Sleep Technologist

Job Title: Sleep Technologist Job Code: Clinical Department: Sleep Center Reports: Sleep Lab Manager 8/1/16 Revised: Job Description Polysomnographic Technologist Position Summary A Polysomnographic Technologist performs comprehensive polysomnographic testing analysis, and associated interventions under the general supervision of a Clinical Supervisor (RPSGT) and /or the clinical director (MD/PhD, DO) or designee.
A Polysomnographic Technologist can provide supervision of a Polysomnographic Trainee.
Domains of Practice Gather and Analyze Patient Information  Review history, physical information, medications, procedure request, and study protocol  Complete and verify documentation  Explain the procedure and orient the patient to the sleep center Testing Preparation Procedures  Prepare and calibrate equipment required for testing to determine proper functioning and make adjustments, if necessary  Apply electrodes and sensors according to ensure proper signals make adjustments, if necessary  Perform routing positive airway pressure (PAP) mask fitting Polysomnographic Procedures  Follow procedural protocols such as Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), parasomnia studies, PAP and oxygen titration, etc.
; to ensure collection of appropriate data  Follow “lights out” procedures to establish and document Vaseline values (such as body position, oxyhemoglobin saturation, respiratory and heart rates, etc.
 Perform polysomnographic data acquisition while monitoring study-tracing quality to ensure signals are artifact free and make adjustments if necessary  Document routing observations , including sleep stages and clinical events, changes in procedure, and other significant events in order to facilitate scoring and interpretation of polysomnographic results  Implement appropriate interventions (including actions necessary for patient safety and therapeutic intervention such as continuous and bi-level positive airway pressure, oxygen administrations, etc.
)  Follow “lights out” on procedures to verify integrity of collected data to complete the data collection process (e.
g.
repeats the physiological and instrument calibrations and instructs the patient on completing questionnaires, etc.
)  Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and provide age specific care in the treatment, assessment, and education of pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients  Act as a preceptor for sleep trainees Polysomnographic Record Scoring  Proficient with scoring sleep/wake stages by applying professionally accepted guidelines  Proficient with scoring clinical events (such as respiratory events, cardiac events, limb movements, arousals, etc.
) with center specific protocols  Proficient with the generation of accurate reports by tabulating sleep/wake and clinical event data Service Management and Professional Issues  Comply with applicable laws, regulations, guidelines and standards regarding safety and infection control issues  Perform routing equipment care and maintenance and inventory evaluation  Demonstrate effective written and spoken communication skills  Demonstrate appropriate social skills  Demonstrate ability to follow direction  Respond to study participant’s procedural related inquiries by providing appropriate information Education and / or Experience Registered with BRPT/ AASM or AARC polysomnography program CPR certified Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and talk or hear.
The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and / or move up to 50 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
In the performance of this job, the employee may be exposed to chemical vapors such as acetone, either /or glutaraldehyde.
There may also be skin contact with the substances.
The employee may also be exposed to infectious agents including blood borne pathogens NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all inclusive.
Employees may be asked to perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Job Responsibilities  Responsible for performing (NPSG) studies, for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders, under the general supervision of a sleep lab director.
 Technical procedures include diagnostic NPSG, CPAP/BPAP/ASV titration, non-invasive positive pressure ventilation, split-night studies, and multiple sleep latencies (MSLT's) when required.
 Educate patient regarding the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas:  Knowledgeable of common sleep disorders and treatment options.
 Knowledgeable of Sleep Lab equipment, its function and purpose, including calibration.
 Follow procedural protocols [such as Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), Polysomnogram (PSG), PAP and oxygen titration, etc.
] to ensure collection of appropriate data.
 Collects and/or reviews pertinent medical history, completion of patient forms and medication information in order to perform the appropriate study prescribed by the physician as outlined by departmental policies and procedures.
 Explains procedures to patient before, during and after sleep study.
 Performs patient set-up: attaches electrodes and monitors to patient according to accepted standards.
 Document routine observations, including sleep stages and clinical events, changes in procedure, and other significant events in order to facilitate scoring and interpretation of polysomnographic results.
 Assists leadership with operations, scheduling, orientation and/or training of new technical staff.
 Ability to recognize normal and abnormal sleep patterns.
 Ability to correctly interpret physiologic tracings and to quickly make a decision to intervene regarding an emergency situation or potential for an emergency situation.
 Monitor patient safety and adhere to patient safety protocols and policies.
 Demonstrate adherence to cleaning and disinfection procedures.
 Demonstrates knowledge and skills to recognize and performed treatment for patients of varying ages including pediatric through geriatric.
 Maintains and operates all Sleep Lab equipment safely and correctly.
Inspects and tests Sleep Lab equipment to ensure that it is functioning safely and efficiently.
 Perform data acquisition while monitoring study-tracing quality to ensure signals are artifact-free.
Identify, correct and document artifact.
 Communicates clearly and concisely with the Sleep Lab Manager, Sleep Lab Medical Director and referring physicians.
 Ability to work extended hours beyond normal work schedule to include, but not limited to, evenings, weekends, extended shifts and/or extra shifts, sometimes on short notice.
 Performs other duties as assigned.
CERTIFICATIONS:  Polysomnography Technologist (CPSGT or RPSGT) / RT (RT must have dual certification)  Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Job Type: Part Time – Looking for someone to work Friday nights and other nights of the week as needed.
Experience:  relevant: 2 years (Preferred)  pulmonary high risk patient experience preferred  Proof of TB and Hepatitis vaccination or titer Typical start time: 8PM -6AM Schedule: * 8 hour shift Education: * Associate (Preferred) Work Location: In person