Sleep Technologist

Overview

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

The polysomnographic technologist, under the direction of the supervisor and the Program Manager, prepares the patient, conducts overnight physiological studies polysomnograms (PSG), collects vital signs and other pertinent information to ensure proper interpretation by the physician/polysomnographer in accordance with established policies and procedures as assigned. Maintains vigilance in a non-stimulating environment and knows when to consult the supervisor physician regarding the patient's status. Attention to detail is critical since the quality of data from the PSG is solely the responsibility of the technologist.

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran

Responsibilities

• Verify patient identification, collect documents and obtain consent for the study.
• Prepares patient and or caregiver in an age appropriate manner by explaining all procedures involved in setting up the polysomnogram
• Sets up and calibrates monitoring equipment including computer interfaces.
• Measures and applies appropriate EEG electrodes, applies appropriate EKG, EMG and EOG monitoring electrodes.
• Places and securely attaches recording transducers to measure airflow, respiratory effort, oximetry, and capnography and performs physiological calibration.
• Institutes "lights out" and notes patient data, monitors the patient polysomnography, recognizes and records clinical and physiological events. such as standard sleep states notes and corrects equipment malfunctions during the PSG and alters patient's environment to insure the required sleep/wake data
• Corrects equipment malfunctions during the PSG and alters patient's environment to insure the required sleep/wake data
• Under the direction of the physician, initiates and titrates nasal CPAP therapy based on physician's orders and established protocols. Escalates concerns appropriately.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

HS diploma. 2 years patient care experience. Become registered within a year from acquiring eligible hours.

EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years in health care-related experience preferred. Successful completion of a sleep technology program, associated with a state licensed and/or a nationally accredited educational facility. A minimum of six months of experience as a sleep trainee with documented proficiency in all required competencies. In applying for position that involves pediatrics (1)

LICENSURE

Become A Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) following 1year of meeting clinical hours needed to sit for exam. Preferred: Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT), Register Sleep Technologist (RST) or NBRC Sleep Disorder Specialist (SDS)

SPECIAL SKILLS

Has the ability to understand normal cardiorespiratory, neurologic, asleep/wake physiology.

PHYSICAL DEMAND

Overnight as well as flexible shifts. Will have to commute to any of the sites as needed. If not registered in sleep by the BRPT, NBRC or AASM the training curriculum for qualification for exam will be completed by the employee within 7 months of hire. Passing the registry exam for sleep technologists will be completed within 13 months of hire. Each employee has a home base site but may be to work at any location as needed based on patient necessity. Ability to work with neonatal to adult population as required.