Sr. Polysomnographic Technologist

Job Description

Overview

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

The Registered (Senior) Polysomnographic Technologist, under the direction of the Supervisor and Medical Director, prepares the patients, conducts overnight and daytime physiologic studies-polysomnograms (PSGs), collects pertinent information to ensure proper interpretation by the polysomnographer/physician in accordance with established policies and procedures as assigned. Maintains vigilance in a non-stimulating environment and knows when to consult the supervisor/physician regarding the patients status. Attention to detail is critical since the quality of data from the PSG is solely the responsibility of the technologist. The Senior Polysomnographer will also sleep stage/score reports daily/weekly in accordance with the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (ASSM), complete word reports, route information to physician and bring attention to any PSGs that need immediate attention. The Senior Polysomnographer is also responsible for ordering and maintaining supplies that pertain to the technical aspect of the sleep center. Is able to provide oversight of other sleep center staff. Understand the difference between adult and pediatric sleep. Analyzing and scoring data that may be used by a licensed physician in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep and wake disorders that result from developmental defects, the aging process, physical injury , disease or actual or anticipated somatic dysfunction. Perform infant day sleep studies if needed as well as MSLTs as needed. Generate accurate reports by tabulating sleep/wake and clinical event data. Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills, appropriate social and customer service skills. Assist the medical director /manager in all aspects of sleep center operations.

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran

Responsibilities

• 1. Under the direction of the Supervisor and the Medical Director, prepares the pediatric patient, conducts overnight physiologic studies-polysomnograms(PSG), collects pertinent information to ensure proper interpretation by the polysomnogrpaher/physician in accordance with established policies and procedures as assigned. Knows when to consult the supervisor/physician regarding the patients status.
• 1.1 When patient arrives, verify identification, collect documents and obtain consent for the study.
• 2. Score sleep studies on a daily basis in accordance with the American Academy of Sleep medicine. Be able to sleep stage, score respiratory events, arousals, PLMS/leg movements, snore arousals and oxygen saturation.
• 2.1 Prepares patient reports for interpretation assuring that results are accurate. Understand the difference between adult and pediatric sleep.
• 3. Follows YNHH and the Pediatric Sleep Center established safety precautions and procedures in the performance of all duties to insure a safe and clean environment.
• 3.1 Recognizes and responds appropriately to patient's medical problems and physiological events, especially respiratory problems, seizures or cardiac dysrhythmias including notifying the Medical Director, activating emergency button for urgent help, calling a code if necessary and administering supplemental oxygen or basic cardiac life support until help arrives.
• 4. Collaboration with co-workers, physicians both within the hospital and the outside community.
• 4.1 Assists and supports a learning environment. Assists new staff with understanding patient equipment set-ups.
• 5. Displays committment to professional growth and development by regular attendance to department meetings and educational programs and orientation particiaption
• 5.1 Maintains CEUs needed to keep credential.
• 6. Maintains vigilance in a non-stimulating environment and knows when to consult the physician regarding the patient's status..
• 6.1 Attention to detail is critical since the quality of data from the PSG is solely the responsibility of the technologist.
• 7. Equipment care and Maintenance
• 7.1 Comply with applicable laws, regulations, guidelines and standards regarding safety and infection control issues.
• 8. Follow HIPPA policies to maintain the privacy and security of patient information.
• 9. Attention to detail is critical since the quality of data from the PSG is solely the responsibility of the technologist.
• 9.1 Knowledgeable about the rules and policies concerning MSLTs and MWTs.
• 10. Reviews existing information in the patient record, examines orders and protocols for study, recognizes sleep/wake or respiratory complaints, sleep patterns and potential need for treatment intervention during testing, collects pertinent patient information to insure proper interpretation by the physician and communicates with ordering physician or center/lab director to clarify unclear or inappropriate orders and communicates information about the patient's status
• 10.1 Examine orders and protocols for study.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

High school graduate. Successful completion of an accredited educational program leading to a certificate or associate degree with an emphasis in sleep technology. Or Successful completion of a sleep technology program associated with a state licensed and/or nationally accredited educational facility or equivalent experience and documented proficiency for all competencies required of a sleep technician and certification by a nationally recognized certification board and holds either the Registered Sleep Technologist (RST) or Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) or Sleep Disorders Specialist (SDS) credential. Previous education in allied health or life sciences is helpful.

EXPERIENCE

7 years experience as a polysomnographic technologist, a minimum of 5 years as a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist. Minimum of three years (3) in a scoring polysomnography role. Preferably a minimum one (1) year experience that includes neonates, young infants, toddlers and special needs children.

LICENSURE

CPR. Either RPSGT, RST or SDS

SPECIAL SKILLS

Interview will include sleep staging test of 200 epochs. Ability to perform Multiple Sleep Latency Test MSLTs) and Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT). Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and provide age specific care in the treatment, assessment and education of neonatal, pediatric, adolescent and adult patients. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to perform portable monitoring equipment preparation and data download. Perform patient education and instruction appropriately. Has the ability to understand normal cardiorespiratory, neurologic, and sleep/wake physiology as well as scoring rules for respiratory events, arousals, oxygen desaturations and PLMs. Demonstrate computer skills appropriate for the position. Demonstrate critical thinking and ability to work with minimal supervision. Provide patient education utilizing sleep center specific protocols. Adhere to sleep center policies related to quality assurance . Review and evaluate sleep studies and provide feedback to the night staff. Demonstrate the ability to analyze complex situations and apply policy. Ability to train and orient new staff. Comply with applicable laws, regulations, guidelines and standards regarding safety and infection control issues.

PHYSICAL DEMAND

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Overnight as well as flexible shifts/ MSLTs. The employee may be exposed to chemical vapors such as cleaning and disinfecting solutions. There may also be skin contact with these substances. The employee may also be exposed to infectious agents including blood borne pathogens.

Additional Information

RPSGT or RST required. 5 years experience as a sleep technologist preferred.
2 years as a scoring technologist, able to score pediatrics (preferred) and adults.
CPR required
High school graduate