Job Description

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Sleep Disorders Center Technical Director, conducts studies and safe monitoring of clinical patients. Clinical patients vary in age from adolescence to geriatric and evaluations can be for any of 150 different sleep/wake disorders. Most commonly, technologists encounter sleep apnea, narcolepsy, night terrors, nocturnal myoclonus and clinical insomnia.

Core Job Responsibilities

• Prior to greeting the patient, the patient’s chart and requisition are thoroughly reviewed.
• Listens to telephone messages and reads intradepartmental communication journal.
• Responds in a timely manner to fill cancellations/ vacancies from the patient waiting list.
• The patient is interviewed as to specific needs, including sleep positions, self-medication, allergies to tape, preparation solutions, etc.
• Competently measures and applies electrodes according to the International Ten-Twenty method.
• All instruments to be used will be calibrated according to the department policy and procedure manual.
• Apply ECG, EOG, and EMG electrodes according to department policy and procedure manual.
• Place and securely attach recording devices to measure airflow, nasal pressure, respiratory effort and pulse oximetry.
• Perform impedance measurements on all EEG and EMG electrodes to assure all readings are <5000 ohms.
• Perform patient biocalibrations according to department procedure manual.
• Begins recordings with accurate demographic information and troubleshoots appropriately.
• Identifies characteristics comprising each stage of sleep.
• Monitor the patient continuously, to assure a safe and proper recording, and thoroughly documents all aspects of care.
• Note and correct equipment malfunctions or sensor displacement/ failures and reports problems/ needs in correspondence journal.
• Respond to any patient needs.
• Alter the patient’s environment to obtain the required sleep/wake data. Encourages repositioning when necessary.
• Carefully awaken patient and record post-test calibrations.
• Remove electrodes and devices and assist patient as necessary.
• Completes electronic technologist report to summarize all-night recordings; ensures all patient forms and tracking logs are completed accurately, signed, and scanned correctly.
• Navigates EHR and inputs patient data, including vital signs, medications, and allergies for Meaningful Use.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to patient’s medical problems and physiological events, especially cardiac dysrhythmias, respiratory events and seizures.

Education/Experience Requirements

Required:

• Completion of an accredited training program in Respiratory Therapy; or training in a related allied health field with enrollment or completion of the A-STEP Online Self Study Modules or CAAHEP accredited sleep technology training program, electroneurodiagnostic (END) program, or respiratory therapy add on track for sleep technology
• Two years of experience with patients, laboratory studies or closely related field or the equivalent.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s Degree in biological, physical, or medical sciences

Licensure/Certification Requirements

Required:

• New York State licensure as a Respiratory Care Practitioner with registration by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) or New York State licensure as a Polysomnographic Technologist

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