Polysomnographic Technologist

Polysomnographic TechnologistThe Polysomnographic Technologist is responsible for performing specific clinical tests related to the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders, including polysomnography, CPAP titration, patient education, certain patient care activities, records maintenance, and other related patient care tasks as delegated by the Sleep Center Supervisor.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Perform all activities related to the diagnosis of sleep disordersPerform Sleep Studies with and without CPAPPerform split night studies as indicatedTitrate oxygen and CPAP when indicated during a studyWelcome patients to the Sleep Center and help acclimate them to the sleep center environmentIntervene when life threatening epochs are witnessed and recordedMaintains all patient care medical recordsMaintain the confidentiality of all medical records in accordance with HIPPA guidelinesComplete and verify all forms of documentationExplain pre-testing, testing, and post testing procedures to the patientCalibrate and test systems and equipment regularlyApply electrodes and sensors according to accepted published standards and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendationsPerform appropriate physiologic calibrations to ensure proper signal, making adjustments as necessaryPerform CPAP mask fittingsTo ensure the accurate collection of data, follow procedural protocols when performing patient tests including Multiple Sleep Latency Tests (MSLTs), Maintenance of Wakefulness Tests (MWTs), Parasomnia studies, CPAP, Oxygen titration, etc.Follow "lights out" procedures to establish and document baseline values such as body position, SA02, RR and heart rateFollow "lights on" procedures to verify integrity of collected data and complete the data collection process (repeat the physiological and instrument calibrations and instruct the patient on completing questionnaires, etc.)Perform Polysomnographic Data Acquisition while monitoring study-tracing quality to ensure signals are artifact free, making adjustments as necessaryDocument routine observations including sleep stages, clinical events, changes in procedure, and significant events in order to facilitate scoring and interpretation of polysomnography resultsImplement appropriate interventions (including actions necessary for patient safety and therapeutic intervention such as CPAP, Bi-PAP and Oxygen administration.)Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and provide age specific care in the treatment, assessment, and education of the infant, pediatric, adult, and geriatric populationScore sleep/awake stages by following professionally accepted guidelinesScore clinical events such as respiratory epochs, cardiac epochs, limb movements, arousals, etc.Scores tests concurrentlyGenerate accurate reports by tabulating sleep/awake and clinical event dataHelp to secure sleep lab accreditation and all regulatory compliance issues including safety and infection controlMaintain the Sleep Center equipmentReview supplies needed for testing and report shortages to the supervisorMaintain a safe and clean environmentReview all policies and procedures annually with the Sleep Center SupervisorAssist with data collection for the Sleep Center Performance Improvement PlanMeet with the Sleep Center Supervisor and the Sleep lab Medical Directors as neededAttend monthly departmental meetingsMaintain all patient records in accordance with CRMC, HIPPA, and AASM standardsTake calls as requiredAnalyze complex clinical situations and apply good clinical judgment while follow department/hospital policyProvide input to the Sleep Center Supervisor during the annual budgetary processComply with the BRPT and AASM standards for conduct and ethicsAttend required hospital-wide orientations, meetings, and in-servicesDemonstrate a commitment to flexible work scheduling when necessary to ensure patient careEducation and Experience:Minimum Required Education: Successful completion of an accredited Polysomnography or Respiratory Therapy programPreferred Education: Associate's degree with an emphasis in polysomnography or Respiratory TherapyExperience: One (1) or more years' experience as a Polysomnographic Technician is preferred, but will accept new graduates who can achieve proficiency within 90 days of employment.Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:Applicant must be registered, or registry eligible, with the Board of Registry for Polysomnographic Technologists; if registry eligible, certification must be obtained within 6 months of hire. Must be licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Virginia or the State of North Carolina, depending upon the department location.QualificationsTechnical/other training or better.Technical/other training or better in Respiratory Therapy or related field.Associates or better.1 year: Experience as a Polysomnographic TechnicianPolysomnographic TechReg Polysomnographic Tech Chesapeake Regional Medical Center