Polysomnographic Intern - 36 hrs/wk, 3rd shift
Blanchard Valley Regional Health Center

PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION

The Polysomnographic Intern works under the general supervision of the Sleep Center Medical Director in operating sophisticated medical diagnostic equipment to record/wake physiology. The attendant develops competency in and performs basic sleep testing procedures and associated interventions. Professional duties include: Obtaining intake data, instrumenting the patient for testing, observing and documenting the patient's sleep behavior, operating and troubleshooting the sleep diagnostic equipment and providing therapeutic intervention when indicated to include Oxygen Therapy, Basic Airway Management, setup and applying nocturnal fixed PAP system and titrate, Non-Invasive Blood Gas Monitoring, CPR, and patient education and monitoring response. Assist with polysomnographic scoring and generation of accurate reports.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Duty 1: Verifies orders and reviews charts for pertinent data about medical history and sleep/wake complaints. Completes all necessary paperwork for each study including thorough documentation of all patient observations, interactions, and responses to therapy for effective delivery of care.

Duty 2: Prepares patients for studies by educating on purpose and procedure and accurately applying electrodes/sensors per policy and procedures.

Duty 3: Completes set up, calibrates, and troubleshoots all monitoring equipment and reports any malfunctioning equipment to maintain quality tracing to have artifact-free signals.

Duty 4: Follows pre and post test procedures. Recognizes and responds appropriately to patient medical problems and physiological events. Notifies medical director of any patient events that would assist physician in making a diagnosis.

Duty 5: Follows policy and procedures for PAP and oxygen administration including proper interface fitting, patient demonstration, and titration.

Duty 6: Removes, cleans and stores patient care equipment according to infection control and department policy and procedures.

Duty 7: Knows how to respond to emergency medical situations per policy and other circumstances as listed in Safety Manual Guidelines. Insures emergency equipment is functioning and available.

Duty 8: Appropriately handles hazardous materials in accordance with OSHA guidelines to ensure a safe environment according to policy.

Duty 9: Accurately scores studies verified by QA.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
  
• BLS certification required within 60 days of hire
  
• Ability to complete a one month on-the-job training period with facility with display of growing knowledge in the field.
  
• Individual must be eligible to enroll in ASTEP education program with ability to complete all ASTEP sleep specific education modules.
  
• Individual must obtain passing score on ASTEP program final exam.
  
• Individual will be required to complete 960 hours minimum of on-the-job training with facility hired Registered Polysomnographic Technologist.
  
• Registry through the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) must be obtained within 1 year of hire.
  
• Positive service-oriented interpersonal and communication skills required.
  
• Individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient served on his/her assigned unit/department. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient status. Must be able to interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age-specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the area's policies and procedures
  
• Previous experience or knowledge of computers, telephone operations and equipment maintenance.
  
• Individual must be organized, able to prioritize, work in a fast pace environment and have excellent problem-solving skills.
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Medical office experience
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The polysomnographic technologist is subject to stressful clinical situations and professional relationships. The technologist is in contact with patients on a daily basis and may be exposed to infectious diseases. The equipment and disinfecting agents used by the technologist may pose environmental hazards. Lifting or moving equipment and patients may result in muscular strain. The technologist works in a clean, well-lighted, heated, and ventilated health care facility. The individual is generally required to sit and carefully monitor polysomnograms and patients for several continuous hours.

***This position is classified 'at risk' for possible occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens (HBV, HIV, etc).

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