Polysomnographer/Respiratory Care Practitioner

POSITION PURPOSE:

A Polysomnographic Technologist works under the general supervision of the clinical director (M.D., D.O., or PhD) or designee to provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders. This may involve polysomnography, diagnostic and therapeutic services or patient care and education. A Polysomnographic Technologist can perform the duties defined for a Polysomnographic Technician and may provide oversight of other staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Collect, analyze and integrate 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), and to determine final testing parameters/procedures in conjunction with the ordering physician or clinical director and laboratory protocols.

• Explain pre-testing, testing, and post-testing procedures to the patient. Respond to study participant’s procedural-related inquiries by providing appropriate information.

• Complete and verify documentation. Legibly documents patient care and maintains medical record.  Prepares patient record for physician review.

• Perform Testing Preparation Procedures by preparation/calibration of required equipment to determine proper functioning and make necessary adjustments; application of electrodes/sensors according to published standards; perform appropriate physiologic calibrations to ensure proper signals and make necessary adjustments; perform routine positive airway pressure (PAP) mask fitting.

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

• Successful completion of Larry Head Institute basic EEG Video Series.

• Performs all studies related to Sleep and EEG per established guidelines.

• Oversees and performs difficult and unusual procedures and therapeutic interventions.

• Score sleep/wake stages by applying professionally accepted guidelines.  Score clinical events (such as respiratory events, cardiac events, limb movements, arousals etc.) according to center specific protocols.

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

• Comply with applicable laws, regulations, guidelines and standards regarding safety and infection control issues as well as BRPT Standards of Conduct.

• Performs routine equipment care and maintenance and inventory evaluation.

• Performs other related duties as assigned
   

SPECIALIZED KNOW-HOW & REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

• Successful completion of an accredited or educational program leading to an associate degree with an emphasis in Polysomnography or Respiratory Care; or successful completion of a polysomnography program associated with a state license and/or a nationally accredited educational facility or equivalent experience.

• Must be registered by the ABSM, NBRC, or BRPT (RST, RPSGT, RRT-SDS, CRT-SDS) or accepted to sit for the registry examination. Must obtain within 90 days of hire.

• Must complete BLS within 30 days of hire and maintain throughout employment at CGH.

• Basic computer literacy in Microsoft Office Suite software preferred.