Polysomnographic Technologist

Job Objective:

Performs the treatment, management, diagnostic testing, control, education, and care of patients with sleep and wake disorders. Including analysis, monitoring and recording of physiologic data during sleep and wakefulness and therapeutic and diagnostic use of oxygen, the use of positive airway pressure including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bi-level modalities, adaptive servo-ventilation, and maintenance of nasal and oral airways that do not extend into the trachea. Oversees the work of Polysomnographic Assistants. Able to prepare complete report analysis for physician interpretation. Compiles information, interviews, educates and instructs patients and their families.

Job Description:

Education:

Required: One of the following: Completion of two (2) year Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) approved polysomnography education program (CAAHEP) Completion of A-STEP program through the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) Graduate from a Council on Accreditation of Allied Health Professions (CAAHEP) in collaboration with the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) approved Respiratory Therapy program

Licensure/Certification:

Required: American Heart Association BLS and one of the following: Registered Polysomnography Technologist (RPSGT) license from the Medical Board of California from BRPT Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP or RRT) and Sleep Disorder Specialty (SDS) certification from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)

Experience:

Preferred: Experience in a healthcare-related field

Essential Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates compliance with Code of Conduct and compliance policies, and takes action to resolve compliance questions or concerns and report suspected violations.
• Performs Polysomnographic Testing according to policy and procedure.
• Performs appropriate therapeutic and diagnostic use of oxygen.
• Provides appropriate use of positive airway pressure including CPAP, Bi-level modalities, adaptive servo-ventilation, and maintenance of nasal and oral airways that do not extend into the trachea.
• Performs accurate staging and analysis and scoring including writing and generating a complete report of sleep disorder studies.
• Compiles information, interviews, instructs and educates patients and families about sleep disorder studies.
• Serves as a resource person for medical staff, public, patients and families.
• Performs CPAP management training to increase patient compliance as assigned.
• Assists, trains and oversees Polysomnographic Assistants during sleep diagnostic and related activities.
• Prepares the patient rooms and equipment for the sleep disorder study appropriately.
• Documents accurate and pertinent information on technical notes at the time study; documents and processes procedures on a daily basis in the department records.
• Processes billing charges or credits as assigned.
• Cares and operates for the equipment used in the Sleep Disorders Center according to technical specifications and application of equipment.
• Participates in Sleep Disorder Center utilization review, performance improvement and quality assessment programs; assists manager with development of policy and procedures as assigned.
• Reports any unsafe or mal-functioning equipment to the leadership and takes the necessary step in processing reported equipment.
• Adheres to hospital infection control guidelines, body mechanics and safety, equipment usage and care.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Skils:

• Ability to score polysomnograms independently
• Ability to identify basic EKG interpretation
• Proficient in the correct use of interventions including therapeutic and diagnostic use of oxygen, positive airway pressure including CPAP, bi-level modalities, adaptive servo-ventilation and maintenance of nasal and oral airways that do not extend into the trachea
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently to meet deadlines
• Ability to perform scoring, MSLT studies and generate reports using excellent written skills
• Proficient in the treatment, management, diagnostic testing, control, education and care of patients with sleep and wake disorders
• Proficient in all modalities of interventions including oxygen use, PAP devices use and education
• Ability to stand, walk and sit four (4) hours at a time
• Self-starter; driven to take action without needing prompting
• Ability to operate general office equipment (i.e., computer, printer, scanner, telephone, etc.)
• Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and other relevant software applications