Polysomnographer / Sleep Tech

Sleep Disorders Center Technologist

Applies electrodes and various monitors to multiple body sites per protocol. Measures wake, sleep, and breathing states utilizing multiple instruments. Records brainwave signals from scalp electrodes, signals from nasal and oral airways, signals from chest and abdominal strain gauges, cardiac rate, oxygen saturation, and position to assess and diagnose disorders of sleep and breathing. Works closely with medical director to interpret data. Assists in training non-registered PSG Technologists needing proficiency assistance in performing PSG MSLT Oximetry studies. Operates under direction. Ensures adherence to Hospital and Departmental Policies and Procedures. Patient care assignment may include: Neonate, Pediatric, Adolescent, Adult, and Geriatric age groups.

Detailed responsibilities:

• PATIENT CENTERED MED - Adhere to and promote the core expectations of the Patient Centered Medical Home or Patient Centered Specialty Practice as applicable
• DATA COLLECTION - Collect, analyze, and integrate patient information in order to identify and meet the patient-specific needs (physical/mental limitations current emotional/physiological status regarding the testing procedure pertinent medical/social history)
• TESTING - Determine final testing parameters/procedures in conjunction with the ordering physician or clinical director and laboratory protocols review the patients history and verify the medical order
• SLEEP PROTOCOL - Follow sleep center protocols related to the sleep study when patient arrives verify identification collect documents and obtain consent for the study explain the procedure and orient the patient for either in center or home sleep apnea testing provide age appropriate patient education
• EQUIPMENT - Select appropriate equipment and calibrate for testing to determine proper functioning and make adjustments if necessary: apply electrodes and sensors according to accepted published standards perform routine positive airway pressure (PAP) interface fitting and desensitization perform portable monitoring equipment preparation and data download perform routine equipment care and maintenance and inventory evaluation demonstrate adherence to cleaning and disinfection procedures
• PROCEDURAL PROTOCOL - 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
• CALIBRATE - Perform appropriate physiological calibrations to ensure proper signals and make required adjustments
• PATIENT CARE - Follow lights out procedures to establish and document baseline values (such as body position oxyhemoglobin saturation respiratory and heart rates etc.) perform data acquisition while monitoring study-tracing quality to ensure signals are artifact-free. Identify correct and document artifact 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 implement appropriate interventions (including actions necessary for patient safety and therapeutic intervention such as positive airway pressure oxygen administration etc.)
• PATIENT CARE - Follow lights on procedures to verify integrity of collected data and complete the data collection process (e.g. repeat the physiological and instrument calibrations and instruct the patient on completing questionnaires checking for completeness etc.) score sleep/wake stages by applying professionally accepted guidelines score clinical events (such as respiratory events cardiac events limb movements arousals etc.) utilizing American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) standards generate accurate reports by tabulating sleep/wake and clinical event data
• PATIENT CARE - Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and provide age specific care in the treatment assessment and education of neonatal pediatric adolescent adult and geriatric patients
• AASM - Demonstrate adherence to AASM scoring parameters identify artifact inadequate signals and equipment failures and generate an accurate report

Qualifications:

Education: Essential: High School or GED Equivalent Program Graduate Nonessential: Program Graduate Bachelor's Degree Education specialization: Essential: PSG RRT EEG or CAAHEP Program Nonessential: Polysomnigraphic Program Related Discipline Experience: Essential: 1 year directly related experience Nonessential: Bilingual English Spanish Keres Tewa Tiwa Towa Zuni or Navajo 2 years directly related experience Credentials: Essential: CPR for Healthcare/BLS Prov or Prof Rescuers w/in 30 days CERT RPSGT or RESP THER w/SDS can include BRPT or NRBC-SDS NM RRT License or NM PSGT License w/in 120 days RRT must rec SDS or RPSGT credential w/in 2 years

Physical Conditions: Heavy Work: Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects or people. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work. Working conditions: Essential: Minor Hazard - physical risks dirt dust fumes noise