Polysomnographic Technologist, Neurology Sleep Lab

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Sleep Laboratory Coordinator, performs state-of-the-art testing for a wide variety of sleep disorders and circadian rhythm abnormalities. Ensures accurate data collection and analysis and explains appropriate treatment options in a timely, professional manner in a patient-based clinical laboratory setting.

Position: Polysomnographic Technologist

Department: Neurology Sleep Lab

Schedule: Full Time, 36 Hours Nights

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Prepares patient prior to testing to ensure state-of-the-art testing in compliance with current standards in the field as evaluated by the sleep lab coordinator through observation, phone contact and periodic auditing.
* Obtains a pre- and post-sleep questionnaire from each patient and reviews to determine appropriate testing procedures. Interviews the patient directly as needed to clarify history and obtain additional information in a timely manner.
* Measures and marks head according to the International 10-20 System and marks all other applicable anatomical locations and landmarks to ensure proper placement of electrodes in a timely manner.
* Checks integrity of electrodes and respiratory monitors prior to testing to ensure high quality performance. Troubleshoots equipment and replaces electrodes in a timely manner.
* Applies electrodes to pre-determined sites using collodion, tape, and pre-gelled electrodes. Positions oximeter, effort monitors and thermistors accurately.
* Calibrates recording equipment and documents equipment settings on recording to ensure proper functioning of recording system. Calibrates oximeter and respiratory monitors in accordance with laboratory standards in a timely manner
* Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age groups of adolescent, and geriatric patients regularly served.
* Notifies supervisor when patients in age groups not regularly served are present, and seeks assistance from individuals with the knowledge of the specialized needs of such patient age groups.
* Transports or assists patients or selected equipment to various locations within the hospital. Performs testing in other departments as needed.
* Operates a wide variety of physiological recording equipment in an appropriate manner to ensure quality diagnostic testing.
* Obtains a quality signal on polygraph/EEG machine and optic disc recording system. Adjusts filters and sensitivity to ensure accurate and appropriate data collection. Reports equipment failures to Coordinator the morning following the study.
* Maintains an accurate signal on the oximeter and documents saturation at least every half hour. Recognizes poor quality signal artifact and repositions probe in a timely manner, as observed by the lab coordinator and medical director of the laboratory.
* Fits patients for CPAP masks and applies CPAP pressure, as requested by the Medical Director and/or referring physician.
* Documents required patient information on the recording and on the event sheet, with no more than three variances per week.
* Identifies and attempts to eliminate all unwanted artifact of a physiological or non-physiological nature, and documents all artifacts and control measures on the recording, as observed by the coordinator by record review on a daily basis, with no more than two serious variances per week.
* Operates the laboratory's computer data collection system and archives raw data following collection. Provides morning printout of oximetry data collected during the night.
* Analyzes patient data from polysomonographs as requested, by use of the CNS computerized assisted scoring system or manually when computer scoring is not feasible.
* Assists with MSLT's (Multiple Sleep Latency Testing) as requested.
* Troubleshoots difficulties and maintains equipment in good working condition. Cleans equipment on a periodic basis and reports and records all unresolved equipment failures to supervisor as soon as they are discovered.
* Participates in educational opportunities provided by the laboratory to ensure current standard in the field is maintained and new developments are evaluated and explored.
* Attends and participates in appropriate association meetings once a year as resources are available.
* Attends weekly case conference meetings as scheduled by the laboratory.
* Maintains an organized, professional laboratory environment to ensure the efficient operation of the department.
* Answers telephones in a pleasant, courteous and timely manner, identifying the laboratory, with no more than three verified patient complaints per month.
* Greets visitors to the department in a courteous and timely manner. Distributes information as appropriate and directs or escorts visitors to the appropriate personnel or area as needed, with no more than three verified patient complaints per month.
* Monitors levels of laboratory supplies and linens, and reports shortages to the supervisor in writing as they are discovered.
* Completes and forwards charge slips for patient billing. Performs related clerical duties as needed, such as filing, scheduling appointments. Strips PSGs to a condensed version to assure accurate and accessible record maintenance, as audited by the supervisor on a monthly basis.
* Conforms to the hospital standards of conduct so that the best possible customer service and patient care is provided. Maintains courteous, professional relationships with fellow employees, patients, physicians, and visitors with no more than four verified complaints per year as evidenced by patient satisfaction surveys, patient interviews, physician and employee input.
* Utilizes hospital's Values as the basis for decision making and to facilitate the division's hospital mission.
* Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS AND ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

* Requires, in addition to the knowledge normally acquired through a high school education technical training in EEG technology or equivalent which would be acquired in the first two years of an AMA approved technical school or college program.
* Requires advanced skills in using complex neurologic equipment used in conducting EEG examinations.
* Requires experience in performing complex technical tasks that normally would be acquired with the training listed above during six to twelve months of directly related experience.
* Professional registration in sleep disorders or neurophysiological testing is preferred.
* Requires analytical ability needed to analyze complex test results and make preliminary determinations.
* Requires interpersonal skills sufficient to interview and explain procedures to patients and skills to allay fears and anxieties.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Works in a laboratory environment. Requires some moving/transporting of patients and equipment and some lifting of supplies.

Electrode application includes working with collodain and acetone.

Occasionally works with alcohol and solvents such as bleach.

AMERICAN WITH DISABILITY STATEMENT:

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled, must be able to perform the essential job functions either unaided or with assistance of a reasonable accommodations to be determined on a case by case basis.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans