Polysomnography Technologist - Sleep Disorder Center

Cayuga Medical Center

32d•$30 - $38

About The Position

The Polysomnography Technologist works under the general supervision of the clinical director or designee to provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders. Services may include polysomnography, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, patient care, and education. After successfully completing the introductory period and demonstrating the appropriate competencies, the technologist may work independently. The role includes gathering and analyzing patient information, preparing and calibrating testing equipment, applying electrodes and sensors, conducting and monitoring sleep studies, documenting observations, implementing appropriate therapeutic and safety interventions, and scoring and reporting study results. The technologist also maintains equipment and inventory, supports quality-improvement data collection and analysis, complies with applicable safety and infection-control requirements, and provides attentive, caring service to patients. The position requires an approved associate or higher degree program in polysomnographic technology, respiratory therapy, or nursing, RPSGT certification within 1.5 years of accepting the position, and an applicable New York State license. BLS certification is required within 90 days of hire; ACLS is preferred. The advertised pay range is $29.50 to $38.48 per hour, plus benefits.

Requirements

Successful completion of an approved associate or higher degree program in polysomnographic technology, respiratory therapy, or nursing.
Obtain Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) certification through the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists within 1.5 years of accepting the position.
Hold a New York State Respiratory Therapist or Respiratory Therapy Technician license, or a New York State Polysomnographic license.
Obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 90 days of hire.
Meet the physical demands of the job, including frequently standing, handling and reaching, climbing or balancing, and regularly lifting or moving up to 10 pounds; frequently lifting or moving up to 25 pounds; and occasionally lifting or moving up to 50 pounds.
Perform duties involving exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues.

Nice To Haves

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.

Responsibilities

Collect, analyze, and integrate patient information to identify patient-specific needs and determine testing parameters and procedures in conjunction with the ordering physician or clinical director and laboratory protocols.
Complete and verify documentation, and explain pre-testing, testing, and post-testing procedures to patients.
Prepare and calibrate testing equipment, apply electrodes and sensors according to accepted standards, and perform physiologic calibrations.
Perform positive airway pressure (PAP) mask fitting.
Follow protocols for polysomnographic procedures, including MSLT, MWT, parasomnia studies, PAP, and oxygen titration.
Complete lights-out procedures and document baseline values.
Acquire polysomnographic data, monitor tracing quality, and make adjustments as needed.
Document routine observations, sleep stages, clinical events, procedural changes, and significant events to support scoring and interpretation.
Implement appropriate patient-safety and therapeutic interventions, including positive airway pressure and oxygen administration.
Complete lights-on procedures, verify the integrity of collected data, repeat calibrations, and instruct patients on completing questionnaires.
Provide age-specific care, assessment, treatment, and education for neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
Oversee and perform difficult or unusual procedures and therapeutic interventions.
Score sleep/wake stages and clinical events according to accepted guidelines and center-specific protocols, and generate accurate reports.
Comply with applicable laws, regulations, guidelines, and standards for safety and infection control.
Perform routine and complex equipment care and maintenance, and evaluate sleep-study equipment and inventory.
Maintain current BLS certification and demonstrate effective written and spoken communication and appropriate social skills.
Respond to participants' procedural inquiries with appropriate information and analyze complex situations by applying policy.
Collect and analyze Sleep Lab quality-improvement data.
Attend required annual educational programs and perform other duties as assigned.
Interact with patients in a friendly, caring, and attentive manner and maintain communication to provide a secure and pleasant experience.