Sleep Technologist Trainee, Lexington/Wilkesboro/High Point

Overview

JOB SUMMARY: 

 A sleep trainee develops competency in and performs basic sleep testing procedures and associated interventions. The sleep trainee works under direct supervision of a sleep technologist and Medical Director in accordance with the AASM, Hospital and Departmental policies and procedures.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:  

High school diploma or GED plus six months of direct sleep patient care experience or one year of postsecondary education. Currently working in the field with at least 1,638 hours of clinical experience, and who have completed a STAR-designated self-study education program.

OR

Current enrollment in an CAAHEP or CoARC-accredited polysomnography education program or soon-to-be graduates working in the field with at least 546 hours of clinical experience, who have another healthcare credential.

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, and/or REGISTRATION: 

Currently enrolled in or have completed a BRPT accepted pathway to become a registered polysomnographic technologist. RPSGT credential within 18 months of employment required. BCLS CPR certification required  BCLS CPR certification.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

1. Follow procedural protocols [such as PSG, Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), parasomnia studies, PAP, and oxygen titration, etc.] to ensure collection of appropriate data.
2. Perform appropriate physiological calibrations to ensure proper signals and make required adjustments.
3. Follow “lights out” procedures to establish and document baseline values (such as body position, oxyhemoglobin saturation, respiratory and heart rates, etc.)
4. Perform data acquisition while monitoring study-tracing quality to ensure signals are artifact-free. Identify, correct, and document artifact.
5. Document routine observations, including sleep stages and clinical events, changes in procedure, and other significant events to facilitate scoring and interpretation of polysomnographic results.
6. Assist with appropriate interventions (including actions necessary for patient safety and therapeutic intervention such as positive airway pressure, oxygen administration, etc.).
7. Follow “lights on” procedures to verify integrity of collected data and complete the data collection process (e.g. repeats the physiological and instrument calibrations and instructs the patient on completing questionnaires, and check for completeness, etc.).
8. Demonstrate proficiency in recognizing sleep vs. wake and identify clinical events while monitoring sleep study patients.
9. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and provide age specific care and treatment, assessment, and education of neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
10. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to perform portable monitoring equipment preparation and data download.
11. Perform patient education and instruction appropriate for out of center sleep testing.
12. Demonstrate adherence to cleaning and disinfection procedures for portable monitoring devices.
13. Demonstrate ability to identify artifact, inadequate signals, and study failures in portable monitoring.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

Good oral, written, and listening communication skills

Ability to provide direct and indirect home sleep studies

Ability to communicate on a professional level with physicians, nurses, and other ancillary professional staff

Ability to perform multiple tasks under stress

Ability to maintain good interpersonal relationships with public, patients, physicians, and other medical center staff

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Combination of medical office and exam/procedure room settings

Clean, well-lit, comfortable, low noise environment

Frequent exposure to diseases, medicinal preparations and other conditions common to a clinic environment

Exposure to unpleasant elements (accidents, injuries, illness)

Possible exposure to odorous chemicals and flammable, explosive gases

Potential exposure to infections, contagious diseases, and bloodborne pathogens

Occasional pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries

Subject to many interruptions

Contact with patients, family members, visitors, coworkers and medical staff under a wide variety of circumstances

Required personal protective equipment:  eye and face protection, gown, mask, lab coat, sterile and nonsterile gloves, shoe covers