Travel Polysomnographic Technologist

Conducting Sleep Studies (Polysomnography):

• Set up and prepare equipment for sleep studies, including EEG, EMG, EOG, ECG, respiratory effort, and oxygen saturation monitoring.
• Apply electrodes and sensors to the patient’s body to measure various physiological signals during sleep.
• Monitor the patient throughout the study, ensuring proper equipment functioning and patient comfort.
• Observe and record sleep stages, apnea episodes, limb movements, and other abnormalities related to sleep disorders.
• Ensure accurate collection and quality of sleep study data for further interpretation by physicians or sleep specialists.

Patient Preparation and Care:

• Greet and explain the sleep study procedure to patients, ensuring they understand what will happen during the test.
• Assist patients with getting comfortable and positioning them correctly for the study.
• Provide a calming environment and help patients relax to ensure they can sleep during the test.
• Monitor patient comfort and safety, adjusting the equipment or positioning as necessary throughout the night.
• Respond promptly to any patient concerns or discomfort during the study.

Equipment Setup and Maintenance:

• Set up, calibrate, and operate specialized equipment used in sleep studies, including polysomnography machines and CPAP/BiPAP devices for patients with sleep apnea.
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions, ensuring minimal disruption during testing.
• Regularly inspect, clean, and maintain sleep study equipment to ensure accuracy and safety.
• Follow safety protocols and hygiene standards when handling equipment, especially for patients with potential infectious conditions.

Monitoring and Data Recording:

• Continuously monitor the patient’s physiological signals and adjust equipment settings to ensure accurate readings.
• Record and document any events that occur during the sleep study, such as apneas, hypopneas, periodic limb movements, and arousals.
• Track any disturbances or interruptions during the study and ensure they are properly documented in the patient's record.

Post-study Procedures:

• Review and verify collected data for completeness and accuracy after the study is complete.
• Provide the physician or sleep specialist with preliminary reports on the study, including any notable findings.
• Ensure proper removal of electrodes and sensors after the test is completed, and assist the patient in preparing to leave.
• Provide patients with any necessary instructions for follow-up care or further testing.
• Assist in preparing reports or summaries for the doctor’s interpretation of the results.

Patient Education and Communication:

• Educate patients on sleep disorders, treatments such as CPAP therapy, and the importance of proper sleep hygiene.
• Provide instructions on the use of any home equipment, such as a CPAP machine, if applicable.
• Answer any questions the patient may have about their test results, treatment options, or follow-up steps.

Collaboration with Healthcare Providers:

• Work closely with sleep specialists, physicians, and other healthcare providers to help diagnose and treat sleep disorders.
• Participate in team discussions regarding patient care and treatment plans based on study results.
• Contribute to the development of treatment plans and interventions based on the findings of the sleep study.

Quality Control and Compliance:

• Adhere to polysomnographic standards and clinical guidelines to ensure the highest quality patient care.
• Follow all healthcare regulations, including HIPAA and OSHA standards, for patient confidentiality and safety.
• Participate in ongoing education, workshops, and certification renewal to stay current with advancements in sleep technology and treatments.
• Maintain accurate patient records and documentation according to facility protocols.