Sleep Techician

Performs patient education, comprehensive polysomnographic testing and analysis, and associated interventions under the general supervision of the Medical Director or designee. Provides training and leadership to junior personnel.

• Gather and analyze patient information
• Review history, physical information, medications, procedure request, and study protocol.
• Complete and verify documentation.
• Testing preparation procedures
• Prepare and calibrate equipment required for testing to determine proper functioning and make adjustments
• Apply electrodes and sensors according to accepted published standards, 10/20 system.
• Perform appropriate physiologic calibrations to ensure proper signals and make adjustments, if necessary.
• Perform routine positive airway pressure (PAP) mask fitting.
• Perform polysomnographic and other testing procedures
• Follow AASM and Center procedural protocols such as Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), parasomnia studies, routine polysomnography, PAP and oxygen titration, dental appliance titration, pediatric polysomnography and titrations to ensure collection and analyzation of appropriate artifact free data.
• Follow AASM and Center protocols to implement appropriate interventions (including actions necessary for patient safety and therapeutic intervention such as continuous and bi-level positive airway pressure, oxygen administration, etc.).
• Follow AASM and Center protocols to perform Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HSAT) and scoring of HSAT.
• Follow Center protocols for cleaning and maintenance of equipment and supplies.
• Recognize and provide age specific care in the treatment, assessment, and education of pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
• Perform Polysomnographic Record Scoring
• Scoring sleep/wake stages, clinical events (such as respiratory events, cardiac events, limb movements, arousals, etc.) using AASM guidelines and Center specific protocols.
• Oversee scoring of Sleep Technicians 1 and Sleep Technicians 2.
• Generate accurate reports, correct as necessary.
• Perform clerical duties
• Perform telephone and scheduling activities as needed to ensure department efficiency and patient service.

Successful completion of an accredited educational program leading to an associate degree with an emphasis in polysomnography.
OR
Successful completion of a polysomnography program of no less than one year duration associated with a state licensed and/or a nationally accredited educational facility or equivalent experience and documented proficiency at all competencies required of a Polysomnographic Technician.
AND
Certification by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) as a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) -OR-
Certification by the American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM) as a Registered Sleep Technologist (RST) -OR-
Certification by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) as a Registered Respiratory Therapist - Sleep Disorder Specialist (RRT-SDS).

Current RPSGT Certification or Current RST Certification
Approved CPR or BLS certification required

The Special Physical Demands are considered Essential Job Functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
Frequently required to stand, sit, walk, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, and hear.
Occasionally required to handle, finger, feel, climb, balance, and lift up to 50 lbs.
Specific vision abilities: Near and far vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, focus adjustment.

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations:

Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals.

Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions.

Partnering - Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals.

Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue.