Polysomnographic Technologist (Credentialed)

Sleep Study Preparation and Set-up

• Collect, analyze and integrate patient information in order to identify and meet the patient-specific needs.
• Determine final testing parameters/procedures in conjunction with the ordering physician or clinical director and laboratory protocols.
• 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 out of center sleep testing.
• Select appropriate equipment and calibrate for testing to determine proper functioning and make adjustments, 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 Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), parasomnia studies, PAP, oxygen titration etc.] to ensure collection of appropriate data.
• 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 in order 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 instructs 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 AASM standards.
• Generate accurate reports by tabulating sleep/wake and clinical event data.

Service Management and Essential Skills

• Comply with applicable laws, regulations, guidelines and standards regarding safety and infection control issues.
• Perform routine equipment care and maintenance and inventory evaluation.
• Maintain current CPR or BCLS certification.
• Demonstrate computer skills appropriate for the position.
• Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrate appropriate social skills.
• Demonstrate customer service skills.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrate teamwork skills.
• Follow HIPAA policies to maintain the privacy and security of patient information.
• Respond to sleep patient's procedural-related inquiries by providing appropriate information.
• Provide patient education utilizing sleep center specific protocols.
• Adhere to sleep center policies related to quality assurance.
• Evaluate sleep study related equipment and inventory.
• Review and evaluate sleep studies and provide feedback to staff.
• Demonstrate the ability to analyze complex situations and apply policy.
• Comply with professional standards of conduct.
• Aid the medical director and/or manager in all aspects of sleep center operations.
• Maintain required CEUs per year, per AASM guidelines.