Job Details

Polysomnography Technician

Overview:

Performs polysomnography procedures on patients with suspected injury or disease resulting in sleep disorders according to facility policies and procedures.

Job Description:

Essential Functions:

• The Technologist (Technician) will perform a wide variety of polysomnography procedures on patients with suspected injury and disease resulting in a sleep disorder(s). The Technologist is responsible for preparation of the patient for testing, performing the study, and the collection of information pertinent to the interpretation of the test results. In addition, the technologist also shares in responsibility for patients in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU). This responsibility is shared with the EMU technicians. The Technologist must demonstrate competence defined (*) in Polysomnography Technologist responsibilities in providing age-appropriate care to patients from the age of birth through 21-years and selected adult patients. The incumbent will also assist in the Sleep Clinic. The technologist must be able to coordinate the scheduling of patients, physicians, psychologist, and facilities.
• Following established Policies and Procedures the incumbent is responsible for performing various polysomnographic procedures on patients with possible injury and disease resulting in sleep disorders.
• * Polysomnography
• * Multiple Sleep Latency
• * O2 Monitoring
• * pCO2 Monitoring
• * ECG Monitoring
• * Esophageal (Reflux) pH Monitoring
• * Portable Polysomnography
• * Administration of CPAP and BiPAP ventilation.
• EEG Specific tests may require the application of non-routine recording parameters. These tests may employ special recording techniques to record eye movements, muscle activity, ECG, chest wall movement, tongue movements, and nasal and oral airflow, among others. Testing may occasionally be necessary in the Intensive Care Units, Emergency Room, or patient's room.
• Clinic responsibilities include scheduling personnel and facilities, medical chart management, and follow through of physician orders and billing.
• List of Duties: Adhering to all Policies and Procedures.
• Following age-related competencies.
• Scheduling patients for clinics and diagnostic studies.
• Accurately applying leads according to the International 10:20 System.
• Adapting recording methods and instrumentation to obtain results based on history, clinical observation and Sleep Study findings.
• Recognizing and eliminating artifact and electrical interference in order to obtain high quality tracings.
• Knowing and understanding EEG, EMG, ECG, respiratory and oximetry patterns, as well as recognition of other physiologic patterns.
• Having a complete understanding of each instrument and its controls, as well as a knowledge of basic electronics and troubleshooting techniques.
• Displaying each patients' activity in an optimal fashion for clinical interpretation.
• Implementing advanced techniques including; parasomnias v. apnea protocols, seizures v. apnea, videotaping, CPAP, BiPAP, infant/child/young adult/adult procedures, e.g. sizing respiratory belts to fit appropriately, etc.
• Staging or Scoring the study as to the duration and timing of sleep stages.
• Providing appropriate patient care and detailed observations of clinical manifestations during seizures and other patient-emergency situations.
• Participating in conferences, technical meetings, and other educational activities. Serving as in-service training instructor for junior staff, technologist trainees, and other medical personnel, and patient family members.
• Writing a summary of the patient's clinical status and history from the chart, patient, parent, guardian, or other knowledgeable person(s).
• Explaining the procedure to the patient and/or any family members present.
• Answering phones, scheduling procedures, and attending to front office responsibilities during periods of high volume or coworker illness.
• Facilitating the transportation of equipment and patients as necessary to complete the daily work schedule.
• Maintaining department records and preparing tracings for storage.
• Contributing to the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) program in the institution and department. Maintain CQI records for the lab.
• Maintaining supplies at a reasonable level and ordering supplies.
• Processing patient charge information.
• Maintaining equipment in a calibrated and clean fashion.
• Distributing a Patient Satisfaction Survey to the patient or parent/guardian.

Education Requirement:

• The candidate must be a high school graduate
• Bachelor's Degree in Health Sciences or related field preferred.
• Proficient in computer operations/technology.

Licensure Requirement:

Current Ohio licensure or certification to practice respiratory care (Respiratory Therapist only), required.

Certifications:

• Registered by the Association of Polysomnography Technologist or eligible for registration within twelve months of employment, required.
• Current CPR certification, required.

Skills:

Effective computer operations and technology skills.

Experience:

One year's experience in Polysomnography.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to thirty pounds- frequently.
• Ability to lift fifty pounds - occasionally.
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time - frequently.
• Transporting equipment - occasionally.
• Reaching above the head, stooping, and kneeling - frequently.

Additional Physical Requirements performed but not listed above:

(not specified)

The above list of duties is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this classification. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties performed by the individuals so classified, nor is it intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under their supervision. EOE M/F/Disability/Vet