Sleep (Polysomnographic) Technologist

Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Sleep Technologist is a multi-skilled individual working under the general supervision of the Sleep Center Director to provide comprehensive evaluation of sleep disorders including in center and home sleep apnea testing, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, comprehensive patient care and direct patient education. The Sleep Technologist is credentialed in sleep technology and is able to provide oversight of other Sleep Center staff. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify self verbally and by wearing name badge at all times while on duty. 
• Greet patients with courtesy and respect. Answer questions and direct requests appropriately and efficiently.
• Inspect and maintain sleep study related equipment and inventory.
• Perform routine equipment care and maintenance and inventory evaluation. 
• Respond to sleep patient procedural-related inquiries by providing appropriate education utilizing Sleep Center specific protocols.
• Review and evaluate sleep studies and provide appropriate feedback to staff. 
• Adhere to Sleep Center policies and procedures.  
• Participate in the Sleep Center quality assurance program. 
• Perform duties documented below as well as any other duties as assigned.

Sleep Study Preparation and Set-up

• Collect, analyze, and integrate patient information to identify and meet the patient-specific needs (physical/mental limitations, current emotional/physiological status regarding the testing procedure, pertinent medical/social history).
• Determine final testing parameters/procedures in conjunction with the ordering physician*.
• Review the patient’s history and verify the medical order.
• Follow Sleep Center protocols related to the sleep study.
• When patient arrives, verify identification, collect documents, and obtain consent for the study.
• Explain the procedure and orient the patient for either in center or home sleep apnea testing (HSAT).
• Provide age-appropriate patient education.
• Select appropriate equipment and calibrate for testing to determine proper functioning and adjust if necessary.
• Apply electrodes and sensors according to accepted published standards.
• Perform routine positive airway pressure (PAP) interface fitting and desensitization.

Sleep Study Procedures

• Follow procedural protocols [such as Polysomnogram (PSG), Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), parasomnia studies, PAP and oxygen titration, etc.].
• Perform appropriate physiological calibrations to ensure proper signals and make required adjustments.
• Follow “lights out” procedures to establish and document baseline values (such as body position, oxyhemoglobin saturation, respiratory and heart rates, etc.).
• Perform data acquisition while monitoring study-tracing quality to ensure signals are artifact-free. Identify, correct, and document artifact. 
• Document routine observations, including sleep stages and clinical events, changes in procedure, and other significant events to facilitate scoring and interpretation of polysomnographic results. 
• Implement appropriate interventions (including actions necessary for patient safety and therapeutic intervention such as positive airway pressure, oxygen administration, etc.).
• Follow “lights on” procedures to verify integrity of collected data and complete the data collection process (e.g., repeat the physiological and instrument calibrations and instruct the patient on completing questionnaires, checking for completeness, etc.).
• Score sleep/wake stages by applying professionally accepted guidelines. 
• Score clinical events such as respiratory events, cardiac events, limb movements, arousals, etc., utilizing American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) standards. 
• Generate accurate reports by tabulating sleep/wake and clinical event data.
• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to perform portable monitoring equipment preparation (HSAT) and data download. 
• Perform patient education and instruction appropriate for home sleep apnea testing. 
• Demonstrate adherence to cleaning and disinfection procedures.
• Monitor patient safety and adhere to patient safety protocols.
• Demonstrate adherence to AASM scoring parameter, identify artifact, inadequate signals and equipment failures and generate an accurate report. 

CORPORATE CULTURE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Follow established corporate and department-specific policies and procedures.
• Attend all corporate and department-specific required training.
• Uphold MCC’s Purpose, Values, and Vision.
• Abide by MCC’s Corporate Culture Responsibilities. 
• Perform other duties as may be assigned cheerfully and willingly.

Requirements

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Successful completion of an accredited educational program leading to a certificate or associate degree with an emphasis in sleep technology. 
• Successful completion of a sleep technology program associated with a state licensed and/or a nationally accredited educational facility or equivalent experience and documented proficiency for all competencies required of a sleep technician.
• Certification by a nationally recognized certification board and hold the Certified Polysomnographic Sleep Technologist (CPSGT), Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT), or Sleep Disorders Specialist (SDS) credential. 
• Must hold and maintain current CPR or BLS certification. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Display customer service skills, strong interpersonal skills, close attention to detail, and excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Follow all corporate policies.
• Comply with applicable laws, regulations, guidelines and standards regarding safety and infection control issues.
• Follow HIPAA and privacy policies. 
• Comply with professional standard of conduct. 
• Assist with any other aspects of sleep center operations for which qualified as requested.
• Display customer services skills, strong interpersonal skills, close attention to detail, and excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Be a person of integrity and character, willing to embrace change and make a positive impact in the lives of patients and co-workers.
• Ability to work with staff members at all levels of the organization in a cooperative, team-oriented manner.
• Display computer proficiency (i.e. PC windows and MS Office environment) and ability to quickly learn new applications. 
• Preferred knowledge of operating electronic health records (EHR) systems.
• Proficient in use of English language both in written and verbal communication. 
• Must be able to communicate with individuals of varying socio-economic backgrounds.
• Good visual acuity, including color discrimination, is required. 
• Ability to work in hazardous and biohazardous areas. 
• Ability to work in an area in close proximity to other employees. 
• Display ability to give full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Professional demeanor and recognition of privacy considerations for patients and families.
• Ability to accurately prioritize multiple tasks.    

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Strength (lift/carry/push/pull): the employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Sedentary (exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally).
• Standing/Walking: Occasionally; activity exists up to 1/3 of the time.
• Keyboarding/Dexterity: Frequently; activity exits from 3/4 of the time.
• Ability to look at a computer screen for extended periods. 
• Ability to perform constant repetitive hands and finger motion. 
• Ability to work in various positions (standing, sitting, bending, and walking) for extended periods of time during both an 8-hour and a 10-hour workday. 
• Talking (Must be able to effectively communicate verbally): Yes.
• Seeing: Yes; specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Hearing: Yes.

EMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Must exhibit stable work behaviors daily.
• Must possess adequate individual coping skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional regardless of workload or time constraints.   
• Must be able to work under stress and remain calm and professional.    

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Exposed to frequent and constant interruptions in daily functions/schedule. 
• Must be available to patients and staff throughout the shift worked. 
• Required to work extended hours to meet deadlines and to participate in various assigned committees. 
• In the performance of this job, may be exposed to chemical vapors such as cleaning and disinfecting solutions there may also be skin contact with these substances. May also be exposed to infectious agents including bloodborne pathogens.