Polysomnography Technologist

Performs day and night sleep studies, Multiple Sleep Latency Testing, Maintenance of Wakefulness Test, scores sleep studies, and assist in training and orientation of new employees and HST/PSG trainees.

1. TECHNICAL TASKS

a. Performs Multiple Sleep Latency Testing, Maintenance of Wakefulness Test, and other types of sleep studies as ordered by physician.

b. Calibrates monitors and accessory parameters prior to sleep study.

c. Administers Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea according to policy and procedure.

d. Follows Oxygen administration according to policy.

e. Thoroughly analyzes patients medical record to obtain an informative history.

f. Sets up patients for test by placing electrodes using the 10/20 International System of measurement.

g. Instructs and informs patient of test procedure.

h. Assist with maintenance of department equipment and supplies.

i. Maintains department records, reports, and files as required.

j. Must be certified in basic CPR.

k. Emphasizes abnormalities seen during the procedure using available technique.

l. Recognizes and identifies sleep stages on the Multiple Sleep Latency Test and the Polysomnogram

m. Recognizes and identifies all types of respiratory events and other abnormalities on the sleep study.

n. Scores sleep studies and MSLTs using R&K criteria.

o. Assists director with support groups and public education in sleep disorders.

p. Consistently demonstrates the ability to assess a situation and consider the alternatives.

q. Consistently demonstrates the ability to assess a situation and consider the alternatives.

r. Demonstrates attention to detail and accuracy.

2. CRITICAL THINKING

a. The employee assesses the patient for physical, personal, and technical procedural needs and communicates these to the physician with an appropriate suggestion of technical support when needed.

b. The employee performs and adjusts their duties/roles in turnaround time performance to complete this process in the 10-minute period set by the policy of the department.

c. The employee reports procedural delays, outcomes, start and end events to the charge person in the appropriate manner and in a timely fashion.

d. The employee assist participates in and communicates inventory and equipment needs and problems to the Inventory/Equipment manager.

e. The employee assists in the development of departmental goals and is positive in supporting these to the customers and department services.

f. This employee will work in a case management role for his specialty in the areas of policy and procedure development, inventory assessment/maintenance, staff development and physician resource for the department.

3. OTHER DUTIES

a. Consistently performs 12 organizational Service Standards focused on Values, Service and Quality

Experience

Formal training in Polysomnography with at least 2 years clinical experience in a sleep center setting; knowledge and experience in Electroencephalography and Respiratory Therapy

Education

High school graduate or equivalent

Special Skills

Complete technical knowledge of the function of amplifiers, linear frequency filters, and accessory monitors such as nasal/oral respiration, effort monitors, pressure transducer airflow system, and oximeter. Working experience or familiarity with digital acquisition systems. Highly skilled in recognizing and identifying waveforms & abnormalities in sleep disorders.

Licensure

Registry by the American Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (BRPT) and Licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners in Polysomnography. BLS required.

Exception: Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) with at least 2 year's experience performing clinical polysomnography in a Sleep center are exempt from being required to have the registry in Polysomnography by the American Board of Polysomnographic Technologists provided they are credentialed as a Sleep Disorders Specialist (SDS) through the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC). They are only required to be licensed by the State of Louisiana in Respiratory.