Polysomnographic Technologist

Description

Position Summary

The Sleep Technologist, performs tests and collects data on patients with sleep disorders. Sleep Technologists are responsible for giving patients explanations of the impending sleep tests and procedures, preparing equipment for the procedures, recording activities and analyzing results-all while working under the advisement of a Medical Director and/or sleep technologist. Sleep Technologists need some polysomnographic training as well as CPR. 

Primary Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary responsibilities. 

1. Review the patient’s history and verify the medical order.

2. Follow sleep center protocols related to the sleep study.

3. When patients arrives, verify identification, collect documents and obtain consent for the study.

4. Explain the procedure and orient the patient for either in center or out of the center sleep testing.

5. Select appropriate equipment and calibrate for testing to determine proper functioning and make adjustments if necessary.

6. Apply electrodes and sensors according to accepted published standards.

7. Perform routine positive airway pressure (PAP) interface fitting and desentization.

8. Follow procedural protocols (such as Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), Maintenance of wakefulness Test (MWT), parasomnia studies, PAP and Oxygen titration, etc.)

9. Perform appropriate physiological calibrations to ensure proper signals and make required adjustments. 

10. Follow “lights out” procedures to establish and document baseline values (such as body position oxyhemoglobin saturation, respiratory and heart rates, etc.)

11. Perform data acquisition while monitoring study-tracing quality to ensure signals are artifact-free. Identify, correct and document artifact.

12. Document routine observations, including sleep stages and clinical events, changes in procedure, and other significant events in order to facilitate scoring and interpretation of polysomnographic results. 

13. Implement appropriate interventions (including actions necessary for patient safety and therapeutic intervention such as positive airway pressure, oxygen administration, etc.)

14. Follow “lights on” procedures to verify integrity of collected data and complete the data collection process (e.g. repeat the physiological and instrument calibrations and instructs the patient on completing questionnaires, checking for completeness, etc.)

15. Assist with scoring sleep/wake stages by applying professionally accepted guidelines.

16. Assist with scoring clinical events (such as respiratory events, cardiac events, limb movements, arousals, etc.) utilizing AASM standards.

17. Assist with the generation of accurate reports by tabulating sleep/wake and clinical event data.

18. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and provide age specific care in the treatment, assessment, and education of neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients. 

19. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to perform portable monitoring equipment preparation and data download.

20. Perform patient education and instruction appropriate for out of center sleep testing.

21. Demonstrate adherence to cleaning and disinfection procedures for portable monitoring devices.

22. Assist with scoring portable monitoring recordings according to AASM scorning parameters; identify artifact, inadequate signals and study failures and generate an accurate report.

23. Comply with applicable laws, regulations, guidelines and standards regarding safety and infection control issues.

24. Perform routine equipment care and maintenance and inventory evaluation.

25. Maintain current CPR or BCLS certification.

26. Demonstrate computer skills appropriate for the position.

27. Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills.

28. Demonstrate appropriate social skills.

29. Demonstrate customer service skills.

30. Demonstrate critical thinking and ability to work with minimal supervision.

31. Demonstrate teamwork skills.

32. Follow HIPAA policies to maintain the privacy and security of patient information.

33. Demonstrate ability to follow direction.

34. Respond to sleep patients’ procedural-related inquiries by providing appropriate information. 

35. Assist with patient education utilizing sleep center specific protocols.

36. Adhere to sleep center policies related to quality assurance.

Competencies

1. Knowledge of and ability to use various computer programs and applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

2. Ability to use ABG machine, ventilators, IPPB, EKG, treadmills, PFT equipment.

3. Ability to perform chest PT.

4. Ability to use appropriate discretion in handling confidential information and materials.

5. Excellent communication skills

6. Effective leadership skills

7. Knowledge of state, federal and TJC regulations and standards relating to the principles and practices of respiratory therapy.

8. Effective oral and written communication skills.

Supervisory Responsibility

None.

Requirements

Required Education and Experience

1. Successful completion of a sleep technology program, associated with a state licensed and/or a nationally accredited educational facility or Healthcare Credential (RN, LPN, RT) with a minimum of 546 Clinical experience, that enrolls in the A-STEP Program. 

2. BCLS and ACLS certification required.

Preferred Education and Experience

1. RPSGT, CPSGT, RST, or a Respiratory SDS preferred. 

2. At least 6 month experience preferred.