Polysomnographic Technician

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Receives and reviews requests for polysomnographic testing. Prepares laboratory and obtains supplies to accommodate number of patients scheduled for testing.

• Sets up and calibrates testing and treatment equipment: PC-driven digital polygraph, blood oxygen saturation oximeter, capnograph, Respiratory Inductive Plethysmography (RIP), Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)/Bi-Level airway management equipment, and videotaping equipment according to established procedures.

• Explains procedure to patient and family members present to gain patient cooperation and to allay anxiety; assure calm, quiet environment to allow patient to enter natural (non-medication-induced) sleep.

• Places and attaches electrodes to patient’s scalp, face, chest and abdomen to standard placement locations; externally attaches ear clip; and depending on physician request, attaches face mask or inserts nasal probe. May insert esophageal balloon as indicated by physician. Visually checks electrode placement for accuracy to prevent false readings. Positions videotaping equipment to film chest and abdominal breathing pattern accurately.

• Operates PC-driven, digital polysomnograph for the purpose of: recording patient’s stages of sleep (8-10 hours); real-time analysis of obstructive sleep apnea to ascertain the severity of obstructive sleep apnea and then inititate protocol-driven treatment with continuous positive airway pressure or bi-level positive airway treatment using Respiratory Inductive Plethysmography (RIP) and flow volume loops.

• Reviews output, making adjustments as necessary, to produce tracings of multiple variables, including electroencephalogram, elctro-oculogram, sub-mental electromyogram, heart rate, nasal and oral airflow, respiratory effort, end-tidal PCO2 and oxygen saturation.

• Monitors patient’s progress, (normally involves monitoring and testing more than one patient at a time), remaining alert for extended apneic episodes, distress and signs or respiratory arrest. Alerts physician and/or code team, as necessary, and initiates cardiopulmonary resuscitation if indicated.

• Reviews, scores and interprets final tracing by identifying sleep stages as determined by following pre-set criteria: number of apneas and hypopneas per hour and per sleep stage; number of arousals; and presence and severity of hypoximia and arrhythmias. Summarizes and prepares written report of results for additional evaluation by physician.

• Maintains inventory of supplies and equipment. Performs routine cleaning and maintenance and makes minor adjustments and repairs; makes arrangements for major repair as necessary. Participates in evaluation of and provides input into recommendations for purchase of new or additional supplies and equipment.

• Participates in sleep-related clinical research studies, providing assistance in similar testing and interpretation activities as well as with computer-assisted analysis of results.

• Maintains quality assurance, safety, environmental, and infection control in accordance with established hospital department policies, procedures, and objectives.

• Performs other related duties as required.

EDUCATION:

• The level of knowledge normally obtained through completion of an Associates Degree in Respiratory Care, Biology, Health Sciences or the successful completion of a Polysomnographic certification program or the equivalent.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) certification required.

EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

• Six months previous experience as a polysomnographic technician, respiratory care technician or similar Allied Health experience involved in patient care.

• Thorough understanding and competent application of PC-driven digital polysomnography protocols (including RIP and flow volume loops). Expertise in the understanding and application of pulmonary flow volume loops for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

• Personal Computer skills required.

• Basic knowledge of electronics and electrical safety.

• Knowledge of and ability to perform polysomnographic testing procedures, including ability to maintain equipment and instruct others in proper testing.

• Knowledge of sleep staging and analytical ability to interpret and prepare written summary of results for further evaluation by physician.

• Interpersonal skills to explain procedures, to give instructions and to calm patient effectively in order to ensure a natural sleep process.

• Mechanical aptitude and ability to operate, calibrate, set up and perform minor repairs and adjustments on equipment.

• Ability to monitor closely, recognize and assess changes in a patient’s condition for signs of respiratory distress or arrest.

• Ability to initiate and administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

• Ability to assist in moving or positioning patients.

• Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• None.