Job Type/Schedule
This position is full-time and works approximately 40 hours per week.
POSITION SUMMARY:
A Polysomnographic Technologist works under the general supervision of the Technical Supervisor in order to provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders. This may involve polysomnography, diagnostic and therapeutic services or patient care and education. A Polysomnographic Technologist can perform the duties defined for a Polysomnographic Technician and may provide supervision of other staff if authorized.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Gather and Analyze Patient Information
• Collect, analyze and integrate patient information in order to identify and meet
the patient-specific needs (Physical/mental limitations, current emotional/physiological status regarding the testing procedure, pertinent medical/social history), and to determine final testing parameters/procedures in conjunction with the ordering physician or clinical director and laboratory protocols.
• Complete and verify documentation.
• Explain pre-testing, testing, and post-testing procedures to the patient.
Testing Preparation Procedures
• Prepare and calibrate equipment required for testing to determine proper
functioning and make adjustments if necessary.
• Apply electrodes and sensors according to accepted published standards.
• Perform appropriate physiologic calibrations to ensure proper signals and
make adjustments if necessary.
• Perform positive airway pressure (PAP) mask fitting.
Polysomnographic Procedures
• Follow procedural protocols [such as Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT),
Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), parasomnia studies, PAP, oxygen
titration etc.] to ensure collection of appropriate data.
• Follow “lights out” procedures to establish and document baseline values
(such as body position, oxyhemoglobin saturation, respiratory and heart rates,
etc.)
• Perform Polysomnographic data acquisition while monitoring study-tracing
quality to ensure signals are artifact-free and make adjustments, if necessary.
• Document routine observations including sleep stages and clinical events,
changes in procedure, and significant events in order to facilitate scoring and
interpretation of polysomnographic results.
• 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 “lights on” procedures to verify integrity of collected data and
complete the data collection process (repeats the physiological and instrument
calibrations and instructs the patient on completing questionnaires, etc.)
• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and provide age
specific care in the treatment, assessment, and education of
pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
• Oversees and performs difficult and unusual procedures and therapeutic
interventions.
Polysomnographic Record Scoring
• Score sleep/wake stages by applying professionally accepted guidelines.
• Score clinical events (such as respiratory events, cardiac events, limb
movements, arousals etc.) according to center specific protocols.
• Generate accurate reports by tabulating sleep/wake and clinical event data.
Service Management and Professional Issues
• Comply with applicable laws, regulations, guidelines and standards regarding
safety and infection control issues.
• Perform routine and complex equipment care and maintenance.
• Evaluate sleep study related equipment and inventory.
• Maintain current CPR or BCLS certification.
• Demonstrate effective written and spoken communication skills.
• Demonstrate appropriate social skills.
• Respond to study participant’s procedural-related inquiries by providing
appropriate information.
• Demonstrate the ability to analyze complex situations and apply policy.
• Comply with the BRPT Standards of Conduct.
Required Qualifications
High School graduate or equivalent. CPR certification is required, but may be obtained after employment. College courses in biological sciences or psychology desired. Board registered Polysomnographic Technologist or equivalent desired. Two years work experience in a sleep disorder facility is required.
Preferred Qualifications
Successful completion of an accredited educational program.
OR
Successful completion of a polysomnography program of no less than one 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 as a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist or equivalent.
Salary Range
The hiring range for this position is $20.35 to $25.44 per hour.
Pre-Employment Screening
Offers made for this position are contingent upon the successful completion of all required pre-employment screens, including a criminal background check, hair sample drug screen, and verification of required professional licenses, registrations, or certifications.
Benefits
This position is eligible for full-time benefits. Washington University offers a variety of benefits:
-Retirement Savings Plan
- 22 vacation days
-8 Paid Holidays
-Sick Time
-Tuition benefits for employee, spouse and dependent children
-Free Metro Link/ Bus pass
-Free Life Insurance
-Health, Dental, Vision
-Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
-Long Term Care Insurance
-Long Term Disability Insurance
-Other Benefits
Please visit our website at http://hr.wustl.edu to view a summary of benefits.
Applicant Special Instructions
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to
stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or
balance; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; and
stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up
to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift
and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job
include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth
perception, and ability to adjust focus.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
In the performance of this job, the employee may be exposed to chemical vapors
such as acetone, ether, or glutaraldehyde. There may also be skin contact with
these substances. The employee may also be exposed to infectious agents
including blood-borne pathogens.
Department Name/Job Location
This position is in the Department of Neurology. This position is for the Medical School Campus.
Essential Functions
EOE Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and encourages applications from women, ethnic minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
|