Business Intelligence à Canada

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
Under the direction of the Lab Manager and with supervision from the Senior Tech Specialist, the technologist will perform standard and complex all-night sleep recordings and multiple sleep latency tests.
Monitors additional physiologic phenomena using appropriate techniques. The polysomnograms may measure oxygen saturation, EKG, EEG, respirations, ETCO2 levels, upper airway resistance, CPAP and BI-PAP levels, and other parameters necessary for a complete sleep study. After an initial training period of 4-6 weeks, the technician is expected to work independently, potentially for up to 12 hours. The technologist must be capable of making appropriate decisions regarding the diagnosis and treatment of patients with benign to complex conditions. May perform clerical and other laboratory duties as required.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Examine physicians' orders and protocols for each sleep study. Review patient records and recognize chief sleep/wake complaints.
2. Greet and interview patients to assess current medications, recent caffeine/alcohol intake, sleep patterns, and treatment needs. Communicate with physicians or the unit director to clarify unclear or inappropriate orders and relay patient status information.
3. Spend time educating patients about the use of CPAP/BI-level equipment to reduce fears and apprehensions through in-service training.
4. Set up and calibrate monitoring equipment with appropriate montage. Measure and apply EEG electrodes using the 10/20 system. Attach EKG, EMG, and EOG electrodes securely. Place thermistors for airflow, respiratory effort, oximetry, and ETCO2 measurements. Administer supplemental O2 as ordered by the physician.
5. Perform physiologic calibrations, verify recording integrity, initiate "lights out," and record patient data every 15 minutes. Monitor polysomnograms for clinical and physiological events, interpret abnormal data/EKG rhythms, and report findings to sleep physicians. Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and understand indications, contraindications, and adverse effects of therapies such as NVPAP, BI-level, and oxygen administration. Apply and titrate therapies based on physician orders and protocols.
6. Recognize and respond to patient medical problems and physiological events, including arrhythmias, respiratory events, and seizures. Adjust patient environment or position as needed to obtain accurate data. Evaluate EEGs when applicable.
7. Post-study, carefully wake the patient, record calibrations, remove electrodes and monitors, and follow infection control procedures. Disinfect and sterilize equipment, electrodes, and thermistors. Prepare detailed reports of data and interventions.
8. Attend seminars and professional meetings to update knowledge and maintain CEC credits for AASM accreditation. Participate in department meetings as scheduled.
9. Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• High-quality study acquisition following pediatric protocols for diagnostic polysomnography, sleep latency testing, titrations, and oxygen therapy.
• Thorough documentation of nocturnal events.
• Troubleshooting patient and equipment issues during the night.
• Develop skills in scoring nocturnal studies.
• Mask fitting and troubleshooting for PAP therapy.
• Assess and manage challenges in obtaining polysomnographic data in small or medically complex children.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR REGISTRATIONS:

• RPSGT certification preferred.
• All new employees must obtain BRPT registration within one year of hire. Unregistered technologists are required to sit for the exam at the next available date and continue until registered.
• BCLS for Healthcare Providers certification required.

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma required.
• Graduation from a certified hospital sleep, EEG, or respiratory therapy program preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• 1-2 years of polysomnography experience required; pediatric experience preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Must be able to work flexible hours, including some weekends, primarily night shifts.