Polysomnographic Technologist

Summary 

The Polysomnographic Technologist is responsible for performing specific clinical tests related to the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders, including polysomnography, CPAP titration, patient education, certain patient care activities, records maintenance, and other related patient care tasks as delegated by the Sleep Center Supervisor. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities  

These duties and responsibilities described below represent the general tasks performed on a daily basis; other tasks may be assigned. 

Perform all activities related to the diagnosis of sleep disorders 

Perform Sleep Studies with and without CPAP 

Perform split night studies as indicated 

Titrate oxygen and CPAP when indicated during a study 

Welcome patients to the Sleep Center and help acclimate them to the sleep center environment 

Intervene when life threatening epochs are witnessed and recorded 

Maintains all patient care medical records. 

Maintain the confidentiality of all medical records in accordance with HIPPA guidelines 

Complete and verify all forms of documentation 

Explain pre-testing, testing, and post testing procedures to the patient 

Calibrate and test systems and equipment regularly 

Apply electrodes and sensors according to accepted published standards and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations 

Perform appropriate physiologic calibrations to ensure proper signal, making adjustments as necessary 

Perform CPAP mask fittings 

To ensure the accurate collection of data, follow procedural protocols when performing patient tests including Multiple Sleep Latency Tests (MSLTs), Maintenance of Wakefulness Tests (MWTs}, Parasomnia studies, CPAP, Oxygen titration, etc.  

Follow "lights out" procedures to establish and document baseline values such as body position, SA02, RR and heart rate 

Follow "lights on" procedures to verify integrity of collected data and complete the data collection process (repeat the physiological and instrument calibrations and instruct the patient on completing questionnaires, etc.) 

Perform Polysomnographic Data Acquisition while monitoring study-tracing quality to ensure signals are artifact free, making adjustments as necessary 

Document routine observations including sleep stages, clinical events, changes in procedure, and significant events in order to facilitate scoring and interpretation of polysomnography results 

Implement appropriate interventions (including actions necessary for patient safety and therapeutic intervention such as CPAP, Bi-PAP and Oxygen administration.) 

Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and provide age specific care in the treatment, assessment, and education of the infant, pediatric, adult, and geriatric population 

Score sleep/awake stages by following professionally accepted guidelines 

Score clinical events such as respiratory epochs, cardiac epochs, limb movements, arousals, etc. 

Scores tests concurrently  

Generate accurate reports by tabulating sleep/awake and clinical event data 

Help to secure sleep lab accreditation and all regulatory compliance issues including safety and infection control 

Maintain the Sleep Center equipment 

Review supplies needed for testing and report shortages to the supervisor 

Maintain a safe and clean environment 

Review all policies and procedures annually with the Sleep Center Supervisor 

Assist with data collection for the Sleep Center Performance Improvement Plan 

Meet with the Sleep Center Supervisor and the Sleep lab Medical Directors as needed 

Attend monthly departmental meetings 

Maintain all patient records in accordance with CRMC, HIPPA, and AASM standards 

Take calls as required 

Analyze complex clinical situations and apply good clinical judgment while follow department/hospital policy 

Provide input to the Sleep Center Supervisor during the annual budgetary process 

Comply with the BRPT and AASM standards for conduct and ethics 

Attend required hospital-wide orientations, meetings, and in-services 

Demonstrate a commitment to flexible work scheduling when necessary to ensure patient care 

Education and Experience  

-Minimum Required Education: Successful completion of an accredited Polysomnography or Respiratory Therapy program 

-Preferred Education: Associate’s degree with an emphasis in polysomnography or Respiratory Therapy 

Experience: One (1) or more years’ experience as a Polysomnographic Technician is preferred,  but will accept new graduates who can achieve proficiency within 90 days of employment. 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations  

• Applicant must be registered, or registry eligible, with the Board of Registry for Polysomnographic Technologists; if registry eligible, certification must be obtained within 6 months of hire. Must be licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Virginia or the State of North Carolina, depending upon the department location.