Policy

The Evening Sleep Laboratory Assistant is responsible for a variety of tasks which include patient testing preparation for polysomnography, data collection initiation, records management, and all other tasks within the scope of practices related to patient care. This position reports directly to the staff or head technician.

Purpose

This policy explains the job responsibilities and tasks of the Evening Sleep Laboratory Assistant. It will provide guidelines for training and competency assurance for Sleep Laboratory Assistants employed by SleepCare.

Procedures

• Responsible for records management, i.e. database updating.
• Greet patients. Help make them comfortable.
• Understand and utilize sleep system functions including:
  • Downloads records from hard drive to storage media and server
  • Utilizes utility for record/data management.
  • Understands data base software which is set up to monitor patients, storage disk numbers, and other pertinent information.
• Nocturnal Polysomnography (NPSG) preparation:
  • Review Patient Request Form orders and protocols for study.
  • Review pertinent information in patient chart.
  • Communicate with the ordering physician to clarify unclear orders and update physicians (per protocol) of patient status.
  • Administer appropriate questionnaires to patients, give tours, and brief explanation of procedures for the evening.
  • Enter all needed information into sleep systems
  • Calibrate sleep systems and ancillary equipment (oximeters, CPAP, etc.) as well as troubleshooting any problem areas during calibrations.
  • Interview patient to assess current medications, recent caffeine or alcohol ingestion, current sleep pattern, need for treatment intervention during testing or need to discontinue medication for testing purposes.
  • Measure and apply EEG electrodes according to the International 10-20 system. Ensure all impedances are below 10 Kolms.
  • Apply other electrodes as specified.
  • Place and securely attach recording devices to measure airflow, respiratory effort, and oximetry.
  • Perform physiological calibrations and make appropriate equipment adjustments.
  • Recognize equipment malfunctions and troubleshoot as necessary.
  • Recognize physiological vs. mechanical artifact and troubleshoot each with as little disruption to the test as possible.
  • Document all activities.
• Patient and equipment safety:
  • Clean and disinfect equipment according to protocol.
  • Recognize emergency situations related to EKG, cataplexy, seizure, respiratory events, etc.
  • Comply with Universal Infection Control Procedures.
  • Ensure safety and welfare of all patients, including pediatric, psychiatric, and patients with special needs.
  • Comply fully with HIPAA
• Exhibits good interpersonal skills:
  • Handles difficult, upset, angry, etc. patients in a professional manner.
• Equipment knowledge including sleep systems as well as basic computer knowledge.
• Educational requirements include a High School Diploma with at least 2 years college coursework in science, psychology, heathcare, or related field preferred.
• Software knowledge:
  • Microsoft Office
  • Various versions of Windows
  • Various sleep systems
• Complies with SleepCare’s Policy and Procedures.
• Maintain 10 CME hours per year and BLS certification.
• Additional tasks, within the scope of practice, as set forth by management.