Polysomnograhic Technologist or Registered Respiratory Therapist

Employment Type:

Full time

Shift:

Description:

POSITION SUMMARY:

A sleep technologist works under the general supervision of the medical director or designee to provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders including in center and home sleep apnea testing, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, comprehensive patient care and direct patient education. A sleep technologist is credentialed in sleep technology and is able to provide oversight of other sleep center staff. Technicians and trainees work under the direct supervision of the credentialed sleep technologist or the medical director.

Sleep Study Preparation and Set-up

* 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).
* Determine final testing parameters/procedures in conjunction with the ordering physician or clinical director and laboratory protocols.
* Review the patient's history and verify the medical order.
* Follow sleep center protocols related to the sleep study.
* When patient arrives, verify identification, collect documents and obtain consent for the study.
* Explain the procedure and orient the patient for either in center or home sleep apnea testing.
* Provide age appropriate patient education.
* Select appropriate equipment and calibrate for testing to determine proper functioning and make adjustments, if necessary.
* Apply electrodes and sensors according to accepted published standards.
* Perform routine positive airway pressure (PAP) interface fitting and desensitization.

Sleep Study Procedures

* 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.
* Perform appropriate physiological calibrations to ensure proper signals and make required adjustments.
* Follow "lights out" procedures to establish and document baseline values (such as body position, oxyhemoglobin saturation, respiratory and heart rates, etc.).
* Perform data acquisition while monitoring study-tracing quality to ensure signals are artifact-free. Identify, correct and document artifact.
* Document 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.
* Implement appropriate interventions (including actions necessary for patient safety and therapeutic intervention such as positive airway pressure, oxygen administration, etc.).
* Follow "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.).
* Score sleep/wake stages by applying professionally accepted guidelines.
* Score clinical events (such as respiratory events, cardiac events, limb movements, arousals, etc.) utilizing American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) standards.
* Generate accurate reports by tabulating sleep/wake and clinical event data.
* Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and provide age specific care in the treatment, assessment, and education of neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
* Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to perform portable monitoring equipment preparation and data download.
* Perform patient education and instruction appropriate for home sleep apnea testing.
* Demonstrate adherence to cleaning and disinfection procedures.
* Monitor patient safety and adhere to patient safety protocols.
* Demonstrate adherence to AASM scoring parameters; identify artifact, inadequate signals and equipment failures and generate an accurate report.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE:

Graduation from a CoARC accredited program in respiratory care with an Associates Degree required. Bachelor's Degree desirable. Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) with the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) required and licensed by the State of New York or practicing under limited permit as a Respiratory Therapist.

OR

Have a current NY State License in Polysomnography

AND

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

Licensed Respiratory Therapists who do not hold the RRT credential may also be considered for employment in this category. Salary will be reduced by 5% for these individuals until such time as they may achieve the RRT credential.

Graduate therapists who hold a permit to practice as a Respiratory Therapist will also be hired into this category, with a 5% reduction in salary until the RRT credential and therapist license are obtained.

Participates in orientation as well as continuing education as mandated by the State of New York and updates and maintains knowledge and skills related to specific areas of practice expertise. Completes population specific competency annually on populations served as identified in scope of care and service.

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT, SKILLS OR OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

BLS/CPR Certification within orientation period

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND HAZARDS:

Clinical Setting. Exposure class I. Routine or potential exposure to blood, body fluids, excretions or secretions

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Medium work: standing, walking, sitting, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling

MISSION STATEMENT:

* We, St Joseph's Health and Trinity Health, serve together in the spirit of the Gospel as a compassionate and transforming healing presence within our communities.

VISION:

* To be world-renowned for passionate patient care and outstanding clinical outcomes.

CORE VALUES:

* In the spirit of good Stewardship, we heal by practicing Justice in fostering right relationships to promote common good, Reverence in honoring the dignity of every person, Excellence in expecting the best of ourselves and others; Integrity in being faithful to who we say we are.

Pay Range: $32.00 - $53.70

Pay is based on experience, skills, and education. Exempt positions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) will be paid within the base salary equivalent of the stated hourly rates. The pay range may also vary within the stated range based on location.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Trinity Health is one of the largest not-for-profit, Catholic healthcare systems in the nation. Built on the foundation of our Mission and Core Values, we integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. Our colleagues have different lived experiences, customs, abilities, and talents. Together, we become our best selves. A diverse and inclusive workforce provides the most accessible and equitable care for those we serve. Trinity Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.