Registered Sleep Technologist

Description

Job Title: Registered Sleep Technologist or Polysomnographer (RPSGT)

Reports to: Respiratory Director

Job Summary: Under the direction of the Sleep Center Coordinator, provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders including in-center and HSAT testing, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, comprehensive patient care and direct patient education. 

Demonstrates   Competency in the Following Areas:

Collects, analyzes, and integrates   patient information in order to identify and meet the patient-specific needs   (physical/mental limitations, current emotional/physiological status   regarding the testing procedure, pertinent medical/social history).

Determines final testing   parameters/procedures in conjunction with the ordering physician or clinical   director and laboratory protocols.

Reviews patient's medical history and   verifies the medical order.

Follows sleep center protocols   related to the sleep study.

Verifies patient identification,   collect documents, and obtain consent for the study.

Explains procedures to patient and   orients the patient for either in-center or home sleep apnea testing.

Selects appropriate equipment and   calibrate for testing to determine proper functioning and make adjustments,   if necessary.

Performs patient set-up: attaches   electrodes and sensors to patient according to accepted standards.

Performs routine positive airway   pressure (PAP) interface fitting and desensitization.

Follows procedural protocols [such as   Polysomnography, Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), Maintenance of   Wakefulness Test (MWT), parasomnia studies, PAP, oxygen titration, etc.] to   ensure collection of appropriate data.

Performs appropriate physiological   calibrations to ensure proper signals and makes required adjustments.

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

Performs data acquisition while   monitoring study-tracing quality to ensure signals are artifact-free. Identifies, corrects, and documents   artifact.

Documents 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.

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

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

Scores sleep/wake stages by applying   professionally accepted guidelines.

Scores clinical events (such as   respiratory events, cardiac events, limb movements, arousals, etc.) utilizing   AASM standards.

Generates accurate reports by   tabulating sleep/wake and clinical event data.

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

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

Performs patient education and   instruction appropriate for home sleep apnea testing.

Demonstrates adherence to cleaning   and disinfection procedures for portable monitoring devices.

Demonstrates adherence to AASM Scoring Manual parameters for   HSAT; identifies artifact, inadequate signals and study failures and generates   an accurate report.

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

Performs routine equipment care and   maintenance and inventory evaluation.

Maintains a good working relationship   with Sleep Center staff and other departments.

Treats patients and families with   respect and dignity.

Demonstrates the ability to be   flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.

Responds to sleep patient’s   procedural-related inquiries by providing appropriate information.

Provides patient education utilizing   sleep center specific protocols.

Assists the coordinator in all   aspects of sleep center operations.

Adheres to sleep center policies   related to quality assurance.

Evaluates sleep study-related   equipment and inventory.

Reviews and evaluates sleep studies   and provides feedback to staff.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Professional    Requirements:

Adheres to dress code, appearance is   neat and clean.

Demonstrates appropriate socials and   customer service skills. Complies with   professional standards of conduct.

Demonstrates critical thinking,   ability to follow direction, and ability to work with minimal supervision 

Maintains patient confidentiality at   all times.

Demonstrates the ability to analyze   complex situations and apply policy.

Reports to work on time and as   scheduled, completes work within designated time.

Wears identification while on duty.

Regulatory Requirements:

· High School graduate or equivalent.

· Completion of an accredited educational program leading to a certificate or associate degree with an emphasis in sleep technology; or

· Completion of a sleep technology program associated with a state licensed and/or a nationally accredited educational facility or equivalent experience and documented proficiency at all competencies required of a sleep technician.

· Certification by a nationally recognized certification board and holds Registered Sleep Technologist (RST), the Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (RPSGT), or Sleep Disorders Specialist (SDS) credential.

· Current BLS certification.

Language Skills:

· Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

· Additional languages preferred.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Skills:

· Basic Computer knowledge. Knowledgeable of computer software programs used by the Sleep Center.

Physical Demands:

· Frequent standing. Use of hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and talk or hear. Occasionally required to walk, sit, stoop, keel, crouch, or crawl. Frequent lifting or moving up to 25 pounds; occasionally up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

· This position is a safety sensitive position pursuant to Amendment 98 to the Arkansas Constitution § 2(25). A safety sensitive position means any position in which a person performing the position while under the influence of marijuana may constitute a threat to health or safety. This position is therefore “safety sensitive” due to the fact it requires the following: performing life-threatening procedures; working with hazardous or flammable materials, controlled substances, food, or medicine; and a lapse of attention while working in this position could result in injury, illness, or death.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising patient care.