Summary The John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit, MI is recruiting for a Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography). 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). Registration is not required but is highly desired. Responsibilities Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT), also known as the Polysomnography Technician, functions within the section of the Sleep Medicine, in Medicine Service, and is responsible for diagnostic testing, scoring, initiation & titration of patients with known or suspected sleep disorders. Identifies information that must be obtained prior to performing any diagnostic testing and/or therapeutic intervention, including, but not limited to: patient identification, history and review of any previous sleep study or other pertinent information. Performs comprehensive patient assessments, including, but not limited to: assessment of heart rate and respiratory rate & effort, oxygen saturation, transcutaneous carbon dioxide measurements and electroencephalogram (EEG). Appropriately prepares patient for procedure using standardized aseptic technique. Identifies the indications, contraindications and hazards of frequently performed procedures, including: in-lab overnight polysomnography testing & scoring, in-home overnight testing & scoring, MSLT testing, application and titration of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) therapies, pulse oximetry & transcutaneous carbon dioxide monitoring, Inspire therapy, and Actigraphy. Identifies critical information that must be communicated during testing and procedures, including the provision of directions/coaching/education at a level that is appropriate to patient understanding. Adapts care to patient situation, including desensitization of mask or interface, reassurance, coaching and/or early termination of study, if warranted. Identifies and takes proper action when faced with patient situations that require urgent or emergent management, including, but not limited to: falls, fainting, acute mental status change, shortness of breath, hypoxia, chest pain & cardiopulmonary arrest. Ensures that all completed studies are scored accurately, uploaded to the appropriate storage site and, if needed, printed and placed in the interpreting MD mailbox. Provides patient education related to the purpose of study, the time required and instructions for use (if providing an in-home study device), ensuring adequate teach-back and understanding. Ensures a safe patient environment at all times. This includes but is not limited to: keeping patient care areas clean, organized and free from trip hazards, completing disinfection of equipment in-between patients, encouraging the use of walkers or other mobility aids when needed, and making recommendations for urgent care follow up, when indicated. 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. Prepares, calibrates, interfaces, and operates all equipment used in polysomnographic procedures. Work Schedule: Monday - Thursday, 9:00pm-7:00am; tour of duty could be subject to change based on the needs of the Agency Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 94408-8 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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. Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Licensure or Certification. Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, Registration by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition. 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. Grade
