Polysomnograph Tech

Location: Oak Park, IL

Hospital: RUSH Oak Park Hospital

Department: Sleep Lab PBC

Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0)

Shift: Shift 3

Work Schedule: 12 Hr (7:00:00 PM - 7:00:00 AM)

Summary:
This role functions as part of the Sleep Center team. This person in this position performs routine polysomnographic testing and provides technical analysis of the subsequent data. The incumbent will conduct in compliance with Rush, State, and Federal guidelines. In addition, s/he will communicate sleep study related information to patients, families, nursing, and medical staff as necessary. Exemplifies the Rush mission, vision and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.

Other information:
Required Job Qualifications:
• Must be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation in adults.
• Must be detail-oriented, organized and have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must be able to maintain vigilance in a non-stimulating environment.
• Must react calmly in emergency situations and make appropriate and timely decisions.
• Must successfully pass criminal background check.

Preferred Job Qualifications:
• Training as registered polysomnography technician (R.PSG.T) and/or as respiratory therapist.

Physical Demands:
• Must be able to lift/move up to 50 pounds and be able to walk, push, pull, grasp, bend, stoop, squat and reach as necessary.
• Must be able to assist patients with walking and repositioning in bed.
• Must be able to hear efficiently in order to respond to alarms and communicate with patients.
• Specific visual ability requirements include close distance, color and peripheral vision, hand-eye coordination, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to retrieve, communicate and present information in a written, auditory and visual manner.
• Must have annual PPD test results.
• Must provide proof of Hepatitis B vaccination or sign declination form.
• May be subject to stressful clinical situations and professional relationships.
• May be exposed to infectious agents during patient contact.
• May be exposed to chemical vapors or have skin contact with chemical substances.
• Lifting/moving equipment and patients may result in muscular strain.
• The work setting is a clean, well lit, climate controlled and ventilated facility.
• The Sleep Technologist is generally required to sit and monitor polysomnograms and patients for several continuous

Responsibilities:
• Maintain confidentiality when dealing with any patient information.
• Interact with patients, physicians, coworkers and visitors in a courteous, professional manner.
• Report for scheduled work shifts on time and in proper attire, wearing name badge.
• Demonstrate a high level of flexibility with work schedule and/or shift to meet patient or company needs.
• Demonstrate proficient time management and the ability to perform multiple tasks at one time.
• Maintain an organized and clean work area that is stocked with the appropriate supplies.
• Properly utilize and maintain supplies and equipment.
• Handle stressful and difficult situations in a calm and professional manner.
• Communicate concerns/issues to management in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Demonstrate gradual and persistent improvement in job performance quality.
• Demonstrate self-motivation to maintain professional competency by participating in continuing education conferences, seminars and other opportunities as able.
• Attend department meetings or other in-service activities as scheduled.
• Fulfill annual training and health screening requirements. Maintain current CPR certification.
• Identify and strive to meet departmental goals, objectives and plans.
• Work professionally as a team member in conjunction with fellow employees.
• Assist in maintaining an atmosphere of cooperation with other departments.
• Perform other duties within scope of ability as assigned by direct supervisor to ensure efficient operation of the department and company, including those required during emergencies.
• Polysomnographic Testing Procedures
• Make confirmation call to patients per site-specific procedure.
• Review information in patient record to include chief sleep/wake complaint and order for study.
• Greet patient and parent/guardian upon arrival and escort him/her to sleep room. Educate patient and family member(s) on overnight and morning procedures, answering any questions. Interview patient to obtain information needed for completion of pre-test paperwork.
• Set up and calibrate monitoring equipment. Select appropriate recording montage.
• Apply electrodes and other recording devices to patient and verify their proper function.6. Perform pre-test calibrations, making any necessary adjustments to equipment.
• Institute "lights out" and document patient data.
• Monitor the polysomnogram, obtaining a high quality recording.
• Recognize and document clinical and physiological events pertinent to the study at least hourly and more frequently as needed.
• Communicate information on patient status to referring physician/medical director as needed.
• Recognize and document all artifacts and equipment malfunctions, taking the proper steps to eliminate them. Report any equipment malfunctions to direct supervisor.
• Call 24-hour technical support line for assistance as needed.
• Assist patient with needs during procedure in order to obtain the required sleep/wake data.
• Understand indications, contraindications and adverse effects of continuous and bilevel positive airway pressure as well as oxygen administration.
• Apply and titrate positive airway pressure and oxygen therapy based on physician order and in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Wake patient and record post-test calibrations.
• Gently remove all electrodes and transducers from patient and allow time for clean-up. Have patient complete post-test paperwork. Discharge patient.
• Perform confirmation call and leave shift report with appropriate contacts.
• Patient and Equipment Safety
• Recognize and respond appropriately and quickly to patient physiologic events.
• Safely lift/move patients and equipment, using proper body mechanics.
• Ensure safety and welfare of all patients, including those with special needs.
• Check availability and function of emergency equipment.
• Comply with Universal Precautions at all times.
• Properly and thoroughly disinfect/sterilize equipment, electrodes and transducers.
• Appropriately handle all hazardous materials.
• Additional Procedures and Responsibilities
• Conduct Multiple Sleep Latency and Maintenance of Wakefulness Testing.
• Conduct testing of adult and pediatric patients.
• Conduct in-lab seizure monitoring.
• Conduct PAP Nap protocols and other mask desensitization procedures whenever required by center.

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

---