Polysomnographic Technologist Variable Hours

Sleep Disorders Technician

Works under the general supervision of the clinical director (M.D., D.O., or PhD) or designee to provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders. May involve Polysomnography, diagnostic and therapeutic services or patient care and education. Can perform the duties defined for a Polysomnographic Technician and may provide supervision of other staff. This position must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and service appropriate to the age of the patients served in his / her area.

Gathers and Analyzes Patient Information

Collects, analyzes and integrates 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), and to determine final testing parameters / procedures in conjunction with the ordering physician or clinical director and laboratory protocols.

Completes and verifies documentation.

Explains pre-testing, testing, and post-testing procedures to the patient.

Testing Preparation Procedures

Prepares and calibrates equipment required for testing to determine proper functioning and make adjustments if necessary.

Applies electrodes and sensors according to accepted published standards.

Performs appropriate physiologic calibrations to ensure proper signals and makes adjustments if necessary.

Performs positive airway pressure (PAP) mask fitting.

Polysomnographic Procedures

Follows procedural protocols such as Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), parasomnia studies, PAP, oxygen titration etc. to ensure collection of appropriate data.

Follows lights out procedures to establish and document baseline values (such as body position, oxyhemoglobin saturation, respiratory and heart rates, etc.)

Performs Polysomnographic data acquisition while monitoring study-tracing quality to ensure signals are artifact-free and makes adjustments, if necessary.

Documents routine observations including sleep stages and clinical events, changes in procedure, and significant events in order to facilitate scoring and interpretation of polysomnographic results.

Implements appropriate interventions (including actions necessary for patient safety and therapeutic intervention such as continuous and bi-level positive airway pressure, oxygen administration, etc).

Follows lights on procedures to verify integrity of collected data and completes the data collection process (repeats the physiological and instrument calibrations and instructs the patient on completing questionnaires, etc.)

Oversees and performs difficult and unusual procedures and therapeutic interventions.

Polysomnographic Record Scoring

Scores sleep / wake stages by applying professionally accepted guidelines.

Scores clinical events (such as respiratory events, cardiac events, limb movements, arousals etc.) according to center-specific protocols.

Generates accurate reports by tabulating sleep / wake and clinical event data.

Service Management and Professional Issues

Complies with applicable laws, regulations, guidelines and standards regarding safety and infection control issues.

Performs routine and complex equipment care and maintenance.

Evaluates sleep study related equipment and inventory.

Responds to study participant's procedural-related inquiries by providing appropriate information. Complies with the ABSM Standards of Conduct.

Completes all necessary hospital and department competencies.

Requirements

Successful completion of an accredited educational program leading to an associate degree with an emphasis in polysomnography OR Successful completion of a polysomnography program of no less than one year duration associated with a state licensed and / or a nationally accredited educational facility or equivalent experience, and documented proficiency at all competencies required of a Polysomnographic Technician required.

Associates degree in Polysomnographic technology preferred.

Certification by the American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM) as a Registered Sleep Technologist (RST) or equivalent required.

Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RBSGT) by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) or equivalent required.

BLS for the Healthcare Provider Certification by 60 days after hire required.

Effective written and spoken communication skills required.

Ability to analyze complex situations and apply policy required.

Must possess 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 required.

Holland Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy.