Pediatric Polysomnography Technologist - PER Diem

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

Under the direction of the Lab Manager and with the general supervision from the Senior Tech Specialist, the technologist will be required to perform standard and complex all night sleep recordings as well as multiple sleep latency tests. Monitors additional physiologic phenomena by means of appropriate technique. The polysomnograms may measure oxygen saturation, EKG, EEG, respirations, ETC02 levels, upper airway resistance, CPAP and BI-PAP levels and other parameters necessary for a complete sleep study. After an initiation period of 4-6 weeks the tech would be required to work independently not necessarily alone for up to 12 hours. The technologist must be able to make appropriate decisions regarding the diagnosis and treatment of benign to the most complex patients. May perform clerical and other laboratory duties required.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Examines physicians' orders and protocols for each sleep study. Reviews existing information in the patient's record and recognizes chief sleep/wake complaints.

• Greets and interviews the patient to assess current medication, recent caffeine/alcohol ingestion, current sleep patterns and the need for treatment intervention during the study. Communicates with the ordering physician or unit director to clarify unclear of inappropriate orders and communications information regarding the patients' status.

• Must spend appropriate time in servicing the patient regarding the possible use of CPAP/BI-level equipment. The patient's fears apprehensions concerning CPAP should e reduced or eliminated by the in-service.

• Sets up/calibrates monitoring equipment with appropriate montage. Measures and applies necessary EEG electrodes using the 10/20 system. Applies appropriate EKG, EMG, and EOG monitoring electrodes. Places and securely attaches thermistor to measure nasal/oral airflow, respiratory effort, oximetry, and ETC02. Administers supplemental O2 under physicians' order.

• Performs physiologic calibrations, verifies the integrity of the recording. Institutes "lights out" and notes patient data every 15 minutes on a tally sheet. Monitors the polysomnogram for clinical and physiological events. Must be able to interpret severely abnormal data/EKG rhythms and report such findings to the sleep physicians. Notes and corrects equipment malfunctions. Understands indications, contraindications and adverse effects of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NVPAP, BI-level and oxygen administration), applies and titrates therapy based on physicians' orders and established protocols.

• Recognizes and responds appropriately to the patient's medical problems and physiological events, especially cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory events and seizures. Alters the patient's environment or changes the patient's body position as needed to obtain the required sleep/wake data. Evaluates routine or abnormal EEG when it applies.

• Carefully wakes the patient and records post-sleep calibrations. Removes the electrodes, and ancillary monitors and assists Standard Precautions Infection Control procedures. Properly disinfects and sterilizes the equipment, the electrodes and the thermistors and monitors used during the study. Prepare a detailed report of the data and intervention used to diagnose and treat the patient.

• Attends seminars and professional meetings to keep knowledge and skills updated and maintain CEC required for AASM accreditation. Attends department meetings whenever held.

• Other duties as assigned

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Acquisition of high quality studies

• Following pediatric protocols for diagnostic polysomnography, multiple sleep latency testing, CPAP/bilevel/ASV titration, and oxygen titration.

• Thorough documentation of nocturnal events

• Troubleshooting of patient and equipment related issues during the night

• Developing skills related to scoring of nocturnal studies

• Mask fitting and troubleshooting for PAP therapy

• Assessment and management of challenges related to obtaining polysomnographic data in small and/or medically complex children

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or REGISTRATIONS (if applicable):

• RPSGT certification preferred.

• All new employees have one year from date of hire to become BRPT registered. Unregistered technologists are required to sit for the exam at the next possible test date and subsequent dates until registration is achieved.

• BCLS for Healthcare Provider certification is required.

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma required.

• Graduation from a certified hospital sleep, EEG, or respiratory therapy program is preferred.

EXPRIENCE: 1-2 years polysomnography experience required, previous pediatric experience is preferable.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (if applicable): N/A

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY (if applicable): N/A

WORKING CONDITIONS: Must be able to work flexible hours including some weekend shifts, with primary emphasis on night shift.