Polysomnographic Tech - Sleep Center - NEMG - Yale New Haven Health

Overview:To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

The polysomnographic technician under the supervision of a sleep technologist, prepares the patient, conducts basic physiologic studies-polysomnograms (PSG), CPAP titrations, and Home Sleep Testing, collects vital signs and other pertinent information to ensure proper interpretation by the score technologist and physician in accordance with the established policies and procedures of the AASM. Maintains vigilance in a non 'stimulating environment and knows when to consult the supervising physician regarding the patient status. Attention to detail is critical since the quality of the data from the sleep study is solely the responsibility of the technician.

EEO/AA/Disability/VeteranResponsibilities:

• 1. Patient Preparation and Setup
• 1.1 Accurately measures the head using the international 10-20 system for EEG placement.
• 2. Patient Care
• 2.1 Attends to patient quickly in a professional manner. If busy with another patient, gives explanation to patient.
• 3. Procedures
• 3.1 Follow procedural protocols [such as Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), parasomnia studies, PAP and oxygen titration, etc.] to ensure collection of appropriate data.
• 4. HSAT
• 4.1 Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to perform portable monitoring equipment preparation and data download.
• 5. CPAP Titration
• 5.1 Assistant can properly fit patients with a variety of nasal and full face CPAP interfaces.

Qualifications:

EDUCATION

High School graduate or equivalent required. Completion of an AASM (American Academy of Sleep Medicine) approved program upon hire. If not completed, the incumbent will be required to enroll and complete within 3 months from the date of hire.

EXPERIENCE

Minimum of three (3) years in healthcare related experience preferred.

LICENSURE

Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT), Registered Sleep Technologist (RST), or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) OR holds a Certified Polysomnographic Technician (CPSGT) credential, EEG Certification (Electroneurodiagnostic Tech) or equivalent. Must obtain 10 continuing education credits per year of AMA PRA Category 1 CME or CEC sleep-related educational activities. Maintain current CPR or BCLS certification.

SPECIAL SKILLS

Previous education in allied health or life science is helpful in assimilating the normal and abnormal physiology, as well as in working with the sophisticated equipment used during the polysomnogram. Has the ability to understand normal cardiorespiratory, neurologic, and sleep/wake physiology. Knowledge of the 10-20 EEG system for applying electrodes and sensors. Perform physiologic calculations to ensure proper signals. Familiar with standard procedural protocols including NPSG, CPAP, BiPAP, ASV, MSLT, MWT, and home sleep study. Recognition of artifact and use sound judgment about when to fix channel. Identification of various sleep events. Technician can properly fit patients with a variety of nasal and full-face CPAP interfaces. Follow HIPAA policies to maintain the privacy and security of patient information. Adhere to sleep center policies related to quality assurance. Demonstrated computer skills appropriate for the position.

PHYSICAL DEMAND

MMR is required. Varivax (chicken pox vaccine) or evidence of prior chicken pox is required. Hepatitis B (or signed declination) is required for those with potential exposure to blood/body fluids. Tdap and influenza vaccination are strongly encouraged.Overnight as well as flexible shifts including weekends. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.In the performance of this job, the employee may be exposed to chemical vapors such as cleaning and disinfecting solutions. There may also be skin contact with these substances. The employee may also be exposed to infectious agents including bloodborne pathogens.