Polysomnographer Technologist III

Job Summary

Under general supervision, contributes direct/indirect care and services to patients of all age groups; performs sleep related diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Performs independent comprehensive polysomnographic testing and analysis. Applies therapeutic non-invasive or invasive ventilatory support, oxygen therapy and monitoring systems. Assesses response to therapy; provides documentation, participates in patient education; and performs cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. Provides clinical patient care and education to facilitate diagnosis of sleep disorders. Demonstrates performance consistent with the Medical Center Vision, Mission, and strategic plan of the organization. Remains flexible to changing systems; is expected to demonstrate quality and effectiveness in work habits and clinical practice; and treats co-workers, patients, families, and all members of the health care team with dignity and respect.

Essential Responsibilities

Precepts and oversees the Polysomnographic Technicians, Technologist I, II and III as well as students and new employees. Knowledge of sleep and respiratory diagnosis and pathophysiology for assigned patients; performs patient assessment and provides appropriate therapy. Explains pre-testing, testing and post testing procedures and orients patients to the sleep center. Provides patient mobility and bathroom assistance as needed. Oversees and performs difficult and unusual procedures and therapeutic interventions. Gather, review, and document patient information (height, weight, temperature, BP, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, neck circumference, patient photograph, POE, chief complaint, medication, previous condition, Sleep questionnaires, etc.) Applies electrodes and sensors to patient according to policies and procedures. Follows lights out procedures to establish and document baseline values such as body position, etc. Follows procedural protocols such as Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), central sleep apnea, hypoventilation, neuromuscular, dead space, parasomnia studies, PAP therapy including but not limited to APAP, CPAP, Bi-PAP, ASV, AVAP, etc., oxygen therapy, non-invasive and invasive ventilation, alternative therapies, etc. to ensure collection of appropriate data. Follows Therapeutic protocols to ensure collection of appropriate data and appropriate patient treatment. Follows Lights on procedure to verify the integrity of collected data and completes the data collection process such as repeat of the instrumental calibrations and impedance checks. Performs polysomnographic data acquisition while monitoring study tracing quality to ensure signals are artifact-free and makes adjustments, if necessary Documents routine observations, including sleep stages and clinical events, changes in procedures and other significant events in order to facilitate scoring and interpretation of polysomnographic results. Scores sleep/wake stages by applying professional accepted guidelines. Scoring of clinical events. Responds to study participants procedural-related inquiries by providing appropriate information. Demonstrates the ability to analyze complex situations and apply policy. Collects, analyzes and integrates patient information in order to identify and meet the patient specific needs. Completes and verifies documentation. Performs routine positive airway pressure (PAP) mask fitting. Evaluate data obtained from respiratory measuring devices. Draws blood laboratory samples such as an arterial or capillary blood gases. Provides emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Maintains airway patency. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and provide age specific care. Participates in equipment care, cleaning, and maintenance. Performs routine and complex equipment care and maintenance and inventory evaluation. Utilizes effective communication and interpersonal relationship skills when interacting with other members of the health care team or patients. Displays tact and courteous behavior when working with staff and patients. Must complete 10 continuing education units per year as well as required CEUs for license renewals. Actively participates in educational programs and staff meetings that are scheduled by department. Promotes, ensures, and improves customer service to internal/external customers by demonstrating skills which are consistent with the organizations philosophy of providing extraordinary customer relations and quality service. Complies with applicable laws, regulations, guidelines and standards regarding safety and infection control issues. Upholds Kaiser Permanentes policies and procedures, Principles ofResponsibilities and applicable state, federal and local laws. Complies with the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) Standards of Conduct.