Sleep Technician

Performs patient education, comprehensive polysomnographic testing and analysis, and associated interventions under the general supervision of a Sleep Technician 3, Medical Director, or designee.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Gather and analyze patient information

• Review history, physical information, medications, procedure request, and study protocol.
• Complete and verify documentation.

Testing preparation procedures

• Prepare and calibrate equipment required for testing to determine proper functioning and make adjustments
• Apply electrodes and sensors according to accepted published standards, 10/20 system.
• Perform appropriate physiologic calibrations to ensure proper signals and make adjustments, if necessary.
• Perform routine positive airway pressure (PAP) mask fitting.

Perform polysomnographic and other testing procedures

• Follow AASM and Center procedural protocols such as Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), parasomnia studies, routine polysomnography, PAP and oxygen titration, dental appliance titration, pediatric polysomnography and titrations to ensure collection and analyzation of appropriate artifact free data.
• Follow AASM and Center protocols to assist with appropriate interventions (including actions necessary for patient safety and therapeutic intervention such as continuous and bi-level positive airway pressure, oxygen administration, etc.).
• Follow AASM and Center protocols to perform Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HSAT)
• Follow Center protocols for cleaning and maintenance of equipment and supplies.
• Recognize and provide age specific care in the treatment, assessment, and education of pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.

Perform Polysomnographic Record Scoring

• Scoring sleep/wake stages, clinical events (such as respiratory events, cardiac events, limb movements, arousals, etc.) using AASM guidelines and Center specific protocols.
• Generate accurate reports, correct as necessary.

Perform clerical duties

• Perform telephone and scheduling activities as needed to ensure department efficiency and patient service.

Perform other duties as assigned

Culture of Excellence Behavior Expectations

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations:

Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals.

Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions.

Partnering - Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals.

Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue.

Education and Experience

Successful completion of a polysomnography program of no less than one-year duration associated with a state licensed and/or a nationally accredited educational facility or equivalent experience and documented proficiency at all competencies required of a Polysomnographic Technician. All technologists and technicians conducting sleep testing who are not registered by the ABSM, BRPT, or NBRC must have completed the A-STEP Online Self Study Modules.

Certification and Licensure

Current CPR certification.

Holds a Certified Polysomnographic Technician (CPSGT) credential or equivalent

-OR-

Certification by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) as a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT)

-OR-

Certification by the American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM) as a Registered Sleep Technologist (RST)

-OR-

Certification by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) as a Registered Respiratory Therapist - Sleep Disorder Specialist (RRT-SDS).

Skills and Abilities
Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Uses intuition and experience to complement data.
Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions.
Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Participates in meetings.
Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Able to read and interpret written information.
Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles.
Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently.
Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions ; Uses equipment and materials properly.
Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Asks for and offers help when needed.

Special Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to handle, finger, feel, climb, and balance. The employee must frequently lift up to 25 lbs and occasionally up to 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, the ability to adjust focus, with occasional distance vision.

Level of Supervision

Performs duties under the general supervision of a sleep technician 3, the medical director, or designee.

Supervises

May oversee and assist in training Sleep Technician 1