Polysomnographic Technologist

Brown Medicine • Cranston, RI

25d • $28 - $46 • Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Medical Director, Manager, and Clinical Supervisor, and in accordance with established policies and procedures, performs clinical testing on patients to determine the presence of obstructive sleep apnea episodes. This role involves setting up and calibrating testing equipment, preparing patients, conducting polysomnographic tests, monitoring patient condition, and reviewing, scoring, and interpreting results to prepare a written summary. The technologist also sets up and operates videotaping equipment. Brown University Health employees are expected to role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, and demonstrate core Success Factors such as Instilling Trust, Valuing Differences, Patient and Community Focus, and Collaboration.

Requirements

• Associates Degree in Respiratory Care, Biology, Health Sciences, or successful completion of a Polysomnographic certification program or equivalent.
• Registration required within 90 days of employment.
• Thorough understanding and competent application of PC-driven digital polysomnography protocols (including RIP and flow volume loops).
• Expertise in the understanding and application of pulmonary flow volume loops for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
• Personal Computer skills required.
• Basic knowledge of electronics and electrical safety.
• Knowledge of and ability to perform polysomnographic testing procedures, including equipment maintenance and instruction.
• Knowledge of sleep staging and analytical ability to interpret and prepare written summary of results.
• Interpersonal skills to explain procedures, give instructions, and calm patients effectively.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to operate, calibrate, set up, and perform minor repairs on equipment.
• Ability to monitor closely, recognize, and assess changes in a patient’s condition for signs of respiratory distress or arrest.
• Ability to initiate and administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Ability to assist in moving or positioning patients.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages, and cultural patterns.

Nice To Haves

• Six months previous experience as a polysomnographic technician, respiratory care technician, or similar Allied Health experience involved in patient care.
• Registration preferred.
• Certified Polysomnographic Technologist accepted with continued employment contingent upon earning registration (RPsgT) within 90 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Receives and reviews requests for polysomnographic testing and prepares the laboratory and supplies.
• Sets up and calibrates testing and treatment equipment, including PC-driven digital polygraph, oximeter, capnograph, RIP, CPAP/Bi-Level equipment, and videotaping equipment.
• Explains procedures to patients and family members to gain cooperation and allay anxiety, ensuring a calm environment for sleep.
• Places and attaches electrodes to the patient's body according to standard locations and physician requests, and positions videotaping equipment.
• Operates polysomnography equipment to record sleep stages, perform real-time analysis of obstructive sleep apnea, and initiate protocol-driven treatment with CPAP or bi-level positive airway treatment.
• Reviews output, makes adjustments to produce tracings of multiple variables, including EEG, EOG, EMG, heart rate, airflow, respiratory effort, end-tidal PCO2, and oxygen saturation.
• Monitors patient progress, remaining alert for apneic episodes, distress, and signs of respiratory arrest, and alerts the physician or code team as necessary, initiating CPR if indicated.
• Reviews, scores, and interprets final tracings by identifying sleep stages, number of apneas/hypopneas, arousals, hypoxemia, and arrhythmias, and prepares a written summary of results.
• Maintains inventory of supplies and equipment, performs routine cleaning and maintenance, and makes minor repairs.
• Participates in sleep-related clinical research studies, assisting with testing, interpretation, and computer-assisted analysis.
• Maintains quality assurance, safety, environmental, and infection control standards.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree