Overview:
Develops competency in and performs the basics of Polysomnographic testing and associated interventions under direct supervision of a Technologist.
Responsibilities:
- Reviews patient’s history, verifies the medical order and protocol.
- Verifies patient identification, collects documents, and obtains consent for the study.
- Follows sleep center protocols related to the sleep study.
- Explains the procedure and orients the patient to the Sleep Center.
- Prepares and calibrates equipment required for testing to determine proper functioning.
- Applies electrodes and sensors according to accepted published standards.
- Performs appropriate physiologic calibrations to ensure proper signals.
- Performs routine positive airway pressure (PAP) mask fitting, and titration of CPAP and BIPAP.
- Follows procedural protocols under the direction and supervision of a Technologist or Technician.
- Performs appropriate physiological calibrations to ensure proper signals and makes required adjustments.
- Follows “lights out” procedures to establish and document baseline values including body position, oxy-hemoglobin saturation, respiratory and heart rates, etc.
- Performs data acquisition while monitoring study-tracing quality to ensure signals are artifact-free. Identifies, corrects (if possible) and reports signal abnormalities.
- Documents routine observations, changes in procedure and other significant events in order to facilitate scoring and interpretation of polysomnographic results.
- Assists with interventions including actions necessary for patient safety and therapeutic intervention as appropriate during the study.
- Follows “lights on” procedures to verify inegrity of collected data and complete the data collection process.
- Acquires and demonstrates 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.
- Performs other duties as required or assigned.
Qualifications:
- High School diploma or GED plus six (6) months of direct patient care experience; or one (1) year of post-secondary education; or current enrollment in an accredited educational program leading to an associate degree with an emphasis in polysomnography.
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
- Ability to use good judgment.
- Able to deal appropriately with emergency medical situations.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrate effective written and spoken communication skills.
- Demonstrate ability to follow direction.
- Possess basic computer skills.
- Ability to recognize and observe privacy and confidentiality.
- Familiarity with laboratory equipment or analysis of physiological data (EEG, EKG, respiration, etc.) preferred.
Required Licensure/Certifications:
- BLS required within 30 days.
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Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health