Per-Diem Polysomnography Technologist

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

Under the direction of the Chief Technologist and with the general supervision from the Neurophysiology Specialists, the technologist will be required to perform standard and complex all night sleep recordings as well as multiple sleep latency tests and maintenance of wakefulness 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 but 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 physician 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 MD on call or unit director to clarify unclear or inappropriate orders and communicates 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 and apprehensions concerning CPAP should be 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 20 minutes on software pop-up box. 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, ASV and oxygen administration) and 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 with Standard Precautions Infection Control procedures. Properly disinfects and sterilizes the equipment and monitors used during the study. Appropriately handles hazardous materials such as collodian and acetone. Prepares a detailed report of the data and intervention used to diagnose and treat the patient.

• If applicable the technologist conducts and scores the MSLTs using standard guidelines. Prepares a report of the MSLT for the interpreting physician. Follows lab protocol regarding set up and take down of the MSLT patient.

• Attends seminars and professional meetings to keep knowledge and skills updated. Attends department meetings whenever held.

• Other duties as assigned.

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

• Registration by the BRPT preferred.

• Must be CPR certified.

• Must follow the AASM's guideline for 30 CMEs averaged over a 3 year period.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Must be able to work flexible hours with the primary emphasis on the night shift.

• Demonstrated understanding of and ability to use or be able to learn and use Natus/ResMed based equipment systems.

• Ability to learn new software applications.

• Demonstrated basic knowledge of MS applications.

• Must possess good documentation skills.

• Attention to detail.

EDUCATION:

• Graduation from a certified hospital or secondary sleep training program, or certified AASM/A-Step program.

EXPERIENCE:

• None required but previous experience preferred.