Polysomnography Technologist

Site: The General Hospital Corporation

Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals including doctors nurses business people tech experts researchers and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit we support patient care research teaching and community service striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.

12-hour night shifts with flexible schedule.
36-hour week.

Job Summary

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

Under the direction of the Chief Technologist and with the general supervision from the Neurophysiology Specialists the technologist will be required to perform standard and complex all night sleep recordings as well as multiple sleep latency tests and maintenance of wakefulness tests. Monitors additional physiologic phenomena by means of appropriate technique. The polysomnograms may measure oxygen saturation EKG EEG respirations ETC02 levels upper airway resistance CPAP and BI-PAP levels and other parameters necessary for a complete sleep study. After an initiation period of 4-6 weeks the tech would be required to work independently but not necessarily alone for up to 12 hours. The technologist must be able to make appropriate decisions regarding the diagnosis and treatment of benign to the most complex patients. May perform clerical and other laboratory duties required.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Examines physician orders and protocols for each sleep study. Reviews existing information in the patients record and recognizes chief sleep/wake complaints.
Greets and interviews the patient to assess current medication recent caffeine/alcohol ingestion current sleep patterns and the need for treatment intervention during the study. Communicates with the MD on call or unit director to clarify unclear or inappropriate orders and communicates information regarding the patients status.
Must spend appropriate time in-servicing the patient regarding the possible use of CPAP/BI-level equipment. The patients fears and apprehensions concerning CPAP should be reduced or eliminated by the in-service.
Sets up/calibrates monitoring equipment with appropriate montage. Measures and applies necessary EEG electrodes using the 10/20 system. Applies appropriate EKG EMG and EOG monitoring electrodes. Places and securely attaches thermistor to measure nasal/oral airflow respiratory effort oximetry and ETC02. Administers supplemental O2 under physicians order.
Performs physiologic calibrations verifies the integrity of the recording. Institutes lights out and notes patient data every 20 minutes on software pop-up box. Monitors the polysomnogram for clinical and physiological events. Must be able to interpret severely abnormal data/EKG rhythms and report such findings to the sleep physicians. Notes and corrects equipment malfunctions. Understands indications contraindications and adverse effects of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NVPAP BI-level ASV and oxygen administration) and applies and titrates therapy based on physicians orders and established protocols.
Recognizes and responds appropriately to the patients medical problems and physiological events especially cardiac arrhythmias respiratory events and seizures. Alters the patients environment or changes the patients body position as needed to obtain the required sleep/wake data. Evaluates routine or abnormal EEG when it applies.
Carefully wakes the patient and records post-sleep calibrations. Removes the electrodes and ancillary monitors and assists with Standard Precautions Infection Control procedures. Properly disinfects and sterilizes the equipment and monitors used during the study. Appropriately handles hazardous materials such as collodian and acetone. Prepares a detailed report of the data and intervention used to diagnose and treat the patient.
If applicable the technologist conducts and scores the MSLTs using standard guidelines. Prepares a report of the MSLT for the interpreting physician. Follows lab protocol regarding set up and take down of the MSLT patient.
Attends seminars and professional meetings to keep knowledge and skills updated. Attends department meetings whenever held.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

LICENSES CERTIFICATIONS and/or REGISTRATIONS (if applicable):

• Registration by the BRPT preferred.
• Must be CPR certified.
• Must follow the AASMs guideline for 30 CMEs averaged over a 3 year period.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Must be able to work flexible hours with the primary emphasis on the night shift.
• Demonstrated understanding of and ability to use or be able to learn and use Natus/ResMed based equipment systems.
• Ability to learn new software applications.
• Demonstrated basic knowledge of MS applications.
• Must possess good documentation skills.
• Attention to detail.

EDUCATION:

• Graduation from a certified hospital or secondary sleep training program or certified AASM/A-Step program.

EXPERIENCE:

• None required but previous experience preferred.

Additional Job Description

Onsite

90 Blossom Street

36

Regular

Night (United States of America)

The General Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religious creed national origin sex age gender identity disability sexual orientation military service genetic information and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process to perform essential job functions and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974 and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at .

Mass General Brigham Competency Framework