PRN Polysomnography Technologist

Description

 Under the direction of the Sleep Lab Director, performs various polysomnograms and other sleep disorder tests. Responsible for attaching electrodes and monitors to patients who are participating in a sleep study. Monitors the patient throughout the sleep study and documents observations, collects data from various monitors and reports this information to the physician. Responsible for CPAP titration and oxygen therapy when applicable. Scores reports. 

Knowledgeable of common sleep disorders and treatment options.

Knowledgeable of Sleep Lab equipment, its function and purpose, including calibration.

Reviews patient's medical history, allergies, current medications, patient questionnaire.

Explains procedures to patient before, during and after sleep study.

Performs patient set-up: attaches electrodes and monitors to patient according to accepted standards.

Monitors patient via video for any unusual sleep behaviors.

Records observations of patient throughout the sleep study at specific time intervals and as   appropriate.

Ensures signals are received on the computer, all monitors are recording data throughout the   sleep study.

Ability to gather artifact-free polysomnographic data; trouble shoots any artifacts and   provides correction.

Ability to recognize normal and abnormal sleep patterns.

Ability to correctly interpret physiologic tracings and to quickly make a decision to intervene regarding an emergency situation or potential for an emergency situation.

Knowledgeable of protocols for CPAP therapy.

Knowledgeable of protocols for oxygen therapy.

Requirements

· High School graduate or equivalent.

· Graduate of AMA approved School of Respiratory Therapy preferred.

· Current State Respiratory Therapist Licensure.

· Completion of a Sleep Lab training program preferred.

· Certification by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT), American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM), National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) or an AASM-equivalent organization's registry exam.

· Be enrolled or have completed the A-STEP online self-study modules within two (2) years of course enrollment, or

· Be enrolled or have completed training in polysomnography in a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited program or a polysomnography program with the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (COARC).

· Must participate in an average of 10 hours per year sleep-related continuing educational activities over a three (3) year period.

· Sleep Lab experience preferred.

· A minimum of two (2) years administrative experience required.

· Current BLS certification.