A Polysomnographic Technician performs comprehensive polysomnographic testing and analysis and associated interventions under the general supervision of a Polysomnographic Technologist (RST) and/or the clinical director (MD, PhD, DO) or designee.  A Polysomnographic Technician can provide supervision of a Polysomnographic Trainee. 

Education:

• High school education or equivalent required with an associates / bachelors in applied science, polysomnography, or respiratory therapy preferred
• All staff must participate in an average of 10 hours per year, AMA PRA Category I CME or CEU sleep or related educational activities with a minimum of 30 per three calendar years.

Licensure/Certification/Registry:

1. Certification by the American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM) as a registered sleep technologist (RST) or by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) as a registered technologist (RPSGT).
2. Maintains licensure of registered nurse, licensed professional nurse, or respiratory care practitioner in the state of Illinois

OR

• Successful completion of an accredited educational program leading to an associate degree with an emphasis in polysomnography (Respiratory Therapy, END)
• OR successful completion of a polysomnography program of no less than one year duration associated with a state license and/or a nationally accredited educational facility or equivalent experience and documented proficiency at all competencies required of a polysomnographic technologistCurrent BLS required.

Experience:

1-3 years’ experience preferred but not required.

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Knowledge in comprehensive polysomnographic testing, analysis and associated interventions preferred.

1. Gather and Analyze Patient Information

• Collect, analyze and integrate patient information in order to identify and meet the patient-specific needs (Physical/mental limitations, current emotional/physiological status regarding the testing procedure, pertinent medical/social history) and to determine final testing parameters/procedures in conjunction with the ordering physician or clinical director and laboratory protocols.
• Complete and verify documentation.
• Explain pre-testing, testing and post-testing procedures to the patient.

2. Testing Preparation Procedures

• Prepare and calibrate equipment required for testing to determine proper functioning and make adjustments if necessary.
• Apply electrodes and sensors according to accepted published standards.
• Perform appropriate physiologic calibration to ensure proper signals and make adjustments if necessary.
• Perform positive airway pressure (PAP) mask fitting.

3. Polysomnographic Procedures

• Follow procedural protocols such as PAP, oxygen titration etc. to ensure collection of appropriate data.
• Follow “lights out” procedures to establish and document baseline values (such as body position, Oxyhemoglobin saturation, respiratory and heart rates, etc.).
• Perform Polysomnographic data acquisition while monitoring study-tracing quality to ensure signals are artifact-free and make adjustments, if necessary.
• Document routine observations including sleep stages and clinical events, changes in procedure, and significant events in order to facilitate scoring and interpretation of polysomnographic results.
• Implement appropriate interventions (including actions necessary for patient safety and therapeutic intervention such as continuous and bi-level positive airway pressure, oxygen administration, etc.).
• Follow “lights on” procedures to verify integrity of collected data and complete data collection process (repeats the physiological and instrument calibrations and instruct the patient on completing questionnaires, etc.).
• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and provide age specific care in the treatment, assessment and education of neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.
• Oversees and performs difficult and unusual procedures and therapeutic interventions.

4. Polysomnographic Record Scoring

• Score sleep/wake stages by applying professional accepted guidelines.
• Score clinical events (such as respiratory events, cardiac events, limb movements, arousals etc.) according to center specific protocols.
• Generate accurate reports by tabulating sleep/wake and clinical event date.

5. Service Management and Professional Issues

• Comply with applicable laws, regulations, guidelines and standards regarding safety and infection control issues.
• Perform routine and complex equipment care and maintenance.
• Evaluate sleep study related equipment and inventory.
• Demonstrate effective written and spoken communications skills.
• Demonstrate appropriate social skills
• Respond to study participant’s procedural-related inquiries by providing appropriate information.
• Demonstrate the ability to analyze complex situations and apply policy.
• Comply with the ABSM Standards of Conduct.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.