PRN, Polysomnography Tech I

Sleep Technologist

Performs diagnostic sleep studies related to the evaluation and treatment of patients with sleep disorders.

Minimum Qualifications: Education, Certification, and/or Licensure:

1. Must have completed or have current enrollment in one of the following education programs:

• Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) approved Sleep Technology Approved Resource (STAR) designated focused education program
• Accredited Sleep Technologist Education Programs (A-STEP) on-line self-study modules
• A-STEP 80-hour Introductory Course
• Polysom program through the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) or Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

2. Registered Polysomnography Technician (RPSGT) through the Board of Polysomnographic Technologists or must obtain within 30 months of hire.

3. Obtain certification in Basic Life Support within 30 days of hire date

Preferred Qualifications: Education, Certification, and/or Licensure:

1. Associate degree in an Allied Health Field

2. Certified Polysomnographic Technician (CPSGT) upon hire

3. ACLS Certification within 90 days of hire

Experience:

1. One (1) year of health care experience

2. One (1) year of Sleep Lab experience

Core Job Duties and Responsibilities:

The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.

• Coordinates and prioritizes scheduling of both inpatient and outpatient procedures while ensuring proper document flow and storage according to established departmental guidelines.
• Assures the completion of all patient testing procedures within established time frames, as observed by supervision.
• Documents procedures performed in the patient chart within established guidelines, as observed by supervision.
• Files and completes necessary departmental documentation in an accurate and timely fashion to provide necessary historical data, as monitored by supervision.
• Submits accurate and timely patient charges, as monitored by supervision.
• Obtains necessary information from the clinical record, requisition, or by directly questioning the patient to enable the technologist to be aware of any special circumstances involved and to achieve a quality study to facilitate the completion of a final report, as monitored by supervision.
• Performs sleep studies in accordance with the policy and procedure guidelines.
• Assures the accurate recording of the electrical impulses of the neurological system.
• Prepares initial data for use by the physician in the formulation of sleep reports according to established departmental guidelines as monitored by supervision.
• Informs the patient and family regarding the nature and significance of the procedure to be performed, as observed by supervision.
• Accurately observes, records, and reports all patient concerns, symptoms, reactions in a timely manner, as monitored by supervision.
• Demonstrates the knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department policies and procedures.
• Maintains orderliness and cleanliness of the equipment, procedure rooms, and work areas of the Sleep Evaluation Center.
• Assists in maintaining a daily stock of clean linen and necessary supplies for the patient testing rooms of the Sleep Evaluation Center, as monitored by supervision.
• Participates in the cleaning and maintenance of all equipment, detecting instrument malfunctions, making minor adjustments, and reporting the need for any repairs in accordance with policy and procedure guidelines as monitored by supervision.
• Cleans and prepares necessary items for the proper sterilization techniques strictly adhering to policy and procedure guidelines and infection control standards 100% of the time as monitored by supervision.
• Attends educational inservices and workshops on topics related to the services of the Sleep Evaluation Center providing information upon their return so as to share the knowledge gained with other related personnel, as observed by supervision, and to continuously work towards increasing the professional level of patient care rendered and acquiring a better understanding of the services and functions of the Sleep Evaluation Center.
• Reviews educational materials on hand on a self-paced basis and meeting other standards of academic performance determined by the department, as monitored by supervision.
• Communicates with co-workers and staff to answer any questions as they arise, as monitored by supervision.
• Maintains Continuing Education (CEU) requirements as determined by the department, as monitored by supervision.
• Assists physicians with related research activities.
• Performs study or assists with the performance of the research activity as per specific protocol guidelines maintaining proper documentation, as monitored by supervision.
• Assists in providing inservices regarding the principles of sleep procedures and equipment operation to members of the professional medical community.
• Assists in the instruction and hands-on technical training of trainees, house-staff, and medical staff from both within the institution and from the outside professional medical community providing inservices on the principles of sleep procedures and equipment operation.
• Provides information to other healthcare workers and the general public, as monitored by supervision.

Physical Requirements:

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.

• Ability to lift, push, or pull minimum of 40 pounds.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• The flexibility to work during unscheduled hours.

Working 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.

• Performs sleep studies in accordance with policy and procedure guidelines in the Sleep Evaluation Center, at the bedside and in critical care areas of the hospital.

Skills and Abilities:

1. Good verbal and written skills

2. Ability to communicate appropriately with physicians, staff, and patients.

Additional Job Description:

Candidates with 18 months of experience or more are eligible for hire as a level II Polysom Tech.