Polysomnographic Technologist

Vancouver Coastal Health • Vancouver, BC

8d • CA$40 - CA$50 • Onsite

About The Position

Performs polysomnograms for the diagnosis and treatment of central and obstructive sleep disorders, including the titration and management of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. Duties include receiving requisitions, entering relevant data into a computerized database, preparing patients for specific studies, conducting various tests involving non-invasive techniques including electroencephalography, electrooculography, electromyography, electrocardiography, multiple sleep latency and respiratory tracings, monitoring patient during procedures, recording measurements, formulating technical reports for interpretation by medical staff in clinical diagnosis, and monitoring equipment performance. This work is framed within VCH’s commitments to our pillars of Indigenous Cultural Safety, Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Planetary Health.

Requirements

• Diploma in a health care discipline such as respiratory therapy, nursing or electroneurophysiology technology from an accredited institution or Completion of a STAR-designated Focused education program approved by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) or a Canadian Accredited Polysomnography Program or equivalent.
• A minimum of one year’s recent, related experience in sleep study work or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Certification as a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT).
• Current certification in Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR-C).
• Broad knowledge of evidence-based polysomnographic practice related to conducting various tests, and recording and analyzing a variety of physical parameters on patients involving non-invasive techniques.
• Broad knowledge of polysomnographic theory and practice within a client and family centred model of care.
• Broad knowledge of the sleep-induced physiological changes in various body systems including the neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiac, and respiratory systems.
• Demonstrated skill and understanding in the use of a variety of non-invasive Positive Airway Pressure devices such as BI-Level PAP, Continuous PAP, Auto-adjusting devices and others.
• Broad knowledge of the physiological and behavioral alterations associated with sleep/wake pathology.
• Broad knowledge of other health care disciplines and their role in client care.
• Broad knowledge of research process and methodology.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, physicians, other health care staff, clients and their families, both one-on-one and in-groups.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in collaboration with others.
• Demonstrated ability to establish workload priorities in collaboration with others.
• Demonstrated ability to operate related equipment.
• Demonstrated ability in CPR techniques.
• Demonstrated skill in the interpretation of electroencephalographic, electrooculography, electromyographic, electrocardiographic, multiple sleep latency tests and respiratory tracings so as to be able to intervene appropriately during a sleep study.
• Demonstrated skill in techniques and the use of a variety of monitoring devices and instrumentation required for sleep studies including, but not limited to: electrocardiograph, pulse oximeter, air-flow thermistor electroencephalograph and electromyography equipment.
• General knowledge of Trauma Informed Practice and Harm Reduction approaches and Strengths-based care.
• Demonstrated ability to promote Indigenous Cultural Safety.
• Demonstrated ability to provide competent and culturally safe care in a variety of settings and with diverse populations.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Computer literacy with word processing, spreadsheet and database skills.

Responsibilities

• Performs polysomnograms for the diagnosis and treatment of central and obstructive sleep disorders.
• Titrates and manages positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy.
• Receives requisitions and enters relevant data into a computerized database.
• Prepares patients for specific studies.
• Conducts various tests involving non-invasive techniques including electroencephalography, electrooculography, electromyography, electrocardiography, multiple sleep latency and respiratory tracings.
• Monitors patients during procedures.
• Records measurements.
• Formulates technical reports for interpretation by medical staff in clinical diagnosis.
• Monitors equipment performance.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits package, including MSP, extended health and dental and municipal pension plan
• Employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Wellness supports, including counselling, critical incident and innovative wellness services are available to employees and their immediate families
• Award-winning recognition programs to honour staff, medical staff and volunteers
• Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff

What This Job Offers

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