Overview

Patients come to our sleep disorders center in search of a cause for their sleeplessness in the hopes of much-needed relief. From infants to geriatrics, our patients will rely on your compassion and expertise. Your role as a polysomnography tech will greatly assist in the performance of studies of sleep and related disorders, and your skills will help to fulfill the Legacy mission of making life better for others.

Responsibilities

Develops and maintains competency and knowledge in all procedures and equipment.

Operates polysomnographic equipment accurately, efficiently and confidently.

Consistently utilizes knowledge to make professional judgments that contribute to quality studies and patient care.

Performs all procedures. Quality recordings, staging and scoring studies per individual Legacy site expectations. Equipment set-ups and troubleshooting are accomplished accurately and efficiently according to department and national standards.

Performs high quality, accurate recordings. Staging and Scoring is performed at acceptable levels according to department and national standards. Dispenses and fits CPAP and Bi PAP equipment; accurately troubleshoots equipment problems. Performs troubleshooting and minor repairs of diagnostic equipment to maintain good working order.

Job responsibilities are performed in accordance with written standards and professional judgment to assure a safe and orderly environment for patients, staff and self.

Consistently practices universal precautions and utilizes safe body mechanics to avoid injury to self or others. Maintains a clean, safe and orderly environment. Identifies hazards and reports problems.

Accurate and timely service to customers is provided.

Gathers complete information related to patient demographics, insurance, testing and equipment needs. Documents all information in a timely and efficient manner. Conveys appropriate information to physicians/other staff/patients/others in accurate, timely manner.

Professional appearance, conduct, dependability and attitude leads to coworker and customer respect and confidence.

Presents a professional image of competency to customers and staff. Maintains professional standards of communication, confidentiality, and problem resolution. Handles stressful situations in such a way as to promote positive outcomes. Seeks to enhance knowledge and skills.

Electrodes are applied correctly and consistently.

Measures and accurately applies electrodes in a timely manner, according to the International 10-20 System or modified placements consistent with Sleep Laboratory policy. Ensures that electrode impedances meet laboratory standards.

Maintains and keeps equipment clean and in proper working order.

Maintains knowledge of appropriate calibrations and how to make adjustments. Demonstrates ability to troubleshoot equipment problems and repair them or report them to the supervisor promptly.

Assures adequate supply clean acquisition supplies.

Performs polysomnograms according to laboratory standards.

Performs and scores routine MSLT recordings on adolescent, adult and geriatric patients, ensuring high recording quality with appropriate instrument adjustments and verification.

May be required to score a minimum of one study on night shift per individual Legacy site expectation.

May be required to score a minimum of 4-5 studies on day shift per individual Legacy site expectation.

Recognizes and differentiates patient and environmental artifacts.

Documents, eliminates and/or takes proper measures to monitor various patient and/or environmental artifacts.

Documents patient activity during procedure.

Documents patient activity clearly and consistently; maintains clear, concise records from chart notes.

Accurate charges and record keeping is performed to insure proper billing.

Demonstrates basic knowledge of CPAP and BiPAP equipment and supplies.

Administers oxygen and nasal CPAP as prescribed by the patient’s physician. Provides patient and family education regarding use of CPAP and Bi PAP equipment and accessories. Provides patient and family education for troubleshooting problems with equipment use at home.

Possesses knowledge of appropriate actions to take during emergency situations and ensures patient safety at all times.

Maintains education and knowledge of hospital procedures concerning: cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), fire safety, electrical safety, hazardous materials containment and communication, emergency preparedness, infection control, bloodborne pathogens and conscious sedation.

Attains additional knowledge and enhances skills in polysomnographic testing.

Demonstrates initiative through continued education and self-learning opportunities.

Accurately stages and scores polysomnograms in a timely manner per individual Legacy site expectation.

Able to accept and transcribe verbal and telephone orders from ordering physicians.

Actively participates in training and orientation of new staff.

Qualifications

Education:  High School graduate with a strong background in science.

Experience: Recent experience in polysomnography preferred.

Skills:  Basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and technical equipment. Keyboard skills and ability to navigate electronic systems applicable to job functions.

LEGACY’S VALUES IN ACTION:

Follows guidelines set forth in Legacy’s Values in Action.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled

Licensure

Licensure/Certification: Current R.PSG.T or SDS (sleep disorders specialty exam) required. For respiratory care practitioners performing this job in Washington, a current Washington Respiratory Care Practitioner license required. For employees performing this job in Oregon, either a current Oregon Polysomnographic Technologist or a current Oregon Respiratory Care Practitioner license is required. CPR required