Polysomnography Tech

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.

VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.

SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Educational and Certification Requirements

The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of an associate's degree in polysomnography - or - successful completion of a polysomnography program of no less than one year duration at a state licensed and/or nationally accredited educational facility or equivalent experience and documented proficiency at all competencies required of a Sleep Technician. Must be certified (or eligible) as a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) or Registered Sleep Technologist (RST), Sleep Disorders Specialty (SDS).

Job Duties

• Gathers and analyzes patient information and prepares for patient testing by:
  • Collecting, analyzing and integrating patient information in order to identify and meet the patient's specific needs (physical/mental limitations, current emotional/physiological status regarding the testing procedure, pertinent medical/social history).
  • Utilizing patient information to determine final testing parameters/procedures in conjunction with the ordering physician and/or medical director and laboratory protocols.
  • Completing and verifying documentation.
  • Explaining pre-testing, testing and post-testing procedures to the patient.
  • Preparing and calibrating equipment required for testing to determine proper functioning and making adjustments if necessary.
  • Applying electrodes and sensors according to accepted published standards.
  • Performing appropriate physiologic calibrations to ensure proper signals and to make adjustments if necessary.
  • Performing positive airway pressure (PAP) mask fitting.
  • Evaluating sleep study-related equipment to ensure proper function.
  • Maintaining an adequate inventory of supplies.
  • Responding to study participant's procedural-related inquiries by providing appropriate information.
• Performs polysomnographic, diagnostic and therapeutic services in accordance with established department policies and procedures by:
  • Following procedural protocols (such as multiple sleep latency test, maintenance of wakefulness test, parasomnia studies, PAP, oxygen titration, and Home Tests etc.) to ensure collection of appropriate data.
  • Following "lights out" procedures to establish and document baseline values (such as body position, oxyhemoglobin saturation, respiratory and heart rates, etc.).
  • Performing polysomnographic data acquisition while monitoring study-tracing quality to ensure signals are artifact-free and make adjustments, if necessary.
  • Documenting routine observations including sleep stages and clinical events, changes in procedure and significant events in order to facilitate scoring and interpretation of polysomnographic results.
  • Implementing appropriate interventions (including actions necessary for patient safety and therapeutic intervention such as continuous and bi-level positive airway pressure, oxygen administration, etc.).
  • Following "lights on" procedures to verify integrity of collected data and complete the data collection process (repeats the physiological and instrument calibrations and instructs the patient on completing questionnaires, etc.).
• Oversees and performs difficult and unusual procedures and therapeutic interventions.
• Complies with applicable laws, regulations, guidelines and standards regarding safety and infection control issues.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's Six-Point Operating System

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.