Polysomnographic Technologist

Oregon Health & Science University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Oregon Health & Science University is seeking a night shift Polysomnographic Technologist to perform and score polysomnographic recordings. This role involves working with both pediatric and adult populations, ensuring high-quality data acquisition and scoring. The ideal candidate will have the necessary certifications and skills to manage sleep studies effectively.

Qualifications

• Current Licensed Polysomnographic Technologist (LPSGT) credential required.
• Current certification by the BRPT as a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) and/or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
• CPR Certification: BLS for Healthcare Providers through AHA.

Responsibilities

• Perform PSG, MSLT, and MWT recordings ensuring high quality.
• Score at least one sleep study per shift, accurately identifying sleep/wake stages.
• Monitor data quality as part of quality improvement standards.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Problem Recognition

Medical Terminology

Computer Proficiency

Education

Associate's degree in Polysomnography, Respiratory Therapy, or EEG

Job description

Department Overview

The night shift Polysomnographic (PSG) Technologist performs and scores polysomnographic recordings working 3 nights per week, Monday – Sunday, from 7:00 PM to 7:30 AM at two locations: the OHSU Sleep Disorders Laboratory at the Residence Inn and the Sleep Lab Tanasbourne. The PSG Technologist works with both pediatric and adult populations, ensuring high-quality data acquisition, review, and scoring. Typical staffing is 2:1 (two patients to one technologist).

The PSG Technologist performs routine and specialized procedures related to Sleep Disorders, including but not limited to: a) Nocturnal Polysomnography (PSG), b) Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), c) Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), d) Home Apnea Testing, e) PAP-NAPs, and f) Ambulatory studies. They possess technical skills with diagnostic, therapeutic, and ancillary equipment, make independent clinical decisions, recognize sleep pathologies, respond with appropriate interventions (e.g., CPAP, Bilevel, Oxygen), and communicate effectively with patients to educate about testing and care.

Technologists maintain thorough documentation of interactions and observations during sleep studies, adhering to departmental and OHSU standards within PSG acquisition software, study templates, and Epic. They monitor data quality as part of quality improvement standards.

PSG Technologists are responsible for scoring at least one sleep study during their shift, ensuring timely availability for physician review, and maintaining data management systems. They troubleshoot basic computer and equipment issues and provide training and oversight to new technicians, interns, and trainees. Additional duties may be assigned by program leadership.

Function/Duties of Position

Monitoring/Instrumentation:

• Perform PSG, MSLT, and MWT recordings ensuring high quality with proper adjustments, based on laboratory standards. Proficient in testing equipment and therapeutic modalities from medical records and testing orders.
• Evaluate clinical presentation to determine appropriate protocols and final testing parameters, perform calibrations, check equipment, and document all encounters accurately within EPIC and other systems.

Electrode Application:

• Proficient in electrode placement and application per laboratory standards, using the International 10-20 System and AASM guidelines. Perform impedance tests and correct issues prior to testing. Prepare and start patient studies efficiently.

Clinical:

• Create and modify PSG montages to optimize testing based on clinical indications. Perform procedures for adult and pediatric monitoring, including parasomnias, seizures, EtCO2, TCPCO2, CPAP, Bilevel, ASV, and VAPs.
• Monitor and adjust patient positions or environment as needed. Understand pharmacological effects on sleep studies and perform procedures within scope of practice ordered by physicians or nurse practitioners.

Artifact Recognition:

• Identify and troubleshoot erroneous versus true data, differentiate artifacts from physiological signals, and document measures taken to address artifacts.

Polysomnographic Record Scoring:

• Score at least one sleep study per shift, accurately identifying sleep/wake stages and clinical events, maintaining inter-reliability standards of at least 80%. Ensure timely scoring and data transfer, and compile reports for physician interpretation. Manage data transfer and archiving, and oversee patient tracking spreadsheets. Provide training and oversight for PSG staff.

Required Qualifications

• Current Licensed Polysomnographic Technologist (LPSGT) credential issued by the Oregon Health Licensing Agency or eligibility to acquire it prior to employment.
• Current certification by the BRPT as a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) and/or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
• CPR Certification: BLS for Healthcare Providers through AHA.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Prioritize multiple tasks effectively.
• Communicate clearly with proper grammar and spelling.
• Proficient in computer use.
• Recognize and communicate problems promptly.
• Strong knowledge of sleep disorders and acquisition systems.
• Work independently and unsupervised.
• Exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Strong medical terminology knowledge, especially in sleep medicine.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Polysomnography, Respiratory Therapy, or EEG.
• Two years of experience in a sleep disorders laboratory.
• Experience with Epic Scheduling.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) with Sleep Disorders Specialty.

Additional Details

This is a night shift position, with 12.5-hour shifts from 7:00 PM to 7:30 AM, with occasional shift coverage needs. The program provides age-appropriate care for toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children, adults, and geriatrics.

The Sleep Disorders Program is multidisciplinary, staffed by physicians, residents, and fellows, offering services at two off-campus locations. The laboratory operates 7 nights a week, and testing is conducted at the Residence Inn and Sleep Lab Tanasbourne.

Employees may be exposed to chemical vapors and infectious agents, including blood-borne pathogens.

Oregon Health & Science University values diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds. For accommodations, contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department.