PURPOSE OF POSITION:

A Polysomnographic Technologist works under the general supervision of the clinical director (M.D., D.O., or PhD) or designee to provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders. This may involve polysomnography, diagnostic and therapeutic services or patient care and education. A Polysomnographic Technologist can perform the duties defined for a Polysomnographic Technician and may provide supervision of other staff.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS:

Collect, analyze, and integrate patient information in order to identify and meet the patient-specific needs (Physical/mental limitations, current emotional/physiological status regarding the testing procedure, pertinent medical/social history), and to determine final testing parameters/procedures in conjunction with the ordering physician or clinical director and laboratory protocols. Complete and verify documentation. Explain pre-testing, testing, and post-testing procedures to the patient.

Testing Preparation Procedures

Prepare and calibrate equipment required for testing to determine proper functioning and make adjustments if necessary. Apply electrodes and sensors according to accepted published standards. Perform appropriate physiological calibrations to ensure proper signal and make adjustments if necessary. Perform positive airway pressure (PAP) mask fitting.

Polysomnographic Procedures

Follow procedural protocols {such as Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), parasomnia studies, PAP, oxygen titration etc.} to ensure collection of appropriate data. Follow “lights out” procedures to establish and document baseline values (such as body position, oxyhemoglobin saturation, respiratory, and heart rates etc.) Perform Polysomnographic data acquisition while monitoring study-tracing quality to ensure signals are artifact-free and make adjustments, if necessary. Document routine observations including sleep stages and clinical events, changes in procedure, and significant events in order to facilitate scoring and interpretation of polysomnographic results.

Polysomnographic Technologist

Implement appropriate interventions (including actions necessary for patient safety and therapeutic interventions such as continuous and bi-level positive airway pressure, oxygen administration, etc.). Follow “light on” procedures to verify integrity of collected data and complete the data collection process (repeats the physiological and instrument calibrations and instructs the patient on completing questionnaires, etc.). Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and provide age specific care in the treatment, assessment, and education of adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients. Oversees and performs difficult and unusual procedures and therapeutic interventions.

Polysomnographic Record Scoring

Score sleep/wake stages by applying professionally accepted guidelines. Score clinical events (such as respiratory events, cardiac events, limb movements, arousals, etc.) according to center specific protocols. Generate accurate reports by tabulating sleep/wake and clinical event data.

Service Management and Professional Issues

Comply with applicable laws, regulations, guidelines, and standards regarding safety and infection control issues. Perform routine and complex equipment care and maintenance. Evaluate sleep study related equipment and inventory. Maintain current CPR or BCLS certification. Demonstrate effective written and spoken communication skills. Demonstrate appropriate social skills. Respond to study participant’s procedural-related inquiries by providing appropriate information. Comply with the BRPT Standards of Conduct.

 

The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principle functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent to this position.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status.  AultCare is an Affirmative Action employer.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:  High School graduate or higher level of education Satisfactory completion of a polysomnography program of no less than one-year duration OR satisfactory completion of an A-STEP introductory course/final exam with a state licensed and/or nationally accredited educational facility. Certified by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologist as a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPGST) or will obtain within a minimum of 18 months after hire, if eligible. Must meet the minimum hours of work in this field to be eligible to complete registry exam. Must have current BLS. Demonstrates ability to understand and utilize computer systems. Demonstrates positive interpersonal skills. Function independently, have flexibility, and ability to work with all levels of personnel. Demonstrates professional conduct in the clinical setting.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Normally works twelve-hour nights, may rotate to day shift, and assist to meet the patient’s needs. Shifts will occur Monday- Saturday nights 6:30pm-7:00am; with a weekend rotation. Lunch and break periods must be coordinated with other staff members to maintain adequate office staffing during departmental operating hours. Sitting/standing/moving about intermittently during working hours. Subject to frequent interruptions and changes in priority of duties throughout the shift. Physical requirements may be but not limited to standing, walking, bending, and lifting/carrying up to 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust to focus. Will work under the direction of the Physician. Computer use on a daily basis. Expected to adhere to policies and procedures. Expected to fulfill position description requirements. Works with highly confidential data and situations; maintain HIPPA. Hazardous Exposure Category: 1

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS ADDENDUM:

 

Purpose: To identify specific functions job requirements and work environment factors that could affect job performance.

 

Check all factors that are present as essential job requirements and check whether the factor is performed.

 

O = Occasionally = 0- 33% of the work shift or   0- 32   repetitions.

F = Frequently = 34-66% of the work shift or 32-200+ repetitions.   

C = Constantly = 67-100% of the work shift or 200+ repetitions.

N = Not essential job requirement.

 

F          Standing

O         Walking

O         Lifting (50 pounds)

O         Carrying (50 pounds)

O         Pushing (50 pounds)

O         Climbing with (50 pounds)

O         Stooping/Bending

O         Twisting/Turning

O         Kneeling/Squatting

O         Crawling

F          Reaching Up/Reaching Forward

 

Additional information concerning physical requirements for the position:

HAZARDOUS EXPOSURE CATEGORY:

            Category I – tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues.