Sr Polysomnographic Technologist

About the role

At Houston Methodist, the Senior Polysomnographic Technologist position is an experienced and fully competent Polysomnographic Technologist who works under the general supervision of clinical/medical director or designee to provide for comprehensive evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders. This position performs advanced duties including the scoring of sleep studies and preparation of preliminary report for physician interpretation, completing the process for the final report once signed off by the physician. The Senior Polysomnographic Technologist conducts sleep studies, including advanced and complex procedures, performing polysomnography, diagnostic and therapeutic services and participates in quality improvement initiatives, developing and teaching in-services/programs for others, serves as a mentor and resource to Polysomnographic Technologists and students by utilizing skills and knowledge to help train and achieve optimum performance levels. This position works independently exercising sound judgment and executing above average clinical skills on challenging procedures and patient care situations, delivering exceptional patient care and adhering to standards and guidelines established by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT), American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and Houston Methodist to ensure optimal patient safety and customer service.

Responsibilities

• Performs all procedures related to sleep studies including diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, Multiple Sleep Latency Testing (MSLT), Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), Parasomnia studies, Pulmonary Artery Pressure (PAP) and oxygen titration, etc.
• Ensures collection of appropriate data and in accordance with established protocols and policies and procedures.
• Performs difficult and unusual procedures and therapeutic interventions; analyzing complex situations, taking appropriate actions.
• Educates patients in sleep study procedures, responding to questions and ensuring all paperwork and consent forms are completed.
• Evaluates the patient’s comprehension and adapts teaching methods accordingly.
• Coordinates various activities within the polysomnography department and assumes other duties, in the absence of a team lead or as assigned.
• Serves as a resource for department-related needs such as: specialty equipment or software implementation.
• Performs polysomnographic data acquisition while monitoring study-tracing quality to ensure signals are artifact-free.
• Establishes and documents baseline values, observations, sleep stages, clinical events, position changes and other significant events.
• Verifies integrity of collected data and completes the data collection process, e.g., repeats the physiological and instrument calibrations and instructs the patient on completing questionnaires, etc.
• Troubleshoots, calibrates and performs preventive maintenance and quality control on all equipment per department guidelines, documenting activities.
• Evaluates sleep study related equipment, reporting and documenting malfunctions.
• Scores sleep studies including Home Sleep Studies according to guidelines established by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and department policies and procedures.
• Prepares the preliminary detailed polysomnographic report for physician interpretation and completes the process for the final report once physician sign-off accomplished.
• Utilizes clinical judgement, using an analytical approach.
• Assists with implementation and teaching of department-based safety initiatives and standards of practice.
• Reports “near misses” and inputs errors promptly into Patient Safety Net to improve processes.
• Identifies trends and opportunities for corrective action and process improvement, providing recommendations.
• Accurately documents all patient care and polysomnography-related activities and procedures in the appropriate documentation system.
• Enters charges at the time service is delivered.
• Evaluates and reports on inventory levels.
• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies.
• Self-motivates to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, optimizing efficiency and other areas according to department specifications.

Qualifications

• Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section
• Three years experience as a Polysomnographic Technologist in a Sleep Disorders laboratory/center

Licenses and Certifications

• Required BLS – Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) – American Heart Association
• Must have one of the following certifications:
  • RPSGT – Registered Polysomnographer Technologist (BRPT)
  • RRT-SDS – Registered Respiratory Therapist Sleep Disorder Specialty (NBRC)

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Possesses competent computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital / Sleep Study Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and exam documents
• Ability to work independently; capable of handling challenging/difficult procedures and patient care situations; demonstrates sound judgment and executes above average clinical skills
• Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including, organizing work flow and actively participating in problem-solving and excellent time management skills

Work Attire

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: No
• Other (department approved): Yes

Travel

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area: Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area: No