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Brown University Health · 3 months ago

Polysomnographic Techncn

Providence, RI

Full-time

Onsite

New Grad, Entry Level

$27.49/hr - $44.96/hr

0+ years exp

Brown University Health is an integrated academic health system committed to improving health status through compassionate care. They are seeking a Polysomnographic Technician to perform clinical testing on patients to determine the presence of obstructive sleep apnea, including setting up and calibrating equipment, monitoring patient conditions, and preparing written summaries of results.

EducationHealth CareMedicalUniversities

Responsibilities

Receives and reviews requests for polysomnographic testing. Prepares laboratory and obtains supplies to accommodate number of patients scheduled for testing

Sets up and calibrates testing and treatment equipment: PC-driven digital polygraph, blood oxygen saturation oximeter, capnograph, Respiratory Inductive Plethysmography (RIP), Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)/Bi-Level airway management equipment, and videotaping equipment according to established procedures

Explains procedure to patient and family members present to gain patient cooperation and to allay anxiety; assure calm, quiet environment to allow patient to enter natural (non-medication-induced) sleep

Places and attaches electrodes to patient’s scalp, face, chest and abdomen to standard placement locations; externally attaches ear clip; and depending on physician request, attaches face mask or inserts nasal probe. May insert esophageal balloon as indicated by physician. Visually checks electrode placement for accuracy to prevent false readings. Positions videotaping equipment to film chest and abdominal breathing pattern accurately

Operates PC-driven, digital polysomnography for the purpose of: recording patient’s stages of sleep (8-10 hours); real-time analysis of obstructive sleep apnea to ascertain the severity of obstructive sleep apnea and then initiate protocol-driven treatment with continuous positive airway pressure or bi-level positive airway treatment using Respiratory Inductive Plethysmography (RIP) and flow volume loops

Reviews output, making adjustments as necessary, to produce tracings of multiple variables, including electroencephalogram, elctro-oculogram, sub-mental electromyogram, heart rate, nasal and oral airflow, respiratory effort, end-tidal PCO2 and oxygen saturation

Monitors patient’s progress, (normally involves monitoring and testing more than one patient at a time), remaining alert for extended apneic episodes, distress and signs or respiratory arrest. Alerts physician and/or code team, as necessary, and initiates cardiopulmonary resuscitation if indicated

Reviews, scores and interprets final tracing by identifying sleep stages as determined by following pre-set criteria: number of apneas and hypopneas per hour and per sleep stage; number of arousals; and presence and severity of hypoximia and arrhythmias. Summarizes and prepares written report of results for additional evaluation by physician

Maintains inventory of supplies and equipment. Performs routine cleaning and maintenance and makes minor adjustments and repairs; makes arrangements for major repair as necessary. Participates in evaluation of and provides input into recommendations for purchase of new or additional supplies and equipment

Participates in sleep-related clinical research studies, providing assistance in similar testing and interpretation activities as well as with computer-assisted analysis of results

Maintains quality assurance, safety, environmental, and infection control in accordance with established hospital department policies, procedures, and objectives

Performs other related duties as required

Qualification

Polysomnographic testingPC-driven digital polysomnographyRespiratory Inductive PlethysmographyElectronics knowledgeCardiopulmonary resuscitationMechanical aptitudePatient care experienceInterpersonal skills

Required

Completion of an Associates Degree in Respiratory Care, Biology, Health Sciences or the successful completion of a Polysomnographic certification program or the equivalent

Registration required within 90 days of employment

Thorough understanding and competent application of PC-driven digital polysomnography protocols (including RIP and flow volume loops)

Expertise in the understanding and application of pulmonary flow volume loops for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea

Personal Computer skills required

Basic knowledge of electronics and electrical safety

Knowledge of and ability to perform polysomnographic testing procedures, including ability to maintain equipment and instruct others in proper testing

Knowledge of sleep staging and analytical ability to interpret and prepare written summary of results for further evaluation by physician

Interpersonal skills to explain procedures, to give instructions and to calm patient effectively in order to ensure a natural sleep process

Mechanical aptitude and ability to operate, calibrate, set up and perform minor repairs and adjustments on equipment

Ability to monitor closely, recognize and assess changes in a patient's condition for signs of respiratory distress or arrest

Ability to initiate and administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Ability to assist in moving or positioning patients

Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process

Ability to stand for period of time necessary to perform job duties

Ability to sit for long period of time in front of a computer

Ability to remain focused and alert during shift hours

Ability to maintain focus on a computer for period of time to record quality recordings

Ability to lift and/or manipulate 50 pounds

Preferred

Six months previous experience as a polysomnographic technician, respiratory care technician or similar Allied Health experience involved in patient care preferred

Registration preferred

Certified Polysomnographic Technologist accepted with continued employment contingent upon earning registration (RPsgT) within 90 days of hire