Polysomnographic Tech

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 polysomnographic technologist, under the direction of the manager and the Medical Director, prepares the pediatric patient, conducts overnight physiologic studies-polysomnograms(PSG), collects vital signs and other pertinent information to ensure proper interpretation by the physician/polysomnographer in accordance with established policies and procedures as assigned. Maintains vigilience 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.

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran

Responsibilities

• 1. Under the the direction of the supervisor, prepares the pediatric patient, conducts overnight physiologic studies, polysomnograms (PSG), and collects pertinent information to ensure proper interpretation by the Physician/Polysomnographer in accordance with established polices and procedures as assigned. .
• 1.1 Under the direction of the manager, prepares the child (and parent) in an age appropriate manner by explaining all procedures involved in setting up the polysomnogram.
• 2. 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
• 2.1 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 and administering supplemental oxygen or basic life support until help arrives.
• 3. Collaboration with co-workers, physicians and other departments within the health system.
• 3.1 Assists and supports a learning environment. Assists new staff with understanding patient equipment set-ups.
• 4. Displays committment to professional growth and development by regular attendance at department meetings and educational programs and orientation participation.
• 5. Maintains vigilance in a non-stimulating environment and knows when to consult the manager/physician regarding the patient's status. Attention to detail is critical, as well as the ability to troubleshoot and work independently since the quality of data from the PSG is solely the responsibility of the technologist.
• 5.1 Majority of work is done overnight, ability to maintain wakefulness is essential.
• 6. Reviews existing information in the patient record, examines orders and protocols for study, recognizes sleep/wake or respiratory events, 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 manager/director to clarify unclear or inappropriate orders and communicates information about the patient's status.
• 6.1 Basic understanding of Microsoft Word in order to do Sleep Study Reports/Templates during the night.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

High school graduate. Previous education in allied health or life science is helpful in assimilating normal and abnormal physiology, as well as in working with the sophisticated equipment used during the polysomnogram. . Become A Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) following 2 years of clinical experience at the pediatric sleep center.

EXPERIENCE

A minimum of two (2) years in Health Care related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience if not a RPSGT. Training in the Pediatric Sleep Center may be a possibility. Minimum one (1) year health care experience that includes neonates, young infants, toddlers and special needs children preferred.

LICENSURE

Obtain RPSGT credential within 2 years.

SPECIAL SKILLS

Has the ability to understand normal cardiorespiratory, neurologic, and sleep/wake physiology. Measures and applies appropriate EEG electrodes, applies appropriate EKG, EMG and EOG monitoring electrodes and places and securely attaches recording transducers to measure airflow, respiratory effort, oximetry and capnography and perform physiological calibration as well as machine calibrations. Prepares the child in an age appropriate manner by explaining all procedures involved in setting up the polysomnogram. Initiates and titrates CPAP/BiPAP therapy based on physician's order and established protocols.

PHYSICAL DEMAND

Overnight as well as flexible shifts

Additional Information

CPR required. RPSGT, RST, RRT or PSGT preferred.Pediatric experience preferred. Minimum 2 years health care experience or equivalent education and experience if not a RPSGT, RST, RRT or PSGT.