POSITION DETAILS

Per diem, no benefits; variable hours per pay period, shifts would be either 6:30pm to 6:30am or 6:30am to 6:30pm.

JOB SUMMARY

The Polysomnographic Technologist works under the general supervision of the clinical director 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.

MAJOR JOB FUNCTION

• Contact patient to arrange polysomnogram and send informational letter/packet.
• Reviews patient’s medical history, allergies, current medication, and patient questionnaire.
• Explain to each patient the basic principles of CPAP, BiPAP, and Auto Servo Ventilation (ASV) and why it is needed and explains procedures to patient before, during and after sleep study.
• Knowledgeable of Sleep Lab equipment, its function and purpose including calibration.
• Performs patient set-up: attaches electrodes and monitors to patient according to accepted standards.
• Measure each patient for the correct size CPAP mask.
• Monitors patient via video for any unusual sleep behaviors.  Records observations of patient throughout the sleep study at specific time intervals and as appropriate.
• Identify respiratory events for the qualification of a CPAP/BiPAP trial.
• Knowledgeable of protocols for PAP therapy, MSLT/MWT and oxygen therapy.  Implements appropriate therapeutic interventions as needed. Titrate Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)/Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) for sleep apnea if appropriate.
• Identify Periodic Leg Movements (PLS’s) and mark accordingly.
• Score each sleep study to include stages of sleep, arousals, respiratory events and PLM’s.
• Prepare preliminary report for the sleep provider.
• Schedule Out-of-Center Sleep Testing (OCST) for patients that qualify for this type of testing.
• Assist in Sleep Clinic, track QA measures, data entry, chart assembly and arrange home care set-ups.
• Inventory and keep sleep center supplied with appropriate equipment as well as monthly equipment checks on CPAP/BiPAP machines.  Maintains and operates all Sleep Lab equipment safely and correctly.  Inspects and tests Sleep Lab equipment to ensure that it is functioning safely and efficiently
• All other duties as assigned.

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR

• WORK ETHICS STANDARD: Affirm a commitment to making the Tomah Health work environment better through: patient advocacy, continuing education, and valuation of each individual person.
• COMMUNICATION STANDARD: Affirm a commitment to use open and honest communication with all Tomah Health customers (in-house & community-wide) through: basic customer courtesy (phone, written, face to face) and active listening.
• TEAMWORK STANDARD: Affirm a commitment to be a proud, dependable Tomah Health TEAM member through: basic customer courtesy, patient advocacy, flexibility, and valuation of each individual person.
• QUALITY STANDARD: Affirm a commitment to provide respectful, compassionate, quality care with integrity to all Tomah Health customers (in-house & community-wide) through: job excellence, patient advocacy, and self-dignity.
• PROFESSIONALISM STANDARD: Affirm a commitment to professional conduct towards all Tomah Health customers (in-house & community-wide) through: collaboration, teamwork, appearance, environment, and valuation of each individual person.
• ATTITUDE STANDARD: Affirm a commitment to maintain a positive, professional perspective towards all Tomah Health customers (in-house & community-wide) through: honest feedback, confidentiality, basic customer courtesy, and valuation of each individual person.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Successful completion of a polysomnography program accredited by the CAAHEP or CoARC with the polysomnography specialty option or A-STEP introductory program and modules.
• Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) Certification required within one year from date of hire.
• Current certification in BLS required within 90 days of hire.
• 1-2 years of clinical experience in Sleep Medicine preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent human relation skills as demonstrated by the ability to interface positively with all customers and employees.
• Must acquire the knowledge and maintain established competency levels to perform essential professional practice.
• Must have proficient computer skills with the ability to operate within a Windows environment.
• Must have the ability to work with frequent interruptions, under stress, with minimal supervision, and to exercise initiative and judgment in analyzing, organizing, planning, prioritizing, scheduling and coordinating work with others.
• Needs to possess as high level of intelligence, integrity, sense of responsibility and ability to comprehend and analyze details.
• Ability to operate and handle many kinds of complex equipment.
• Ability to demonstrate clinical competence and maintain current knowledge in caring for all age specific patients.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, and talk and hear. 
• The Polysomnographic Technologist is frequently required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms.  The Polysomnographic Technologist is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel or crouch.
• The Polysomnographic Technologist must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Good hearing is necessary to receive detailed information through oral communication and to make fine discriminations in sound.
• Visual acuity is needed to assess color changes, to verify accuracy of written materials.
• Computer/keyboard skills required.  Must have the ability to operate in a Windows environment.