The polysomnography technologist performs and evaluates overnight polysomnograms and other types of sleep studies. The individual will function independently to safely operate sophisticated medical equipment to record sleep physiology. The technologist will understand the function of equipment used to monitor and record polysomnograms. Knowledge of normal cardiorespiratory, neurological, and sleep physiology is essential. Primary duties include the application of recording devices to the patient, cleaning\disinfection of equipment, and monitoring the polysomnogram. Polysomnographic technologists must recognize sleep pathology when it occurs and respond with the appropriate interventions to ensure patient safety. The polysomnography technologist administers oxygen, nasal continuous positive airway pressure, and ventilatory assist devices in accordance with established policy and procedures. This individual may also perform special procedures such as multiple sleep latency testing, capnography, ambulatory monitoring, record review\scoring, and patient education. Other responsibilities may include technologist training\orientation, in-services, and the performance of other duties as required.
Essential Duties:
- Review existing information in the patient’s chart and examine physician’s orders. Recognize chief sleep\wake complaint and communicate effectively with ordering physician, medical director, or clinical director to clarify any unclear or inappropriate orders. Interview patients to assess current medications, caffeine or alcohol ingestion, current sleep pattern, and any intervention treatment requirements.
- Proficient in setting up and calibrating equipment prior to the patient’s arrival. The technologist must have the knowledge of all sleep study types and have the ability to explain the procedure to the patient.
- Competent in the preparation of the patient for the appropriate procedure as prescribed by the physician. Must be knowledgeable in the indications, contraindications, and adverse effects for the use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and Oxygen Therapy. Must be able to apply and titrate therapy based on physician’s order and established protocols.
- Recognize and record clinical and physiological events, note and correct equipment malfunctions, alter patient’s environment, and make appropriate changes to body position as needed to obtain the required sleep\wake data.
- Recognize and respond appropriately to patient’s medical problems and physiological events, especially cardiac dysrhythmias, respiratory events, and seizures. Safely lift and move patient without harm to patient or self, and ensure the safety and welfare of all patients, including patients with special needs.
- Checks availability and function of emergency equipments.
- Remove electrodes and transducers and assist patient with hygiene as necessary. Must comply with Universal Infection Control Procedures and be able to properly disinfect and disinfect polysomnography equipment, electrodes, and transducers.
- Conduct Multiple Sleep Latency Tests (MSLTs) and Maintenance of Wakefulness Tests (MWTs).
- Score Polysomnograms, MSLTs, MWTs according to current guidelines.
- Prepare summarization reports.
- The technologist will keep appropriate records pertinent to sleep studies performed and record accurate and necessary patient information in a legible and concise format.
- Appropriately maintains patient confidentiality and privacy.
- Stays current on Polysomnographic techniques and updates in sleep disorders.
- Attends staff meetings and case conferences as required.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- Req High school or equivalent
- Req 2 years Minimum of two years of experience performing Sleep Studies (preferably in a Hospital setting).
- Req Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Req Demonstrate critical thinking and ability to work with minimal supervision to analyze complex situations and apply policy.
- Req Demonstrate teamwork skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Pref Associate's degree in a related field
Required Licenses/Certifications:
- Req Sleep Disorders Specialty (SDS) with the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) *Current incumbents hired to this position prior to December 18, 2019: If no current certification as indicated above, one must be obtained and maintained by December 31, 2020; OR
- Req Registered Sleep Technologist (RST) with the American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM) *Current incumbents hired to this position prior to December 18, 2019: If no current certification as indicated above, one must be obtained and maintained by December 31, 2020; OR
- Req Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) with the Board of Registered Polysomnography Technologists (RPSGT) *Current incumbents hired to this position prior to December 18, 2019: If no current certification as indicated above, one must be obtained and maintained by December 31, 2020.
- Req Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider from American Heart Association
As part of Keck Medicine of USC, USC Verdugo Hills Hospital is the only community hospital in the Foothills area of Los Angeles backed by an academic medical center. With its 40-year legacy of personalized care from expert physicians, experienced nurses and a dedicated staff the community has come to know and trust, USC–VHH brings patients the latest medical advancements and 24/7 emergency services. Join this world-class team providing highly-specialized care, up-to-the-minute research and innovative clinical trials.
The hourly rate range for this position is $34.50 - $58.65. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.
USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at [email protected] . Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
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