Polysomnographer​/Sleep Tech

Polysomnographic Technologist - Nights

Under the supervision of the Sleep Laboratory Coordinator, performs state-of-the-art testing for a wide variety of sleep disorders and circadian rhythm abnormalities. Ensures accurate data collection and analysis and explains appropriate treatment options in a timely, professional manner in a patient-based clinical laboratory setting.

Department:
Neurology Sleep Lab

Schedule:

Part Time, 24 Hours, Nights

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

Prepares patient prior to testing to ensure state-of-the-art testing in compliance with current standards in the field as evaluated by the sleep lab coordinator through observation, phone contact and periodic auditing.

• Obtains a pre- and post-sleep questionnaire from each patient and reviews to determine appropriate testing procedures.
• Interviews the patient directly as needed to clarify history and obtain additional information in a timely manner.
• Measures and marks head according to the International 10-20 System and marks all other applicable anatomical locations and landmarks to ensure proper placement of electrodes in a timely manner.
• Checks integrity of electrodes and respiratory monitors prior to testing to ensure high quality performance.
• Troubleshoots equipment and replaces electrodes in a timely manner.
• Applies electrodes to pre-determined sites using collodion, tape, and pre-gelled electrodes. Positions oximeter, effort monitors and thermistors accurately.
• Calibrates recording equipment and documents equipment settings on recording to ensure proper functioning of recording system.
• Calibrates oximeter and respiratory monitors in accordance with laboratory standards in a timely manner
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age groups of adolescent, and geriatric patients regularly served.
• Notifies supervisor when patients in age groups not regularly served are present, and seeks assistance from individuals with the knowledge of the specialized needs of such patient age groups.
• Transports or assists patients or selected equipment to various locations within the hospital. Performs testing in other departments as needed.

Operates a wide variety of physiological recording equipment in an appropriate manner to ensure quality diagnostic testing.

• Obtains a quality signal on polygraph/EEG machine and optic disc recording system.
• Adjusts filters and sensitivity to ensure accurate and appropriate data collection.
• Reports equipment failures to Coordinator the morning following the study.
• Maintains an accurate signal on the oximeter and documents saturation at least every half hour.
• Recognizes poor quality signal artifact and repositions probe in a timely manner, as observed by the lab coordinator and medical director of the laboratory.
• Fits patients for CPAP masks and applies CPAP pressure, as requested by the Medical Director and/or referring physician.
• Documents required patient information on the recording and on the event sheet, with no more than three variances per week.
• Identifies and attempts to eliminate all unwanted artifact of a physiological or non-physiological nature, and documents all artifacts and control measures on the recording, as observed by the coordinator by record review on a daily basis, with no more than two serious variances per week.
• Operates the laboratorys computer data collection system and archives raw data following collection.
• Provides morning printout of oximetry data collected during the night.
• Analyzes patient data from polysomonographs as requested, by use of the CNS computerized assisted scoring system or manually when computer scoring is not feasible.
• Assists with MSLTs (Multiple Sleep Latency Testing) as requested.
• Troubleshoots difficulties and maintains…