Polysomnographic Tech

POSITION DETAILS

Per diem, not benefited; variable hours per pay period, primarily night shift (6:30p-6:30a) but occasional day shifts will be needed to meet the needs of the department, could be on any day of the week.  Part-time up to full-time hours available during orientation if desired and able.  

JOB SUMMARY

The Polysomnographic Technologist works under the general supervision of the clinical director or designee to provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders.  This may involve polysomnography, diagnostic and therapeutic services or patient care and education.  A Polysomnographic Technologist can perform the duties defined for a Polysomnographic Technician and may provide supervision of other staff. 

MAJOR JOB FUNCTION

1. Contact patient to arrange polysomnogram and send informational letter/packet.
2. Reviews patient’s medical history, allergies, current medication, and patient questionnaire.
3. Explain to each patient the basic principles of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP), and adaptive servo ventilation (ASV), and why it is needed and explains procedures to patient before, during and after sleep study.
4. Knowledgeable of sleep lab equipment, its function and purpose including calibration.
5. Performs patient set-up: attaches electrodes and monitors to patient according to accepted standards.
6. Measure each patient for the correct size positive airway pressure (PAP) mask.
7. Monitors patient via video for any unusual sleep behaviors.  Records observations of patient throughout the sleep study at specific time intervals and as appropriate.
8. Identify respiratory events for the qualification of a CPAP/BiPAP trial.
9. Knowledgeable of protocols for PAP therapy, multiple sleep latency test / maintenance of wakefulness test (MSLT/MWT) and oxygen therapy.  Implements appropriate therapeutic interventions as needed. Titrate CPAP/BiPAP for sleep apnea if appropriate.
10. Identify periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS)and mark accordingly.
11. Score each sleep study to include stages of sleep, arousals, respiratory events and PLMS
12. Prepare preliminary report for the sleep provider.
13. Schedule out-of-center sleep testing (OCST) for patients that qualify for this type of testing.
14. Assist in sleep clinic, track QA measures, data entry, chart assembly and arrange home care set-ups.
15. Inventory and keep sleep center supplied with appropriate equipment along with monthly equipment checks on CPAP/BiPAP machines.  Maintains and operates all sleep lab equipment safely and correctly.  Inspects and tests sleep lab equipment to ensure that it is functioning safely and efficiently
16. Participate in MSLT/MWT rotation
17. All other duties as assigned.

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR

1. WORK ETHIC STANDARD: To contribute to a positive Tomah Health work environment by demonstrating reliability, accountability, and respect in all actions.
2. COMMUNICATION STANDARD: To use open, concise, and honest closed-loop communication with all Tomah Health customers and colleagues through basic customer courtesy, active listening, and timely follow-up.
3. TEAMWORK STANDARD: To be a committed, dependable Tomah Health team member who collaborates effectively, supports colleagues, and contributes to shared goals.
4. QUALITY STANDARD: To provide respectful, compassionate care using evidence-based practices that ensure patient safety and high-quality care for all Tomah Health customers.
5. PROFESSIONALISM STANDARD: To represent Tomah Health at the highest level by demonstrating integrity, respect, empathy, and accountability in all interactions.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Successful completion of a polysomnography program accredited by the CAAHEP or CoARC with the polysomnography specialty option or A-STEP introductory program and modules.
2. Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) Certification required within one year from date of hire.
3. Current certification in BLS required within 90 days of hire.
4. 1-2 years of clinical experience in Sleep Medicine preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

1. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
2. Excellent human relation skills as demonstrated by the ability to interface positively with all customers and employees.
3. Must acquire the knowledge and maintain established competency levels to perform essential professional practice.
4. Must have proficient computer skills with the ability to operate within a Windows environment.
5. Must have the ability to work with frequent interruptions, under stress, with minimal supervision, and to exercise initiative and judgment in analyzing, organizing, planning, prioritizing, scheduling and coordinating work with others.
6. Needs to possess as high level of intelligence, integrity, sense of responsibility and ability to comprehend and analyze details.
7. Ability to operate and handle many kinds of complex equipment.
8. Ability to demonstrate clinical competence and maintain current knowledge in caring for all age specific patients.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

1. Regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, and talk and hear. 
2. The Polysomnographic Technologist is frequently required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms.  The Polysomnographic Technologist is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel or crouch.
3. The Polysomnographic Technologist must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
4. Good hearing is necessary to receive detailed information through oral communication and to make fine discriminations in sound.
5. Visual acuity is needed to assess color changes, to verify accuracy of written materials.
6. Computer/keyboard skills required.  Must have the ability to operate in a Windows environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Must understand and accept the possibility of exposure to inside environmental conditions, such as infectious/communicable diseases, noise, blood and bloodborne diseases, chemicals and/or chemical fumes, odors, gases, dusts, and physical injury/verbal abuse from an out-of-control patient.  Frequent exposure to distressed patients, families or visitors.  Must be able to function effectively under stressful situations.