Polysomnographic Technologist- Per Diem - Days

Mohawk Valley Health System•City of Utica, NY

1d•$24 - $41•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Sleep Disorders Center Technical Director, this role conducts studies and safe monitoring of clinical patients. Patients range in age from adolescence to geriatric, and evaluations can be for any of approximately 150 different sleep/wake disorders. Technologists most commonly encounter sleep apnea, narcolepsy, night terrors, nocturnal myoclonus, and clinical insomnia.

Requirements

Completion of an accredited training program in Respiratory Therapy; or training in a related allied health field with enrollment or completion of the A-STEP Online Self Study Modules or CAAHEP accredited sleep technology training program, electroneurodiagnostic (END) program, or respiratory therapy add on track for sleep technology
Two years of experience with patients, laboratory studies, or closely related field or the equivalent.
New York State licensure as a Respiratory Care Practitioner with registration by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) or New York State licensure as a Polysomnographic Technologist

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in biological, physical, or medical sciences

Responsibilities

Review patient charts and requisitions prior to greeting the patient.
Listen to telephone messages and read intradepartmental communication journals.
Respond in a timely manner to fill cancellations/vacancies from the patient waiting list.
Interview patients regarding specific needs, including sleep positions, self-medication, allergies to tape, preparation solutions, etc.
Competently measure and apply electrodes according to the International Ten-Twenty method.
Calibrate all instruments according to the department policy and procedure manual.
Apply ECG, EOG, and EMG electrodes according to the department policy and procedure manual.
Place and securely attach recording devices to measure airflow, nasal pressure, respiratory effort, and pulse oximetry.
Perform impedance measurements on all EEG and EMG electrodes to assure all readings are <5000 ohms.
Perform patient biocalibrations according to the department procedure manual.
Begin recordings with accurate demographic information and troubleshoot appropriately.
Identify characteristics comprising each stage of sleep.
Monitor the patient continuously to assure a safe and proper recording, and thoroughly document all aspects of care.
Note and correct equipment malfunctions or sensor displacement/failures and report problems/needs in the correspondence journal.
Respond to any patient needs.
Alter the patient’s environment to obtain the required sleep/wake data and encourage repositioning when necessary.
Carefully awaken the patient and record post-test calibrations.
Remove electrodes and devices and assist the patient as necessary.
Complete the electronic technologist report to summarize all-night recordings, ensuring all patient forms and tracking logs are completed accurately, signed, and scanned correctly.
Navigate EHR and input patient data, including vital signs, medications, and allergies for Meaningful Use.
Recognize and respond appropriately to the patient’s medical problems and physiological events, especially cardiac dysrhythmias, respiratory events, and seizures.