(Archived) Polysomnographic Technologist

• Provides operational direction and coordination administration of day-to-day processes.
• Operates closed circuit television camera to observe patient during test and to record patient's sleep activities.
• Operates polysomnography equipment to record electrical activity of brain waves and other physiological variables and records notes on graph to eliminate from consideration physiological measurements caused by such activities as patient opening eyes, turning head, or turning body.
• Studies polysomnogram to recognize arrhythmias and abnormal respiratory patterns and calls physician or other emergency personnel if needed.
• Measures durations of brain waves recorded on polysomnograms, using millimeter ruler.
• Studies characteristics of completed polysomnogram tracings and summarizes data showing stages of sleep, abnormal breathing events, periodic leg movements, arrhythmias, and other information, applying knowledge of polysomnography testing principles.
• Complete tasks with little or no direct supervision.
• Troubleshoot sleep equipment and software, as necessary.
• Meet short-notice deadlines as established by the organization.
• Conduct and score all types of sleep studies and testing modalities performed at the facility in accordance with AASM scoring guidelines and Sleep Medicine Lab/Clinic protocols.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Associate’s degree and/or Bachelor’s degree in a healthcare related field is preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience within the last three (3) years, conducting sleep studies in a patient care setting including one year scoring sleep studies.
• Adhere to national certification standards as outlined by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT).
• Must have and maintain in good standing current certification by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) as a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist.
• Must have and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification throughout the life of the contract. The American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers is the only program accepted.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Have knowledge of clinic/department regulations, policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and provide age specific care in the treatment, assessment and education of pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients. This includes, but is not limited to, and underlying familiarity of common situations and conditions seen in the sleep lab such as: PAP adherence, mask leaks, mask fittings, insomnia, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), restless leg syndrome (RLS), anxiety/depression, nightmares, inadequate sleep time and narcolepsy.
• Have sufficient interpersonal skills and knowledge and experience to perform the specific tasks.
• Maintains a professional manner and display a positive and cooperative attitude toward patients, staff, MTF personnel and others with whom the HCPTs have contact such as, family members, other clinicians, medical staff, and visitors.