Advanced Polysomnography Specialist

Advanced Polysomnography Specialist - Sleep Services

The Specialist will conduct a comprehensive range of polysomnography assessments on individuals suspected of having sleep-related disorders due to injury or illness. This role involves preparing patients for evaluations, executing the diagnostic procedures, and gathering essential data necessary for accurate test result interpretation. Additionally, the Specialist will collaborate with the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) team, sharing responsibilities with EMU technicians. The incumbent must exhibit proficiency in the defined (*) responsibilities of a Polysomnography Specialist, ensuring age-appropriate care for patients from infancy through 21 years, as well as select adult patients. The role also includes support within the Sleep Clinic, necessitating effective coordination of patient schedules, physician appointments, psychological consultations, and facility usage.

Upon entering our facility, you will immediately sense the difference. Engaging with our patient families reinforces this belief, and conversing with our staff will inspire you to join our mission. Welcome to Nationwide Children's Hospital, Where Passion Meets Purpose.

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• In accordance with established policies and procedures, the incumbent is responsible for executing various polysomnographic evaluations on patients with potential injuries or illnesses leading to sleep disorders.
  • *1. Conducting Polysomnography
  • *2. Administering Multiple Sleep Latency Tests
  • *3. Performing O2 Monitoring
  • *4. Executing pCO2 Monitoring
  • *5. Carrying out ECG Monitoring
  • *6. Overseeing the application and management of both short and long-term mechanical ventilation in the Sleep Disorders Center.
  • *7. Conducting Portable Polysomnography
  • *8. Administering CPAP and BiPAP ventilation
  • *9. Performing EEG assessments
  • *10. Receiving verbal orders from physicians.
  • *11. Transcribing written orders and verbal instructions from a physician or their designee. Certain tests may necessitate the application of non-standard recording parameters, employing specialized techniques to capture eye movements, muscle activity, ECG, chest wall movements, tongue movements, and airflow through nasal and oral passages. Testing may occasionally occur in Intensive Care Units, Emergency Rooms, or patient rooms. Responsibilities in the clinic include managing personnel and facility schedules, overseeing medical chart documentation, and ensuring follow-through on physician orders and billing.
• Additional Duties Include:
• Adhering to all policies and procedures.
• Following age-specific competencies.
• Effectively engaging with patients, families, and the healthcare team.
• Teaching, training, and supervising Polysomnography Technicians I and II, trainees, neurodiagnostic assistants, and respiratory therapy students.
• Coordinating patient appointments for clinics and diagnostic evaluations.
• Accurately applying leads according to the International 10:20 System.
• Modifying recording methods and equipment to achieve results based on patient history, clinical observations, and sleep study findings. Identifying and mitigating artifacts and electrical interference to ensure high-quality recordings.
• Understanding EEG, EMG, ECG, respiratory, and oximetry patterns, as well as recognizing other physiological patterns.
• Possessing comprehensive knowledge of each instrument and its controls, along with basic electronics and troubleshooting skills.
• Presenting each patient's activity optimally for clinical evaluation.
• Competently performing finger-stick or heel-stick blood draws.
• Implementing advanced techniques, including protocols for parasomnias versus apnea, seizures versus apnea, video recording, CPAP, BiPAP, and procedures for infants, children, young adults, and adults, such as appropriately sizing respiratory belts.
• Staging or scoring studies based on the duration and timing of sleep stages.
• Providing suitable patient care and detailed observations of clinical manifestations during seizures and other emergency situations.
• Participating in conferences, technical meetings, and educational activities.
• Serving as an in-service training instructor for junior staff, technologist trainees, and other medical personnel, as well as patient family members. Documenting a summary of the patient's clinical status and history from the chart, patient, parent, guardian, or other knowledgeable individuals. Explaining procedures to patients and/or family members present.
• Managing phone calls, scheduling procedures, and handling front office responsibilities during peak times or coworker absences. Facilitating the transportation of equipment and patients as needed to complete daily tasks.
• Monitoring patients' physiological responses to therapy, including vital signs, arterial/capillary blood gases, and blood chemistry changes, and consulting with physicians as necessary.
• Conducting tests such as electrocardiograms, stress tests, and lung capacity evaluations to assess patients' cardiopulmonary functions. Administering respiratory therapy treatments through medications, assisting with breathing exercises, and monitoring physiological responses to therapy.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of respiratory therapy treatment plans by observing, noting, and assessing patient progress; recommending adjustments and modifications as needed.
• Facilitating the use and maintenance of all treatment equipment and directing home care-related inquiries to the appropriate entity (physician, sleep center, home care company).
• Coordinating the delivery of treatment equipment between patients and their home care providers.
• Acting as a liaison among patients, home care companies, and the sleep center to ensure continuity of care.
• Setting up and operating devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration systems, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators, following specified treatment parameters.
• Managing artificial airways and treatment parameters, maintaining departmental records, and preparing tracings for storage. Contributing to the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) program within the institution and department.
• Maintaining CQI records for the lab.
• Keeping supplies at appropriate levels and placing orders as necessary.
• Processing patient charge information.
• Ensuring equipment is calibrated and maintained in a clean condition.
• Distributing Patient Satisfaction Surveys to patients or their guardians.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Current CPR certification.
• Valid Ohio license in Respiratory Care.
• At least one year of experience in Polysomnography.
• Registry eligible for the BRPT exam.
• Graduate of an AMA-approved two-year Respiratory Therapy Program.
• Must possess a valid respiratory credential (CRT or RRT) from the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC).
• One year of Critical Care experience.

Desirable Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Health Sciences or a related field.
• Proficiency in computer operations and technology.

Physical Requirements

• The incumbent must be capable of performing the following physical tasks:
• Ability to lift up to thirty pounds frequently.
• Ability to lift fifty pounds occasionally.
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods frequently. Occasional transport of equipment.
• Frequent reaching above the head, stooping, and kneeling.

The duties listed above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties performed by individuals in this role, nor is it meant to limit or modify the rights of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under their supervision.

EOE M/F/Disability/Vet