Job SummaryPerforms overnight and home sleep studies (polysomnograms) and related diagnostic procedures to support the diagnosis and treatment of sleep-related disorders. Studies include preparation and testing of patients.
Job Responsibilities - Other duties may be assigned.
- Provides patient education by preparing patients for overnight or home sleep studies, explaining procedures and answering questions to ensure comfort and cooperation.
- Performs diagnostic sleep studies, CPAP titrations and MSLT.
- Studies include preparation and testing of patients
- Prepares and calibrates equipment required for testing to determine proper functioning and signals
- Selects and applies special monitoring electrodes, bands, thermistors, and other monitoring probes to appropriate areas of the patient's body
- Prepares positive airway pressure (PAP) mask fittings.
- Follows sleep procedures to establish and document baseline values such as body position, movements, oxyhemoglobin saturation, respiratory and heart rates
- Assists with scoring sleep/wake stages and with the generation of accurate reports by tabulating sleep/wake and clinical event data such as respiratory events, cardiac events, limb movements, arousals, etc
- Implements appropriate interventions including actions necessary for patient safety and therapeutic intervention such as continuous (CPAP) and bi-level (BIPAP) positive airway pressure and oxygen administration
- Assist with procedures and therapeutic interventions such as auto servo ventilation (SV) titrations, average volume assured pressure support (AVAPS), multiple sleep latency testing (MSLT), maintenance of wakefulness testing (MWT)
- Performs polysomnographic data acquisition while monitoring study-tracing quality to recognize and eliminate all artifacts observed during the test
- Follows wake procedures to verify integrity of collected data and complete the data collection process e.g. repeat the physiological and instrument calibrations and instructs the patient on completing questionnaires
- Sets up video and audio monitoring apparatus
- Keeps the equipment in clean operating condition, detecting instrument malfunctions, making minor adjustments, and reporting the need for major repairs
- Monitors equipment supply levels and maintains appropriate equipment at hand
- Schedules and discusses the test process with patients, ensures their knowledge of the process, and answers their questions
- Monitor and record physiology data during studies, ensuring data quality and patient safety.
- Score and interpret raw data in accordance with AASM (American Academy of Sleep Medicine) guidelines for physician review.
- Maintain accurate, timely documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR).
- Maintains and troubleshoots sleep study equipment and ensure the environment is clean and safe.
- Participates in continuing education and quality assurance programs.
RequirementsEducation: - High School Diploma or equivalent required
- Successful completion of a Polysomnography program associated with a state license and/or a nationally accredited educational facility or equivalent experience.
Required Experience: - Knowledge of sleep-related breathing disorders, circadian rhythm disorders and diagnostic criteria.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to analyze complex data.
- Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with patients and the healthcare team.
- Comfortable working overnight shifts in a hospital environment.
- Proficient in using hospital EMR system and sleep lab software.
Licensure/Certification/Registration: - BLS Certification required.
- Must be registered by the ABSM, NBRC, or BRPT or accepted to sit for the registry examination.
- Must obtain the Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) certification within 2 years of hire.
Populations Served:While performing this job, the employee may care for patients in the following age groups. - Neonate (<30 days)
- Infant (<1 year)
- Early Childhood (1 year - <5 years)
- Late Childhood (5 years - <13 years)
- Adolescent (13 years - <17 years)
- Young Adult (17 years - <30 years)
- Middle Adult (3 years - <60 years)
- Older Adult (>60 years)
- Services patients in areas other than direct patient care.