Polysomnographic Technologist I

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

          Joy                         Care                      Competence                    Respect

Position Summary

Performs comprehensive polysomnographic testing, scoring, analysis and associated interventions under the general oversight of the department's assigned leader and/or the medical director. Adheres to AASM guidelines and to departmental policies and procedures when performing job duties.

High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required.

Successful completion of an accredited educational program leading to an associate degree with an emphasis in Polysomnography is preferred; OR successful completion of a Polysomnography program associated with a state licensed and/or nationally accredited facility is preferred.

In lieu of above-mentioned education, applicant must have successfully completed A-Steps program OR be enrolled in approved A-Steps program within 6 weeks of hire date.

Experience in sleep lab setting or 1-2 years of equivalent healthcare experience is preferred.

Experience using EPIC or other healthcare-based data system is preferred.

Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification is required.

A-Step program completion required within 1 year of hire for non-RPSGT/RST credentialed applicants.

Completion of Registered Sleep Technologist (RST) and/or Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) board exams is preferred within 2 years of hire date.

Meeting the eligibility requirements for certification by the American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM) as a RST/RPSGT or equivalent is preferred.

Strong verbal communication and listening skills.

Effective interpersonal skills.

Demonstrates a high commitment to quality.

Performs work independently with little supervision.

Maintains a high degree of professionalism.

Collects, analyzes and integrates patient information in order to identify and meet the patient-specific needs, and to determine final testing parameters/procedures in conjunction with the ordering physician or clinical director and laboratory protocols.

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, including International 10/20 scalp electrode placement.

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

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

Follows procedural protocols for all testing performed 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).

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.

Completes and verifies documentation.

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

Explains testing procedures to patient to obtain cooperation and reduce anxiety.

Gathers and analyzes patient information.

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

Perform positive airway pressure (PAP) mask fitting.

Oversees and performs difficult and unusual procedures and therapeutic interventions.

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

Scores clinical events (such as respiratory events, cardiac events, limb movements, arousals, etc. ) according to center specific protocols and scores sleep/wake stages by applying professionally accepted guidelines.

Possess the information, skill, and understanding of the work to be performed.  Actively participates in continuing education opportunities and maintains certifications, licensure as appropriate.

Reduces the risk of healthcare acquired infections through compliance with current CDC hand hygiene guidelines and facility policies including the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), if applicable.  Utilizes standard precautions during patient contact and when handling contaminated materials.  Demonstrates compliance with National Patient Safety Goals.

Complies with all standards, policies and procedures including dress code, attendance and punctuality.  Attends required in-services and meetings and completes all mandatory competencies by deadline.  Commits to keeping all patient, student or colleague information confidential and maintains excellent interpersonal communication with the health care team colleagues.

Emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care-attending to body, mind, and spirit while upholding ethical principles with patient care and all other aspects of work.  Actively involves the patient and family in decisions about care.  Promotes quality care by participating in organizational councils/committees and/or support of related process.  Documents services provided to patients in the electronic medical record in accordance with policy and requirements. 

The purpose of this job description is to provide a summary of the major responsibilities performed by colleagues in this position. Colleagues may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this job description.  Variances in job duties performed may exist between facilities, and colleagues may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the needs of the organization.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical, Mental and Environmental Requirements Category:

Allied Health

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Lifting

X

50 lbs

Carrying

X

50 lbs

Pushing

X

50 lbs

Pulling

X

50 lbs

Climbing

X

Balancing

X

Stooping

X

Kneeling

X

Crouching

X

Crawling

X

Reaching

X

Use of Hands/Dexterity

X

Talking

X

Hearing

X

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination

X

Extreme Cold

X

Extreme Heat

X

Humid

X

Wet

X

Noise

X

Hazards

X

Temperature Change

X

Positions in this category may experience a temperature change in his/her work environment.

Atmospheric Conditions

X

Vibration

X

Other