Polysomnographic Technologist

Summary

The Polysomnographic Technologist is responsible for performing specific clinical tests related to the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders, including polysomnography, CPAP titration, patient education, certain patient care activities, records maintenance, and other related patient care tasks as delegated by the Sleep Center Supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

These duties and responsibilities described below represent the general tasks performed on a daily basis; other tasks may be assigned.

+ Perform all activities related to the diagnosis of sleep disorders

+ Perform Sleep Studies with and without CPAP

+ Perform split night studies as indicated

+ Titrate oxygen and CPAP when indicated during a study

+ Welcome patients to the Sleep Center and help acclimate them to the sleep center environment

+ Intervene when life threatening epochs are witnessed and recorded

+ Maintains all patient care medical records.

+ Maintain the confidentiality of all medical records in accordance with HIPPA guidelines

+ Complete and verify all forms of documentation

+ Explain pre-testing, testing, and post testing procedures to the patient

+ Calibrate and test systems and equipment regularly

+ Apply electrodes and sensors according to accepted published standards and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations

+ Perform appropriate physiologic calibrations to ensure proper signal, making adjustments as necessary

+ Perform CPAP mask fittings

+ To ensure the accurate collection of data, follow procedural protocols when performing patient tests including Multiple Sleep Latency Tests (MSLTs), Maintenance of Wakefulness Tests (MWTs}, Parasomnia studies, CPAP, Oxygen titration, etc.

+ Follow "lights out" procedures to establish and document baseline values such as body position, SA02, RR and heart rate

+ Follow "lights on" procedures to verify integrity of collected data and complete the data collection process (repeat the physiological and instrument calibrations and instruct the patient on completing questionnaires, etc.)

+ Perform Polysomnographic Data Acquisition while monitoring study-tracing quality to ensure signals are artifact free, making adjustments as necessary

+ Document routine observations including sleep stages, clinical events, changes in procedure, and significant events in order to facilitate scoring and interpretation of polysomnography results

+ Implement appropriate interventions (including actions necessary for patient safety and therapeutic intervention such as CPAP, Bi-PAP and Oxygen administration.)

+ Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and provide age specific care in the treatment, assessment, and education of the infant, pediatric, adult, and geriatric population

+ Score sleep/awake stages by following professionally accepted guidelines

+ Score clinical events such as respiratory epochs, cardiac epochs, limb movements, arousals, etc.

+ Scores tests concurrently

+ Generate accurate reports by tabulating sleep/awake and clinical event data

+ Help to secure sleep lab accreditation and all regulatory compliance issues including safety and infection control

+ Maintain the Sleep Center equipment

+ Review supplies needed for testing and report shortages to the supervisor

+ Maintain a safe and clean environment

+ Review all policies and procedures annually with the Sleep Center Supervisor

+ Assist with data collection for the Sleep Center Performance Improvement Plan

+ Meet with the Sleep Center Supervisor and the Sleep lab Medical Directors as needed

+ Attend monthly departmental meetings

+ Maintain all patient records in accordance with CRMC, HIPPA, and AASM standards

+ Take calls as required

+ Analyze complex clinical situations and apply good clinical judgment while follow department/hospital policy

+ Provide input to the Sleep Center Supervisor during the annual budgetary process

+ Serve as an educational resource to Chesapeake Regional Medical Center's medical staff and nurses, Tidewater Community College, and the community

+ Comply with the BRIT and AASM standards for conduct and ethics

+ Attend required hospital-wide orientations, meetings, and in-services

+ Demonstrate a commitment to flexible work scheduling when necessary to ensure patient care

Supervisory Responsibilities

Reports to: Sleep Center Supervisor

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

Minimum Required Education: Successful completion of an accredited Polysomnography or Respiratory Therapy program

Preferred Education: Associate's degree with an emphasis in polysomnography or Respiratory Therapy

Experience: One (1) or more years' experience as a Polysomnographic Technician is preferred, but will accept new graduates who can achieve proficiency within 90 days of employment.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Applicant must be registered, or registry eligible, with the Board of Registry for Polysomnographic Technologists; if registry eligible, certification must be obtained within 6 months of hire. Must be licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Virginia or the State of North Carolina, depending upon the department location.