Polysomnographic Technologist

Chesapeake Regional Healthcare•Elizabeth City, NC

8h•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Successful completion of an accredited Polysomnography or Respiratory Therapy program
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.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree with an emphasis in polysomnography or Respiratory Therapy
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.

Responsibilities

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
Serve as an educational resource to Chesapeake Regional Medical Center’s medical staff and nurses, Tidewater Community College, and the community
Comply with the BRIT 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