Technologist

Position Summary

The Sleep Technologist II is responsible for providing high-quality patient care while performing comprehensive polysomnographic testing, analysis, and associated interventions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned.

General

• Maintain confidentiality when dealing with any patient information.
• Interact with patients, physicians, coworkers, and visitors in a courteous, professional manner.
• Report for scheduled work shifts on time and in proper attire, wearing appropriate identification.
• Demonstrate a high level of flexibility with work schedule and/or shift to meet patient or company needs.
• Demonstrate proficient time management and the ability to perform multiple tasks at one time.
• Maintain an organized and clean work area that is stocked with the appropriate supplies.
• Properly utilize and maintain supplies and equipment.
• Handle stressful and difficult situations in a calm and professional manner.
• Communicate concerns/issues to management in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Demonstrate gradual and persistent improvement in job performance quality.
• Demonstrate self-motivation to maintain professional competency by participating in continuing education conferences, seminars, and other opportunities as able.
• Attend department meetings or other in-service activities as scheduled.
• Fulfill annual training and health screening requirements. Maintain current CPR certification.
• Identify and strive to meet departmental goals, objectives, and plans.
• Maintains cleanliness and proper appearance of the facility.
• Work professionally as a team member in conjunction with other employees and departments and maintains an atmosphere of cooperation.
• Perform other duties within the scope of ability as assigned by the direct supervisor to ensure efficient operation of the department and company, including those required during emergencies.

Polysomnographic Testing Procedures

• Train junior technologists when necessary.
• Make beds and ensure the cleanliness of the facility
• Review the information in patient paperwork to include sleep/wake complaints and order for study.
• Greet the patient upon arrival and escort him/her to the sleep room. Educate patient and family concerning overnight/morning procedures, answering any questions. Interview the patient to obtain information needed for the completion of pre-test paperwork.
• Set up and calibrate monitoring equipment, selecting the appropriate recording montage.
• Apply electrodes and other recording devices to the patient and verify proper function.
• Perform pre-test calibrations, making any necessary adjustments to equipment.
• Institute “lights out” and document patient data.
• Monitor the polysomnogram, obtaining a high-quality recording.
• Recognize and document clinical and physiological events pertinent to the study.
• Communicate information on patient status to the medical director as needed.
• Recognize and document all artifacts and equipment malfunctions, taking the proper steps to eliminate them. Report any equipment malfunctions to the direct supervisor.
• Call the sleep center manager or 24-hour technical support line for assistance as needed.
• Assist the patient with needs during the procedure in order to obtain the required sleep/wake data.
• Understand indications, contraindications, and adverse effects of continuous and bilevel-positive airway pressure as well as oxygen administration.
• Apply and titrate positive airway pressure and oxygen therapy based on physician order and in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Wake the patient and record post-test calibrations.
• Gently remove all electrodes and transducers from the patient and allow time for clean up.
• Have the patient complete the post-test paperwork before discharge.
• Strip beds and leave room in appropriate condition for housekeeping.
• Copy and upload all required data for the scoring technologist.
• Inventory and order equipment/supplies per policy.

Patient and Equipment Safety

• Recognize and respond appropriately and quickly to patient physiologic events.
• Safely lift/move patients and equipment, using proper body mechanics.
• Ensure the safety and welfare of all patients, including those with special needs.
• Check the availability and function of emergency equipment.
• Comply with Universal Precautions at all times.
• Properly disinfect/sterilize equipment, electrodes, and transducers.
• Appropriately handle all hazardous materials.

Complex Procedures

• Conduct Multiple Sleep Latency and Maintenance of Wakefulness testing.
• Conduct testing of patients with disabilities and other special needs.
• Conduct advanced monitoring procedures when required by the Medical Director.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Must have a high school diploma and additional education in an AMA-approved health-related program.

Licensure

• Proof of RPSGT credentialing by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists.
• Must meet requirements prescribed by the American Association of Sleep Technologists (AAST) to maintain RPSGT credential.
• Current and valid CPR certification.

Experience

• A minimum of 1 year of medical-related experience along with additional education in an AMA-approved health-related program
• Prior experience as a sleep technologist, EEG technologist, respiratory care practitioner, or nurse.

Physical Requirements

• Stand, walk, bend, and reach above the shoulder for long periods of time in a clinical setting.
• Must be able to occasionally lift or carry and frequently push or pull up to 100 lbs. as part of the role
• Regularly exposed to healthcare settings that may require personal protective equipment
• Requires manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, calculator, copier machine, and other equipment

About GW MFA

MFA physicians provide comprehensive patient care, offering one practice for the whole person with 52 medical and surgical specialties. As members of the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences faculty, MFA providers are teachers and mentors for medical students, residents, fellows, and researchers preserving the rich tradition of academics, research, and healing. In addition to maintaining a closely integrated alliance with The George Washington University and The George Washington University Hospital (GWUH) which is separately owned and operated by Universal Health Services (UHS), the GW MFA has active referring relationships with 12 area hospitals.

The GW MFA’s leading healthcare presence in the DC metro region is complemented by a network of community-based practices in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Given its geographic location in central NW Washington, DC, and proximity to more than 175 resident embassies, the MFA continues to evolve its international clinical outreach.