments for a variety of difficult examinations on compromised patients for planned, urgent, and emergent tests. Performs the full range of complex procedures using specialized equipment that requires precise adjustments to respond to individual patient needs, conditions or test sequences. Performs sleep monitoring (HSAT) on individuals with a variety of sleep disorders, including but not limited to; possible sleep apnea, arterial desaturations secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other medical conditions. Demonstrates knowledge of respiratory, neuroanatomy and physiology, basic electronics and electrical safety, general knowledge of HSAT instruments, pattern recognition, and various medical and pharmacological conditions that influence the HSAT. Sets up PAP equipment, performs quality checks to ensure readiness for use during the procedure; applies positive airway pressure (PAP) devices and titrates settings to appropriate levels per established protocols. Explains procedures and positions patient to insure comfort during a variety of tests, taking into account the patient's age, mental and physical status. Applies thoracic and abdominal transducer; pulse oximeter finger or ear probe; respiratory effort belts; nasal/oral sensors; and, other diagnostic electrodes and equipment. 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. Recognizes artifacts, patient movements and diagnostic findings and makes changes in recording techniques and parameters to optimize display of the phenomenon in question. Work Schedule : Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 16:30pm
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Telework : Ad-hoc only with supervisors approval
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement # : 000000
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Fi nancial Disclosure Report: Not required