Polysomnographic Tech

GENERAL SUMMARY :

Oversees and performs difficult and unusual procedures and therapeutic interventions. Assists Technicians with CPAP and BiPAP titrations as well as recording quality when necessary. Assist Technician in trouble-shooting procedures at times of difficult data acquisition in order to ensure quality PSGs. Scores and tabulates the various sleep recordings according to predetermined parameters (i.e. sleep stages, respiratory disturbances, and periodic leg movements, etc.) for later interpretation by a Physician. Prints out performance reports and scoring results for the Physician’s interpretation.

Complies with the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technicians (BRPT) Standards of Conduct.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Performs recordings of electrical impulses related to different physiological structures. This requires the knowledge and skills necessary to:
• Apply suitable monitoring devices in predetermined measured locations, to obtain required recordings of physiological activity from the brain (EEG), heart (ECG), eyes (EOG), chin/leg (EMG), oxygen saturating (SaO2), upper-air resistance (UARS) respiratory effort and airflow; all using proper electrodes and gauges.
• Operate a variety of equipment to obtain required recordings such as but not limited to: computerized sleep recording system, home sleep test, oximeters, oxygen concentrators, machines, performance microcomputers, transcutaneous CO2 monitors (TCCO2), and video equipment, Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) machines including but not limited to CPAP, BiLevel, Auto titrating and noninvasive ventilation systems.
• Obtain high quality Clinical Polysomnographic Recordings (CPSGs) by monitoring patients, equipment function and recording physiological signals. Recognizes irregularities in data, including artifacts, determines the problem source and corrects it.
• Records high quality Multiple Sleep Latency Tests (MSLTs) during the day at two- hour intervals or according to the doctors specifications, and does performance batteries on research subjects which may include memory tasks, divided attention tasks, vigilance, MMPI testing, breathalyzer and other computerized tasks.
• Uses the remote controlled CPAP/BiPAP units to find the therapeutic pressure that optimizes the patient’s oxygen saturation level, minimizes their respiratory effort, and reduces their arousals.
• Administers supplemental oxygen to patients according to laboratory protocol or with physician’s order.
• Administers specific research medications, at specific times to research Subjects.

• Has knowledge of rules for scoring sleep stages according to the AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and Related Events, MSLTs (Carskadon et. Al.), arousals (ASDA), movements during sleep including but not limited to PLMs and respiratory events. Can score “reliably” by HFHS Sleep Disorders Center standards.
• Sets up patients on CPAP/BiPAP devices, which includes fitting patients with proper sized masks and explaining proper usage.
• For research purposes, collects urine samples from Subjects and Patients, as needed.
• The sleep technologist should be familiar and trained in the proper emergency procedures, including nighttime situations.
• Administers psychometric tests.
• Assist patients and research subjects in completing necessary forms, explaining testing procedures and ensuring their comfort and safety in the sleep laboratory.
• Performs related clerical tasks such as data entry, answering phones, reading pertinent patient chart information, filing reports, logging and boxing sleep records for transport to storage and other similar tasks.
• Learns functions of polysomnographic technology by group and or individual teaching, observations, assigned reading, and practical applications. Responsibilities also include becoming familiar with research protocols and goals thereby ensuring continuity in the research studies among research subjects.
• Maintain a cordial relationship with medical staff helping to ease the lines of communication, thereby ensuring prompt, high quality health care for the patient.
• Assumes weekend on-call and rotational duties which may require working overtime on as needed basis.
• Demonstrates the ability to analyze complex situations and apply policy.
• Performs other related duties as required.
• Complies with the BRPT Standards of Conduct.
• It is the responsibility of the Sleep Technologist to keep CME requirements for AASM accreditation and RPSGT certification.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• High school diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Bachelors degree with some scientific coursework preferred.
• Able to score Sleep Reliability by HFHS Sleep Center Guidelines, required.

LICENSURES AND CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Registration as a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) through the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technicians (BRPT) required.
• BCLS Certification

• Organization: Henry Ford Medical Group
• Department: Sleep Disorder