Polysomnographic Technologist

Polysomnographic Technician

Under the general supervision of the Medical Director, Manager and Clinical Supervisor and in accordance with established policies and procedures, performs clinical testing on patients to determine presence of obstructive sleep apnea episodes. Sets up and calibrates testing equipment; prepares patient; conducts polysomnographic tests; monitors patient condition; reviews, scores, interprets and prepares written summary of results. Sets up and operates videotaping equipment.

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another. In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done. The core Success Factors include: Instill Trust and Value Differences Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate.

Responsibilities:

• Receives and reviews requests for polysomnographic testing. Prepares laboratory and obtains supplies to accommodate number of patients scheduled for testing.
• Sets up and calibrates testing and treatment equipment: PC-driven digital polygraph, blood oxygen saturation oximeter, capnograph, Respiratory Inductive Plethysmography (RIP), Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)/Bi-Level airway management equipment, and videotaping equipment according to established procedures.
• Explains procedure to patient and family members present to gain patient cooperation and to allay anxiety; assure calm, quiet environment to allow patient to enter natural (non-medication-induced) sleep.
• Places and attaches electrodes to patient's scalp, face, chest and abdomen to standard placement locations; externally attaches ear clip; and depending on physician request, attaches face mask or inserts nasal probe. May insert esophageal balloon as indicated by physician. Visually checks electrode placement for accuracy to prevent false readings. Positions videotaping equipment to film chest and abdominal breathing pattern accurately.
• Operates PC-driven, digital polysomnography for the purpose of: recording patient's stages of sleep (8-10 hours); real-time analysis of obstructive sleep apnea to ascertain the severity of obstructive sleep apnea and then initiate protocol-driven treatment with continuous positive airway pressure or bi-level positive airway treatment using Respiratory Inductive Plethysmography (RIP) and flow volume loops.
• Reviews output, making adjustments as necessary, to produce tracings of multiple variables, including electroencephalogram, elctro-oculogram, sub-mental electromyogram, heart rate, nasal and oral airflow, respiratory effort, end-tidal PCO2 and oxygen saturation.
• Monitors patient's progress, (normally involves monitoring and testing more than one patient at a time), remaining alert for extended apneic episodes, distress and signs or respiratory arrest. Alerts physician and/or code team, as necessary, and initiates cardiopulmonary resuscitation if indicated.
• Reviews, scores and interprets final tracing by identifying sleep stages as determined by following pre-set criteria: number of apneas and hypopneas per hour and per sleep stage; number of arousals; and presence and severity of hypoximia and arrhythmias. Summarizes and prepares written report of results for additional evaluation by physician.
• Maintains inventory of supplies and equipment. Performs routine cleaning and maintenance and makes minor adjustments and repairs; makes arrangements for major repair as necessary. Participates in evaluation of and provides input into recommendations for purchase of new or additional supplies and equipment.
• Participates in sleep-related clinical research studies, providing assistance in similar testing and interpretation activities as well as with computer-assisted analysis of results.
• Maintains quality assurance, safety, environmental, and infection control in accordance with established hospital department policies, procedures, and objectives.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Basic Knowledge:

• The level of knowledge normally obtained through completion of an Associates Degree in Respiratory Care, Biology, Health Sciences or the successful completion of a Polysomnographic certification program or the equivalent. Registration required within 90 days of employment.
• Thorough understanding and competent application of PC-driven digital polysomnography protocols (including RIP and flow volume loops).
• Expertise in the understanding and application of pulmonary flow volume loops for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
• Personal Computer skills required.
• Basic knowledge of electronics and electrical safety.
• Knowledge of and ability to perform polysomnographic testing procedures, including ability to maintain equipment and instruct others in proper testing.
• Knowledge of sleep staging and analytical ability to interpret and prepare written summary of results for further evaluation by physician.
• Interpersonal skills to explain procedures, to give instructions and to calm patient effectively in order to ensure a natural sleep process.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to operate, calibrate, set up and perform minor repairs and adjustments on equipment.
• Ability to monitor closely, recognize and assess changes in a patient's condition for signs of respiratory distress or arrest.
• Ability to initiate and administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Ability to assist in moving or positioning patients.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

Experience:

• Six months previous experience as a polysomnographic technician, respiratory care technician or similar Allied Health experience involved in patient care preferred.
• Registration preferred. Certified Polysomnographic Technologist accepted with continued employment contingent upon earning registration (RPsgT) within 90 days of hire.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

• Generally good; works in sleep laboratory setting.
• Ability to stand for period of time necessary to perform job duties.
• Ability to sit for long period of time in front of a computer.
• Ability to remain focused and alert during shift hours.
• Ability to maintain focus on a computer for period of time to record quality recordings.
• Ability to lift and/or manipulate 50 pounds.

Independent Action:

• Performs independently within the department's policies and practices. Refers specific complex problems to the supervisor when clarification of departmental policies and procedures are required.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• None