POLYSOMNOGRAPHER - FMH SLEEP STUDY LAB

Job Summary

Performs overnight and home sleep studies (polysomnograms) and related diagnostic procedures to support the diagnosis and treatment of sleep-related disorders. Studies include preparation and testing of patients

Job Responsibilities

• Other duties may be assigned.
• Provides patient education by preparing patients for overnight or home sleep studies, explaining procedures and answering questions to ensure comfort and cooperation.
• Performs diagnostic sleep studies, CPAP titrations and MSLT.
• Studies include preparation and testing of patients
• Prepares and calibrates equipment required for testing to determine proper functioning and signals
• Selects and applies special monitoring electrodes, bands, thermistors, and other monitoring probes to appropriate areas of the patient's body
• Prepares positive airway pressure (PAP) mask fittings.
• Follows sleep procedures to establish and document baseline values such as body position, movements, oxyhemoglobin saturation, respiratory and heart rates
• Assists with scoring sleep/wake stages and with the generation of accurate reports by tabulating sleep/wake and clinical event data such as respiratory events, cardiac events, limb movements, arousals, etc
• Implements appropriate interventions including actions necessary for patient safety and therapeutic intervention such as continuous (CPAP) and bi-level (BIPAP) positive airway pressure and oxygen administration
• Assist with procedures and therapeutic interventions such as auto servo ventilation (SV) titrations, average volume assured pressure support (AVAPS), multiple sleep latency testing (MSLT), maintenance of wakefulness testing (MWT)
• Performs polysomnographic data acquisition while monitoring study-tracing quality to recognize and eliminate all artifacts observed during the test
• Follows wake procedures to verify integrity of collected data and complete the data collection process e.g. repeat the physiological and instrument calibrations and instructs the patient on completing questionnaires
• Sets up video and audio monitoring apparatus
• Keeps the equipment in clean operating condition, detecting instrument malfunctions, making minor adjustments, and reporting the need for major repairs
• Monitors equipment supply levels and maintains appropriate equipment at hand
• Schedules and discusses the test process with patients, ensures their knowledge of the process, and answers their questions
• Monitor and record physiology data during studies, ensuring data quality and patient safety.
• Score and interpret raw data in accordance with AASM (American Academy of Sleep Medicine) guidelines for physician review.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Maintains and troubleshoots sleep study equipment and ensure the environment is clean and safe.
• Participates in continuing education and quality assurance programs.

Requirements

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Successful completion of a Polysomnography program associated with a state license and/or a nationally accredited educational facility or equivalent experience.

Required Experience:

• Knowledge of sleep-related breathing disorders, circadian rhythm disorders and diagnostic criteria.

Special Skills and Abilities:

• Strong attention to detail and ability to analyze complex data.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with patients and the healthcare team.
• Comfortable working overnight shifts in a hospital environment.
• Proficient in using hospital EMR system and sleep lab software.

Licensure/Certification/Registration:

• BLS Certification required.
• Must be registered by the ABSM, NBRC, or BRPT or accepted to sit for the registry examination.
• Must obtain the Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) certification within 2 years of hire.

The age-specific populations with which the job incumbent interacts:

• Neonate (<30 days)
• Infant (<1 year)
• Early Childhood (1 year - <5 years)
• Late Childhood (5 years - <13 years)
• Adolescent (13 years - <17 years)
• Young Adult (17 years - <30 years)
• Middle Adult (3 years - <60 years)
• Older Adult (>60 years)
• Services patients in areas other than direct patient care.