Welcome to SleepMed, the nation's leader in Sleep and EEG diagnostic services and a major provider of therapy devices to sleep patients all over the United States.
In the field of sleep medicine, we operate over 160 sleep centers in hospitals, medical practices and at freestanding facilities. Recognized for our customer service leadership, we provide comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services at our sleep centers for the patients of thousands of primary care physicians and hundreds of sleep specialists that comprise our network.
Additionally, we operate over 20 DigiTrace Ambulatory EEG service centers and partner with dozens of comprehensive epilepsy centers across the nation to provide in-home EEG testing for those patients who have experienced seizures, spells or unexplained neurologic episodes. Our proprietary DigiTrace system is considered to be the gold-standard for ambulatory diagnosis of seizures and has been validated in many clinical publications.
Reports To: Clinical Service Manager
Summary: The Sleep Technologist I is responsible for providing high quality patient care while performing comprehensive polysomnographic testing, analysis and associated interventions.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience: Must have high school diploma, college education in an AMA approved health-related program and experience as a sleep technologist, EEG technologist, respiratory care practitioner or nurse. Must be currently certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and have annual PPD test results. Must provide proof of Hepatitis B vaccination or sign declination form. Must be detail-oriented, organized and have excellent oral and written communication skills. Must be able to maintain vigilance in a non-stimulating environment. Must react calmly in emergency situations and make appropriate and timely decisions. The ability to calibrate and operate sophisticated medical equipment that interfaces with computer technology is essential to the quality of the information obtained during polysomnographic testing. Drug screening may be required per site-specific policy. May be required to present proof of valid driver’s license and auto insurance. Must successfully pass criminal background check.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift/move up to 50 pounds and be able to walk, push, pull, grasp, bend, stoop, squat and reach as necessary. Must be able to assist patients with walking and repositioning in bed. Must be able to hear efficiently in order to respond to alarms and communicate with patients. Specific visual ability requirements include close, distance and peripheral vision, hand-eye coordination, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to retrieve, communicate and present information in a written, auditory and visual manner.
Working Conditions: May be subject to stressful clinical situations and professional relationships. May be exposed to infectious agents during patient contact. May be exposed to chemical vapors or have skin contact with chemical substances. Lifting/moving equipment and patients may result in muscular strain. The work setting is a clean, well lit, climate controlled and ventilated facility. The Sleep Technologist is generally required to sit and monitor polysomnograms and patients for several continuous hours.
Essential Duties: The Sleep Technologist I becomes familiar and complies with all company and client policies and procedures in order to perform the following as assigned:
A. General
1. Maintain confidentiality when dealing with any patient information.
2. Interact with patients, physicians, coworkers and visitors in a courteous, professional manner.
3. Report for scheduled work shifts on time and in proper attire, wearing name badge.
4. Demonstrate a high level of flexibility with work schedule and/or shift to meet patient or company needs.
5. Demonstrate proficient time management and the ability to perform multiple tasks at one time.
6. Maintain an organized and clean work area that is stocked with the appropriate supplies.
7. Properly utilize and maintain supplies and equipment.
8. Handle stressful and difficult situations in a calm and professional manner.
9. Communicate concerns/issues to management in an appropriate and timely manner.
10. Demonstrate gradual and persistent improvement in job performance quality.
11. Demonstrate self-motivation to maintain professional competency by participating in continuing education conferences, seminars and other opportunities as able.
12. Attend department meetings or other in-service activities as scheduled.
13. Fulfill annual training and health screening requirements. Maintain current CPR certification.
14. Identify and strive to meet departmental goals, objectives and plans.
15. Work professionally as a team member in conjunction with other employees and departments.
16. Perform other duties within scope of ability as assigned by direct supervisor to ensure efficient operation of the department and company, including those required during emergencies.
17. Possess automobile, driver’s license, insurance and commute to multiple sleep-lab locations as necessary.
B. Polysomnographic Testing Procedures
1. Make confirmation call to patients per site-specific procedure.
2. Review information in patient paperwork to include sleep/wake complaint and order for study.
3. Greet patient upon arrival and escort him/her to sleep room. Educate patient and family concerning overnight/morning procedures, answering any questions. Interview patient to obtain information needed for completion of pre-test paperwork.
4. Set up and calibrate monitoring equipment, selecting the appropriate recording montage.
5. Apply electrodes and other recording devices to patient and verify proper function.
6. Perform pre-test calibrations, making any necessary adjustments to equipment.
7. Institute “lights out" and document patient data.
8. Monitor the polysomnogram, obtaining a high quality recording.
9. Recognize and document clinical and physiological events pertinent to the study.
10. Communicate information on patient status to referring physician/medical director as needed.
11. Recognize and document all artifacts and equipment malfunctions, taking the proper steps to eliminate them. Report any equipment malfunctions to direct supervisor.
12. Call 24-hour technical support line for assistance as needed.
13. Assist patient with needs during procedure in order to obtain the required sleep/wake data.
14. Understand indications, contraindications and adverse effects of continuous and bilevel positive airway pressure as well as oxygen administration.
15. Apply and titrate positive airway pressure and oxygen therapy based on physician order and in accordance with established policies and procedures.
16. Wake patient and record post-test calibrations.
17. Gently remove all electrodes and transducers from patient and allow time for clean up.
18. Have patient complete post-test paperwork before discharge.
19. Perform confirmation call and/or leave shift report with appropriate contacts.
20. Copy and forward all paperwork and data to scoring site.
21. Inventory and order equipment/supplies per policy.
C. Patient and Equipment Safety
1. Recognize and respond appropriately and quickly to patient physiologic events.
2. Safely lift/move patients and equipment, using proper body mechanics.
3. Ensure safety and welfare of all patients, including those with special needs.
4. Check availability and function of emergency equipment.
5. Comply with Universal Precautions at all times.
6. Properly disinfect/sterilize equipment, electrodes and transducers. Change sheets and make patient beds.
7. Appropriately handle all hazardous materials.
D. Complex Procedures
1. Conduct Multiple Sleep Latency and Maintenance of Wakefulness testing.
2. Conduct testing of infant/pediatric patients.
3. Conduct in-lab seizure monitoring.