Description

The University of Miami, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, has an exciting full time opportunity for a Polysomnographic Technologist in the Sleep Center. The Polysomnographic Technologist administers various sleep studies to diagnose the type and extent of sleep disorders. Moreover, an employee in this position performs routine patient assessments; scores sleep records, documents other test results, and collects and transmits biological specimens for analysis.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS

• Monitors brain waves, eye movements, muscle activity, multiple breathing variables, and blood oxygen levels during sleep, using specialized recording equipment.
• Provides support services related to the treatment of sleep related problems, including helping patients use devices for the treatment of breathing problems during sleep and helping individuals develop good sleep habits.
• Gathers and analyzes patient information and physician orders to ensure that the appropriate test is performed.  
• Explains the sleep study procedures to patients.
• Prepares and calibrates equipment required for testing and makes adjustments.
• Applies electrodes and sensors, according to accepted published standards, performs appropriate calibrations to ensure proper signals, and performs positive airway pressure (PAP) mask fitting.
• Ensures patient safety by applying PAP at the correct pressure level and administering oxygen.
• Scores sleep and wake stages using professionally accepted guidelines.
• Scores clinical events according to center specific protocols.
• Generates accurate reports by tabulating sleep and awake stages and clinical events data.
• Performs routine and complex equipment care and maintenance and maintains sleep study related inventory.
• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.   

Department Specific Functions 

SLEEP STUDY PREPARATION AND SET-UP 

• Collect, analyze and integrate patient information in order to identify and meet the patient-specific needs (physical/mental limitations, current emotional/physiological status regarding the testing procedure, pertinent medical/social history).
• Determine final testing parameters/procedures in conjunction with the ordering physician or clinical director and laboratory protocols.
• Review the patient’s history and verify the medical order.
• Follow sleep center protocols related to the sleep study.
• When patient arrives, verify identification, collect documents and obtain consent for the study.
• Explain the procedure and orient the patient for either in center or out of center sleep testing.
• Select appropriate equipment and calibrate for testing to determine proper functioning and make adjustments, if necessary.
• Apply electrodes and sensors according to accepted published standards.
• Perform routine positive airway pressure (PAP) interface fitting and desensitization. 
   

SLEEP STUDY PROCEDURES 

• Follow procedural protocols [such as Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), parasomnia studies, PAP, oxygen titration etc.] to ensure collection of appropriate data.
• Perform appropriate physiological calibrations to ensure proper signals and make required adjustments.
• Follow “lights out” procedures to establish and document baseline values (such as body position, oxyhemoglobin saturation, respiratory and heart rates, etc.).
• Perform data acquisition while monitoring study-tracing quality to ensure signals are artifact-free. Identify, correct and document artifact.
• Document routine observations, including sleep stages and clinical events, changes in procedure, and other significant events in order to facilitate scoring and interpretation of polysomnographic results.
• Implement appropriate interventions (including actions necessary for patient safety and therapeutic intervention such as positive airway pressure, oxygen administration, etc)
• Follow “lights on” procedures to verify integrity of collected data and complete the data collection process (e.g. repeat the physiological and instrument calibrations and instructs the patient on completing questionnaires, checking for completeness, etc.)
• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and provide age specific care in the treatment, assessment, and education of neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to perform portable monitoring equipment preparation and data download.
• Perform patient education and instruction appropriate for out of center sleep testing.
• Demonstrate adherence to cleaning and disinfection procedures for portable monitoring devices. 
   

SERVICE MANAGEMENT AND ESSENTIAL SKILLS 

• Comply with applicable laws, regulations, guidelines and standards regarding safety and infection control issues.
• Perform routine equipment care and maintenance and inventory evaluation.
• Maintain current CPR or BCLS certification.
• Demonstrate computer skills appropriate for the position.
• Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrate appropriate social skills.
• Demonstrate customer service skills.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrate teamwork skills. Follow HIPAA policies to maintain the privacy and security of patient information.
• Demonstrate ability to follow direction.
• Respond to sleep patient’s procedural-related inquiries by providing appropriate information.
• Provide patient education utilizing sleep center specific protocols.
• Adhere to sleep center policies related to quality assurance.
• Evaluate sleep study related equipment and inventory.
• Review and evaluate sleep studies and provide feedback to staff.
• Demonstrate the ability to analyze complex situations and apply policy.
• Comply with professional standards of conduct.
• Assist the medical director and/or manager in all aspects of sleep center operations. 

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary. 

Requirements

CORE QUALIFICATIONS  

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent 
• Certification and Licensing: 
  • American Heart Association BLS Certification 
  • Must be enrolled in or completed the A-STEP on-line self-study modules within 2 years of date of hire; or
  • Must be enrolled in or completed a CAAHEP or CoARC program. 

  • Submit:

  • Proof of enrollment in A-STEP plus evidence of completion of at least one module.

  • Evidence of enrollment in a current credited CAAHEP or CoARC program with polysomnography option.

  • Certificate of completion from an accredited CAAHEP or CoARC program in polysomnography option.

• Experience: Minimum 1 year of relevant experience  
• Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes: 
  • Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
  • Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines.
  • Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.
  • Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as necessary.
  • Commitment to the University’s core values.
  • Ability to work independently and/or in a collaborative environment.
  • Proficiency in computer software (i.e. Microsoft Office). 

The University of Miami offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, tuition remission and more.

 UHealth-University of Miami Health System, South Florida's only university-based health system, provides leading-edge patient care powered by the ground breaking research and medical education at the Miller School of Medicine. As an academic medical center, we are proud to serve South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean. Our physicians represent more than 100 specialties and sub-specialties, and have more than one million patient encounters each year. Our tradition of excellence has earned worldwide recognition for outstanding teaching, research and patient care. We're the challenge you've been looking for.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law.

Job Status: Full time 

Employee Type: Staff