Job Description
The Registered Sleep Technologist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
The Registered Sleep Technologist is an individual who performs all aspects of overnight polysomnograms, including CPAP/Bi-PAP titrations. A Registered Sleep Technologist must have achieved competency in the following areas:
- Independently prepare patients for and perform diagnostic polysomnograms.
- Independently perform CPAP and Bi-PAP titrations according to national standards and departmental guidelines. Includes ability to articulate indications for administration of humidification.
- Demonstrate knowledge of indications (and procedure for obtaining orders) for administration of oxygen.
- Demonstrate the ability to score and process sleep records.
This position works closely with other members of the NTC/SDC staff, including physicians.
Responsibilities:
- Completes all required paperwork before study is performed, including consent, relevant patient history, questionnaires, etc. Clarify unclear or inappropriate orders. Complete billing information upon completion of procedure.
- Independently prepare equipment for monitoring by performing necessary calibrations, selecting filter settings, determining appropriate monitoring montage, and entering required patient information.
- Provide CPAP training by utilizing appropriate patient education materials.
- Prepare patients for study by accurately placing recording devices required for procedure. Utilizes International 10-20 system for EEG electrode placement.
- Record study by entering appropriate notations and clinical observations into computer system and on technician worksheet.
- Identify abnormalities such as apneas, PLMs, and other sleep disturbances. Seeks assistance to adjust recording technique to best enhance and provide a clearly interpretable record.
- Recognize and respond appropriately to medical problems and physiological events, especially cardiac dysrhythmias, respiratory events and seizures.
- Recognize technically inadequate signals and initiate troubleshooting techniques. Obtain additional assistance as needed. Appropriate document barriers to resolution.
- Maintain monitoring equipment in clean and organized condition.
- Participate in departmental in-services and continuing education.
- Encourage teamwork through interdepartmental communication and constructive problem resolution.
- Provide training for new Sleep Technicians and student preceptors.
- Score sleep records according to department guidelines.
- Maintain registry in good standing by completing the necessary CEU requirements (10 CMEs or equivalent per year) as established by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
Additional Functions
- Participate in storage and archiving of records.
- Participate in departmental in-services, monthly staff meetings, and continuing education.
- Monitor supply inventory and notify designated individuals in case of shortage.
- Assist in report typing, distribution, filing, and record storage duties as needed.
- Provide consistent feedback and suggestions for improvement to Resource Coordinator and/or Manager.
- Provide written and/or verbal feedback to Resource Coordinator on Sleep Technician and/or student preceptor’s performance.
- Provides testing information, reassures, and relaxes patients (as appropriate), and prepares patients for their procedure. Provides assistance to older adults as needed through assessment of impairments that affect testing procedures.
- Provides basic personal hygiene assistance to any patients as needed.
- Requires interaction with patients of all ages (pediatric, adult and geriatric).
Qualifications
Required
- Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) or Registered Respiratory Care Technologist (RRT).
- Certified in basic cardiac life support (BCLS)
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Knowledge of the International 10-20 system of electrode placement.
Preferred
- Bachelor’s Degree or additional training in electroneurodiagnostics, anatomy, or successful completion of certification in allied health school.
- Prior sleep tech experience, ideally at a facility accredited by the AASM
Additional Information
Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.
