Description

The Senior Polysomnographic Technician measures, records and scores designated physiological signals, including EEG waveforms, EKG, respiration, EMG, oxygen levels and others. These signals are recorded during awake and sleep states for the purpose of evaluating possible sleep disorders. This position oversees the department schedule.

Core Competencies

Prepares and calibrates equipment required for testing to determine proper functioning and makes adjustments as necessary. Performs appropriate physiological calibrations to ensure proper signals and makes adjustments if necessary. Explains pre-testing, testing and post-testing to the patient. Collects, analyzes and integrates patient information in order to identify and meet the patient-specific needs. Applies electrodes and sensors according to accepted published standards. Follows “lights out” procedures to establish and document baseline values. Performs Polysomnographic data acquisition while monitoring study tracing quality to ensure signals are artifact free and makes adjustments as necessary. Follows procedural protocols [such as Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), CPAP/BiPAP, oxygen titration] to ensure collection of appropriate data. Documents routine observations including sleep stages and clinical events and significant events to facilitate scoring and interpretation. Implements appropriate interventions for patient safety i.e., continuous and bi-level positive airway pressure, auto-servo ventilation, and oxygen administration. Collects assessment of sleep before patient leaves. Reviews patient complaints regarding sleep, sleep and health questionnaires, and pertinent lab results before starting the procedure. Scores sleep/wake stages and scores clinical events according to published guidelines. Recognizes and provides age specific care in the treatment, assessment, and education of adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients. Schedules tests, mails patient sleep packets, answers questions via phone and email, orders supplies, interacts with vendors, coordinates in-services, pulls old patient records, sends final reports to physician offices, ensures that patient charts are complete, files, and collects Quality Assurance data when working the day shift. Checks patients in for Sleep studies. Verifies patient insurance and scans appropriate documents into the patient record. Follows universal precautions and good hand hygiene. Orients and trains new employees. Educates fellow healthcare professionals and the general public regarding sleep related issues. This is accomplished via telephone contact, health fairs, and public presentations.