Polysomnographic/Sleep Tech (RPSGT)

Overview

Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) works under the general supervision of the Sleep Center Manager and Clinical director (M.D., O.D., or PhD to provide comprehensive evaluation, testing, and treatment support for patients with sleep disorders. Responsibilities include conducting diagnostic and therapeutic polysomnographic procedures, monitoring and documenting patient sleep studies, ensuring accurate data collection and analysis, and providing patient care, education, and support throughout the testing process. The technologist collaborates with the healthcare team to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of sleep-related conditions while maintaining compliance with established clinical standards, safety guidelines, and regulatory requirements.

Demonstrates excellent customer service performance in that his/her attitude and actions are at all times consistent with the standards contained in the Vision, Mission and Values of Covenant HealthCare and the commitment to Extraordinary Care for Every Generation.

Responsibilities

Testing Preparation

• Collect, analyze and integrate patient information in order to identify and meet the patient-specific needs (Physical/mental limitations, current emotional/physiological status regarding the testing procedure, pertinent medical/social history), and to determine final testing parameters/procedures in conjunction with the ordering physician or clinical director and laboratory protocols.
• Complete and verify documentation.
• Explain pre-testing, testing, and post-testing procedures to the patient.
• Prepare and calibrate equipment required for testing to determine proper functioning and make adjustments if necessary.
• Apply electrodes and sensors according to accepted published standards.
• Perform appropriate physiologic calibrations to ensure proper signals and make adjustments if necessary.
• Perform positive airway pressure (PAP) interface device fitting.
• Evaluate sleep study related equipment and inventory.

Polysomnographic

• 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.
• Follow “lights out” procedures to establish and document baseline values (such as body position, oxyhemoglobin saturation, respiratory and heart rates, etc.)
• Perform Polysomnographic data acquisition while monitoring study-tracing quality to ensure signals are artifact-free and make adjustments, if necessary.
• Document routine observations including sleep stages and clinical events, changes in procedure, and significant events in order to facilitate scoring and interpretation of polysomnographic results.
• Implement appropriate interventions (including actions necessary for patient safety, utilization of Pharmacological Protocol Order for initiation of sleep, and therapeutic interventions such as CPAP, BPAP, ASV, and oxygen administration)
• Follow “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, surveys, discharge instructions, etc.)
• Oversees and performs difficult and unusual procedures and therapeutic interventions.

Polysomnographic Record Scoring

• Score sleep/wake stages by applying AASM professionally accepted guidelines upon successful completion of the scoring competency protocol.
• Score clinical events (such as respiratory events, cardiac events, limb movements, arousals etc.) according to center specific protocols.
• Generate accurate reports by tabulating sleep/wake and clinical event data.

Cross Departmental

• Complete recertification and licensure requirements per current BRPT policy to meet the requirements of maintaining the RPSGT credential per the Association of Polysomnographic Technologists (APT) and/or State of Michigan and the AARC.
• Participate in ongoing professional development activities such as workshops, conferences, and institutional training programs.
• Support reporting efforts for leadership and quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient information according to established practice policies and government regulations, such as HIPAA.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma and/or equivalent.
• Successful completion of an accredited educational program leading to an associate degree with an emphasis in polysomnography. Certification by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologist as a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist required and/or if lapsed, required to re-certify within six (6) months of hire.

OR

Successful completion of a polysomnography program of no less than one year duration associated with a state licensed and/or a nationally accredited educational facility or equivalent experience and documented proficiency at all competencies required of a Polysomnographic Technician. Certification by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologist as a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist required and/or if lapsed, required to re-certify within six (6) months of hire.

OR

• BLS certification required within six (6) months as a new hire or internal transfer.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Knowledge in the specialty of the practice for position.
• Ability to work and apply critical thinking skills in a fast paced, changing work environment with a focus upon patient centered care.
• Computer literate, must be able to work with an EMR system while providing patient care.
• Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain a wide variety of internal and external cooperative working relationships.
• Make decisions within scope of training and practice.
• Demonstrate effective written and spoken communication skills.
• Demonstrate appropriate social skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to analyze complex situations and apply policy.
• Demonstrates excellent telephone etiquette when talking with physicians, co-workers, vendors, visitors and patients.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to maintain punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards.
• Constant lifting up to 10 lbs.
• Constant sitting, talking, hearing and near vision.
• Frequent lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Frequent standing, stooping, twisting, reaching, handling, fingering, feeling, midrange vision, far vision, depth perception, visual accommodation, color vision and field of vision.
• Occasional lifting up to 100 lbs. or more.
• Occasional walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, kneeling, crouching, squatting, crawling, tasting and smelling.