Polysomnography Technologist-Sleep Disorder Center (Nights)

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About Duke University Hospital

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of the four Duke Healthhospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

• Relocation Assistance: Available for qualified external candidates.

• Commitment Bonus: This position includes a $7,500 commitment bonus for eligible new hires.

• Location: Sleep Disorder Center, Durham, North Carolina 

• Work Schedule: Nights / 36-hour Work Schedule

Occupational Summary

Provide clinical assessment, physiological monitoring, and testing to assist with the diagnosis, management, and prevention of sleep-related disorders. This role utilizes various diagnostic and therapeutic tools to provide care to patients of all ages.

Tools and procedures include, but are not limited to:

• Polysomnography & Scoring: Identifying clinical events (respiratory, cardiac, limb movements, arousals) according to professional and laboratory guidelines.

• Reporting: Generating accurate reports by tabulating sleep/wake and clinical event data.

• Therapeutic Titration: Managing positive airway pressure (PAP) devices, oximetry, capnography, and nocturnal oxygen.

• Assessment Tools: Utilizing actigraphy, screening devices, and patient questionnaires.

Work Performed by Level

Level 1 Responsibilities

• Preparation: Verify medical orders and protocols; explain procedures to patients and orient them to the sleep center.

• Calibration: Prepare and calibrate testing equipment to ensure proper functioning; identify and report abnormalities.

• Data Acquisition: Perform routine PAP mask fittings and apply electrodes/sensors per published standards. Assist with "lights out" and "lights on" procedures.

• Documentation: Record routine observations, sleep stages, and clinical events to facilitate interpretation.

• Safety: Assist with interventions necessary for patient safety and therapy (e.g., BPAP, O2 administration).

• Patient Care: Provide age-specific care for adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations.

Level 2 Responsibilities

• All Duties of Level 1: Plus increased clinical independence.

• Clinical Review: Independently review patient history, physical information, medications, and study protocols.

• Advanced Monitoring: Independently perform routine and CPAP/split polysomnography data acquisition; ensure signals are artifact-free and make real-time adjustments.

• Baseline Documentation: Execute "lights out" procedures to document baseline values (body position, SpO2, heart rate, etc.).

Level 3 Responsibilities

• All Duties of Levels 1 & 2: Plus leadership and specialized clinical tasks.

• Patient Integration: Analyze complex patient information to identify specific needs (physical/mental limitations) and determine final testing parameters with the clinical director.

• Complex Procedures: Perform complex PAP/split/BPAP/ASV data acquisition and fitting.

• Specialized Protocols: Follow MSLT, MWT, and parasomnia study protocols.

• Operational Leadership: Oversee unusual procedures, troubleshoot equipment as a "super user," and perform maintenance.

• Administrative: Assign nightly workloads, process daily charges, and serve as Charge Tech for designated annual hours.

Level Characteristics (Scope & Supervision)

• Level 1 (Technician): Performs basics of testing under the direct supervision of a Level 2 or 3 Technologist. Requires 10 hours of CEUs and enrollment in AASM A-Step modules.

• Level 2 (Technologist): Performs comprehensive testing and analysis under general supervision. Provides supervision to Level 1 staff. Requires 12 hours of CE (10 must be CEUs).

• Level 3 (Senior Technologist): Works under the general supervision of the Clinical Director to provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment. Acts as a mentor and supervisor. Requires 16 hours of CE (10 must be CEUs).

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Level 1: High school diploma/GED plus 1 year of post-secondary education OR current enrollment in an accredited health-related program (PSG or Respiratory Therapy emphasis).

• Level 2 & 3: Associate’s Degree in a health-related field preferred, OR completion of a polysomnography/respiratory therapy program (minimum 1-year duration) at an accredited facility.

Experience

• Level 1: No experience required with an Associate’s Degree; otherwise, requires 6 months of direct patient care experience.

• Level 2: 18 months of experience in polysomnography preferred. If the candidate does not hold an Associate's degree, they must have 2 additional years of direct patient care experience.

• Level 3: 4 years of experience in Polysomnography Technology required.

Degrees, Licensures, & Certifications

• All Levels: Must maintain current BLS certification.

• Level 1: Registered Polysomnography Technologist (RPSGT) or Respiratory Care Practitioner (CRT or RRT) license required.

• Level 2 & 3: Registered Polysomnography Technologist (RPSGT) or Respiratory Therapist with Sleep Disorders Specialist certification (CRT-SDS or RRT-SDS) required.