Job Description
The polysomnography technologist performs and evaluates overnight polysomnograms and other types of sleep studies. The individual will function independently to safely operate sophisticated medical equipment to record sleep physiology. The technologist will understand the function of equipment used to monitor and record polysomnograms. Knowledge of normal cardiorespiratory, neurological, and sleep physiology is essential. Primary duties include the application of recording devices to the patient, cleaning\disinfection of equipment, and monitoring the polysomnogram. Polysomnographic technologists must recognize sleep pathology when it occurs and respond with the appropriate interventions to ensure patient safety. The polysomnography technologist administers oxygen, nasal continuous positive airway pressure, and ventilatory assist devices in accordance with established policy and procedures. This individual may also perform special procedures such as multiple sleep latency testing, capnography, ambulatory monitoring, record review\scoring, and patient education. Other responsibilities may include technologist training\orientation, in-services, and the performance of other duties as required.
Essential Duties:
- Review existing information in the patient’s chart and examine physician’s orders. Recognize chief sleep\wake complaint and communicate effectively with ordering physician, medical director, or clinical director to clarify any unclear or inappropriate orders. Interview patients to assess current medications, caffeine or alcohol ingestion, current sleep pattern, and any intervention treatment requirements.
- Proficient in setting up and calibrating equipment prior to the patient’s arrival. The technologist must have the knowledge of all sleep study types and have the ability to explain the procedure to the patient.
- Competent in the preparation of the patient for the appropriate procedure as prescribed by the physician. Must be knowledgeable in the indications, contraindications, and adverse effects for the use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and Oxygen Therapy. Must be able to apply and titrate therapy based on physician’s order and established protocols.
- Recognize and record clinical and physiological events, note and correct equipment malfunctions, alter patient’s environment, and make appropriate changes to body position as needed to obtain the required sleep\wake data.
- Recognize and respond appropriately to patient’s medical problems and physiological events, especially cardiac dysrhythmias, respiratory events, and seizures. Safely lift and move patient without harm to patient or self, and ensure the safety and welfare of all patients, including patients with special needs.
- Checks availability and function of emergency equipments.
- Remove electrodes and transducers and assist patient with hygiene as necessary. Must comply with Universal Infection Control Procedures and be able to properly disinfect and disinfect polysomnography equipment, electrodes, and transducers.
- Conduct Multiple Sleep Latency Tests (MSLTs) and Maintenance of Wakefulness Tests (MWTs).
- Score Polysomnograms, MSLTs, MWTs according to current guidelines.
- Prepare summarization reports.
- The technologist will keep appropriate records pertinent to sleep studies performed and record accurate and necessary patient information in a legible and concise format.
- Appropriately maintains patient confidentiality and privacy.
- Stays current on Polysomnographic techniques and updates in sleep disorders.
- Attends staff meetings and case conferences as required.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- Req High school or equivalent
- Req 2 years Minimum of two years of experience performing Sleep Studies (preferably in a Hospital setting).
- Req Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Req Demonstrate critical thinking and ability to work with minimal supervision to analyze complex situations and apply policy.
- Req Demonstrate teamwork skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Pref Associate's degree Degree in a related field
Required Licenses/Certifications:
- Req Sleep Disorders Specialty (SDS) with the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) *Current incumbents hired to this position prior to December 18, 2019: If no current certification as indicated above, one must be obtained and maintained by December 31, 2020; OR
- Req Registered Sleep Technologist (RST) with the American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM) *Current incumbents hired to this position prior to December 18, 2019: If no current certification as indicated above, one must be obtained and maintained by December 31, 2020; OR
- Req Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) with the Board of Registered Polysomnography Technologists (RPSGT) *Current incumbents hired to this position prior to December 18, 2019: If no current certification as indicated above, one must be obtained and maintained by December 31, 2020.
- Req Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider from American Heart Association
- Req Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) If no card upon hire, one must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained by renewal before expiration date. (Required within LA City only)
The hourly rate range for this position is $34.50 - $58.65. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Work experience placement, Local area, Night shift,