Polysomnographic Technologist

Job Summary:

The Polysomnographic Technologist is responsible for laboratory set-up, patient hook-ups and performing and evaluating ambulatory and overnight polysomnograms. Functions independently to safety operate sophisticated medical equipment to record sleep and wake physiology. Expected to work as a team member to perform any and all of the tasks required of each shift. Each technologist is critical to the functioning of the whole team. Task sequence, methods, and procedures are set according to international standards guidelines and standards, and Sleep Clinic policy and procedures. The Polysomnographic Technologist is expected to maintain a schedule which includes day, evening or night shifts.

Essential Responsibilities:

Laboratory

• Reviews existing patient medical information, verifies physician orders prior to data collection, and implements lab protocols and procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge regarding common sleep disorders.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and ability to perform standard testing procedures.
• Performs laboratory computer equipment calibrations correctly and in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the theory and operation of polygraphs.
• Demonstrates knowledgeable regarding the theory and operation of ancillary devices.
• Utilizes sleep clinic montages in an appropriate manner.
• Demonstrates the ability to troubleshoot technical problems in an effective and timely manner.

Patient Hook Up

• Distributes ambulatory equipment.
• instructs patients regarding hook-up procedure and testing process for overnight testing.
• Accurately and securely applies electrodes and sensors to patient, using universal standards, and according to clinic policy and procedures.
• Accurately and safety inserts Pes according to clinic policy and procedures.
• Appropriately fits patient for nasal mask during titration tests.

Data Acquisition

• Performs data acquisition and collection procedures according to established protocols and procedures.
• Correctly recognizes and eliminates artifact during data collection to meet quality standards.Provides medications to patients per physician orders and according to policy and procedures.
• Appropriately responds to patient care needs.
• Performs CPAP and Bi-level titrations according to Sleep Clinic policy and procedures.
• Provides comprehensive technologist notes, and log sheets during polysomnograhic testing procedures.
• Generates a comprehensive technologist report to reflect testing procedures, patient testing outcomes, and environmental influences.
• Conducts urine screen according to policy and procedure.

Safety and Infection Prevention

• Follows Infection Prevention policies and procedures.
• Practices universal precautions.
• Reports unsafe condition, immediately.
• Follows guidelines for emergency response during sleep recordings and/or testing procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the emergency resuscitation procedure.
• Appropriately reprocesses packages and prepares supplies, according to Sleep Clinic policy and procedures for supply processing.

Patient Care

• Seeks resources for direction, when necessary.
• Adjusts communication to match special age-specific needs (i.e. may need to increase volume for hearing impaired older patients).
• Adjusts practice/selects equipment to accommodate age-specific needs
• Demonstrates acceptance of patient and family regardless of race, gender, disease process, life-style, sexual orientation, religious or cultural beliefs.
• Responds with patient and non-patient emergencies according to policies and procedures.
• Assists in conducting educational in-services to patients relating to procedure and equipment.Demonstrates ability to provide patient follow-up care and information in an efficient and timely manner.
• Maintains patient privacy.

Management of Information

• Manages information utilizing appropriate manual or electronic systems.
• Demonstrates knowledge and proficiency with file management system.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Documents clinical information accurately and completely and within specified time.
• Adequately displays attention to detail in the laboratory environment.
• Demonstrates the ability to analyze data in a methodical, detail oriented, organized and timely manner.
• Maintains an expected competency rate of one and half (1 1/2) hours per file for data analysis.
• Reviews consults and books appointments.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

N/A

Grade: 620

Basic Qualifications:

Experience

• Two years experience as a Medical Assistant or other equivalent related health care experience. Twelve to Eighteen months experience in the field of Polysomnography required. Demonstrated proven knowledge and competency in all aspects of Polysomnographic testing and procedures. Computer proficiency and attention to detail required. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills required. Ability to work independently and accomplish a multitude of tasks within a team structure. Ability to communicate effectively with all hospital staff, physicians, and the general public.

Education

• High school diploma OR General Education Diploma (GED) required.
• Graduation from a polysomnographic educational program approved by the Medical Board of California required.

License, Certification, Registration

• Polysomnographic Technologist Registration (California)
• Polysomnographic Technologist Certificate
• Basic Life Support

Additional Requirements

• Medical Assistant Certificate or other related Health Care experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Aptitude in utilizing standard laboratory equipment preferred.
• Some college preferred.