Job Summary:

The polysomnographic technician is responsible for providing evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders. This may involve polysomnography, diagnostic and therapeutic services, patient care and education. A polysomnographic technician can perform the duties as defines for polysomnographic technicians/technologists as defined by the American Association of Sleep Medicine.

Responsibilities:  

• Complies with all policies, procedures, and related protocols as established by the department and organization.
• Demonstrates excellent customer service to both internal and external customers through positive communications, cooperation, professional behavior, displaying of actions that customer satisfaction is the primary goal of this institution.
• Reliably performs assigned work and makes sound decisions regarding patient care.
• Adapts to constantly changing healthcare environment by recognizing opportunities for improvement and embracing change to bring about improvements.
• Exercises independent thinking, judgement, and decision making and accepts accountability and responsibility for decisions and consequences.
• Consistently uses two patient identifiers when performing any patient procedures.
• Collect, analyze and integrate patient information in order to identify the patient specific needs and to determine final testing parameters, procedures in conjunction with the ordering physician and laboratory protocols.
• Complete and verify documentation. Explain pre testing, testing, and post testing procedures to the patient. Review patient chart review.
• Prepare and calibrate equipment required for testing to determine proper functioning and make adjustments if necessary.
• Apply all electrodes, all sensors and all other monitoring equipment according to accepted standards and policies. Accurately measure and mark EEG electrode placements according to the international 10- 20 system of electrode placement. Be able to demonstrate appropriate placement of EEG electrodes, including reference and ground electrodes.
• Perform appropriate physiologic calibrations to ensure proper signals and make adjustments if necessary.
• Follow procedural protocol ie: Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), maintenance of wakefulness test (MWT), parasomnia studies, split night studies, oxygen therapy with physician pr under emergency protocol, and PAP titration to ensure collection of appropriate data.
• Follow proper lights out procedures to establish and document baseline values.
• Perform polysomnographic data acquisition while monitoring study tracing quality to ensure signals are artifact free and make adjustments if necessary.
• Follow lights on procedure to verify the integrity of collected data and the complete data collection process (repeat the physiological and instrument calibrations and instructs the patient on completing the questionnaires.)
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and provide specific care and treatment, assessment and education or adolescent, adult and geriatric care.
• For PAP titration and split night studies, must have knowledge of different mask types and the fitting of each.
• Oversees and performs difficult and unusual procedures and therapeutic intervention.
• Demonstrates effective verbal and written skills.
• Comply with the board of registered polysomnographic technologists (BRPT) standards of conduct.
• Perform routine equipment care and maintenance.
• Evaluate sleep related equipment and inventory.
• Demonstrate knowledge of operation or pulse oximeter device, ie. Recognize artifact, accuracy of reading etc.
• Identify when to initiate supplemental oxygen.
• Monitor ECG for cardiac arrhythmias.
• Monitor EEG to assure quality of signals.
• Accurately identify sleep stages, sleep onset, arousals, awakenings, and sleep fragmentation. Identify leg movements.
• Define appropriate high/low frequency filters, sensitivity/gain settings for various signals.
• Describe the minimum requirements for audio/visual recording during PSG.
• Utilize the appropriate devices and explain the function of: Polygraph, oximeter, audio/video equipment, electrodes, thermistors, thermocouples, pressure transducers, effort sensors, cannulas, snoring sensors, body position sensors.
• Evaluate patient and adjust approach to meet individual learning, communication, and other needs following sleep center protocols; Readiness to learn/ mental age, ability to communicate, physical, emotional and cultural needs.
• Maintain a log of equipment maintenance checks, document equipment replacement according to center policy.
• Demonstrate the ability to educate the patient about OSA
• Demonstrates adherence to AASM scoring parameters for respiratory events and participates in the inter-scorer reliability program and achieved a passing score in which the center has determined.

Education Requirements

• Current Registered Respiratory Therapist/ Certified Respiratory Therapist license in Ohio
• Completion of a sleep certification training program associated with the American Association of sleep medicine.
• 2 years of experience in sleep medicine.
• Holds the RPSGT credential 
• Holds and is current with the BLS and ACLS certifications
• Maintains all certifications, licenses, and registration as required by all boards.

Required Skills/Abilities:

· Excellent analytical and writing skills. 

· Strong computer skills to include Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and database products. 

· Must be highly motivated and willing to assume additional jobs and duties as needed. 

· Must be able to handle stress of working efficiently with frequent interruptions and distractions. 

· Hours must be flexible to accommodate for needs of patients other unscheduled events. 

· Must be able to prioritize tasks and adhere to strict deadlines. 

Physical Requirements: 

· Sitting 3-6 hours a day 

· Wrist deviation (side to side and up and down) 3-6 hours a day 

· Occasionally lift/carry up to 35 pounds 

· Occasionally be exposed to hazardous chemicals or infections