Polysomnographic Scoring Specialist

Summary:
Under general supervision of the Medical Director or his designee and lead technologist and in accordance with established policies and procedures performs windows-based computer-assisted scoring of sixteen channel clinical polysomnograms. Sets up and calibrate all laboratory testing equipment daily. Routinely performs multiple sleep latency tests. Occasionally prepares patients and conducts full polysomnographic test and treatment for obstructive sleep apnea on night shift workers (daytime testing).

Responsibilities:
Performs hand-entered computer-assisted polysomnographic scoring (interpretation of final all night 16 channel tracings) based on standard protocols of: sleep stages and arousal (from electroencephalogram (EEG) electroocculargram and electromyogram); number of apneas and hypotenuse per hour of sleep from Respiratory Inductive Plethysmography (RIP) flow volume loops and oxyhemoglobin desaturations via oximetry); and body movements via electromyograms in sleep. Verifies mean wake oxygen saturation and sleeping desaturation nadirs. Marks potential epileptic form activity and cardiac arrhythmia*s for physician review. Identifies and removes artifact values from summations. Checks overall accuracy of and produces a variety of such physician-ready reports.

Routinely performs daytime multiple sleep latency tests.

Identifies and seeks corrective action to rectify equipment malfunctions or artifacts as evidenced on previous night*s polysomnograms.

Sets up and calibrates testing and treatment equipment: digital PC-driven 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.

Performs full polysomnographic testing and treatments for obstructive sleep apnea (CPAP and Bi-level airway management using RIP and flow volume loops) on day sleepers (shift workers).

Selects and prep-sets controls to obtain appropriate tracings. Prepares laboratory and obtains supplies to accommodate number of patients scheduled for testing.

Receives inventory of supplies and equipment. Performs routine clearing 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.

May participate 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.

Other information:
BASIC KNOWLEDGE:

The level of knowledge normally obtained through completion of an Associates Degree in Respiratory Care Biology Health Sciences or the successful completion of a Polysomnographic certification program or the equivalent.

Registered Polysomnographic Technologist preferred.

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.

Thorough knowledge of full sixteen channel polysomnographic testing and treatment protocols (based on the standards of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Association of Polysomnographic Technologists).

Ability to initiate and administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation is required. BLS certification.

Demonstrated knowledge of international 10-20 EEG system; R&K Sleep staging and sleep histogram architecture; obstructive mixed and central sleep apnea; nocturnal oximetry and hyperventilation; and analytical ability to interpret and prepare written summary of results for further evaluation by physician.

The ability to maintain equipment and instruct others in proper testing is required.

Mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity to operate calibrate set up and perform minor repairs and adjustments on equipment is required.

EXPERIENCE:

One year experience as a Polysomnographic Technician (minimum of 150 full polysomnograms performed) is required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Generally good works in sleep laboratory setting.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None

Brown University Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin age ethnicity sexual orientation ancestry genetics gender identity or expression disability protected veteran or marital status. Brown University Health is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Location: Rhode Island Hospital USA:RI:Providence

Work Type: Per Diem

Shift: Shift 1

Union: UNAP