Registered Polysomnographic Tech - (US-SC-Charleston - 29492)

Minimum Education: None
Jobcode: 59676027
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The sleep lab RRT/RPSGT performs the evaluation, treatment, and the care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities associated with sleep-related respiratory disturbances. Procedures are performed under the supervision and prescription of a licensed physician. Independent judgment of the adequacy of the study, the safety of the procedure, and the welfare of the patient are essential. This position requires flexibility and adaptability due in part by various responsibilities required and variability of needs in reference to the patient population served. The ability to perform polysomnographic record scoring is preferred.

Experience: The sleep lab RRT/RPSGT essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

X Professionally and independently performs standard and complex polysomnographic
examinations in the Pulmonary Section Sleep Lab Center in coordination with established and revised laboratory standards.

X Independently applies monitors (EEG, EOG, EMG, and ECG electrodes), nasal and oral air flow devices, chest and abdominal plesthesmography recording equipment accurately and securely to facilitate and enhance readability and timeliness of sleep related procedures.

X Maintains expertise in the use, recording, data acquisition, and storing of data of all the instruments involved in the sleep and polysomnographic monitoring while maintaining patient comfort.

X Prepares and calibrates equipment required for testing to determine proper functioning and effectively troubleshoots or alerts appropriate individuals for resolution.

X Observes calibration tracings to verify signals are artifact-free and makes any necessary adjustments to enhance readability.

X Collects data from the patient by observation and interview to verify background information and identify patient-specific needs during testing (such as physical/mental limitations, current emotional/psychological status, pertinent medical/social history, spouse/family member, etc.)

X Reviews medical information and sleep study orders to determine completeness of required documentation and becomes familiar with potential study requirements/parameters.

X Explains all polysomnographic procedures in terms appropriate for the patient's age and mental or cognitive status. Formulates a patient teaching plan based on identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning. This will include an accurate patient history which will be recorded within the patients electronic record.

X Implements appropriate interventions (positive pressure airway ventilation) and actions necessary to assure patient safety and well being.

X Maintains knowledge of and observes the appropriate infection control standards relative to patient, operator, and equipment. This will include troubleshooting equipment problems and informing Biomedical Engineering/Safety Office of any hazardous situation or equipment malfunctions.

X Maintains knowledge and recognition of all stages of awake and sleep PSG tracings. Ability to identify abnormalities or artifacts noted in respiration monitors, cardiac rhythms and oxygen saturation levels, documenting any changes within the patients electronic record and intervening as appropriate to facilitate positive outcomes.

X Performs emergency and acute respiratory care procedures in accordance with facility policies, National Board of Respiratory Therapists (NBRC), and American Heart Association guidelines outlined within the Basic Life Support certification (BLS).

X In preparing for procedures, will be responsible for equipment application, removal, ordering, supplying, and properly cleansing the lab and patient care areas. This will include cleaning and testing of equipment based upon patient load, infection control standards and manufacture guidelines.

X Schedules patients for various sleep related studies and assists providers in assessment, intervention and evaluation. This individual will implement innovative measures to assist in meeting established performance measures to include facility wait times. In addition, the RRT/RPSGT will assist with routing and filing of reports as well as transporting patients to various areas as needed.

X Provides and assists in orientating new employees and students as appropriate within current policies and procedures utilized within the sleep lab. The RRT/RPSGT will maintain accurate logbooks/computer entries/data reports for quarterly and fiscal statistics, submitting monthly totals to appropriate supervisory personnel.

X Analyzes and integrates collected information in order to perform research related procedures appropriate for sleep studies. This includes the performance of standard polysomnography and multiple sleep latency testing (MSLT). This individual must be able to administer oxygen and nasal CPAP or BiPAP during polyso