Sleep Tech III

How You’ll Help Transform Healthcare:

A polysomnographic technologist with RRT works under the general supervision of the medical/facility director (MD, DO, PhD) or designee to provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment (including advanced) of sleep disorders including in center and out of center sleep testing, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, comprehensive patient care and direct patient education. A sleep technologist is able to perform the duties defined for a sleep technician and is able to provide oversight of other sleep center staff. The sleep technologist with RRT is credentialed in sleep technology as well as being a Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner by the VA State Board of Medicine and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by the National Board for Respiratory Care. 
 

• Gathers and Analyzes Patient Information
• Collect, analyze and integrate patient information in order to identify and meet the patient-specific needs (physical/mental limitations, current emotional/physiological status regarding testing procedure, pertinent medical/social history), and to determine final testing parameters/procedures in conjunction with the ordering physician or clinical director and laboratory protocols.
• Review patient’s history, verify the medical order and 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.  
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and provide age specific care in the treatment, assessment and education of pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.
• Testing preparation procedures.
• 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
• Sleep Study Procedures
• Follow procedural protocols (Multiple Sleep Latency Test, Maintenance of Wakefulness Test, parasomnia studies, PAP and oxygen Titration, etc.) to ensure collection of appropriate data.
• Follows “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.
• Polysomnographic Record Scoring
• Score sleep/wake stages by applying professionally accepted guidelines.
• Home Sleep Apnea Testing
• Demonstrate 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.
• Respiratory Specialty Functions
• Manages resources and establishes priorities to oversee the care of patients with acute or chronic exacerbations of respiratory-related illnesses or conditions, (e.g. tracheostomy, COPD, ALS, etc).
• Provides input regarding clinical judgment and advanced therapeutic interventions to sleep technologists for patient with respiratory-related illnesses or conditions.
• Service Management and Essential Skills
• Comply with applicable laws, regulations, guidelines and standards regarding safety and infection control issues.
• Performs routine equipment care, maintenance and inventory evaluation
• Respond to study participant’s procedural-related inquiries by providing appropriate information.

What We Require:

Education: Associate degree and/or certification required from a CoARC (Committee on Accreditation of Respiratory Care Education) approved school of respiratory therapy. One with Polysomnography rotation/training preferred Or RRT with successful completion of AASM A-STEP course preferred with successful completion of all Sleep Technologist skills and eligibility requirements to sit for the BRPT RPSGT within one year of hire.

Experience: One to three years as RRT preferred. Work in AASM accredited sleep center for one year preferred.

Licensure, certification, and/or registration: Virginia State License for Respiratory Therapists AND Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by the National Board for Respiratory Care. Virginia State License for Polysomnographic Technologists AND RPSGT by the Board of Polysomnographic Technologists considered a bonus (would consider RST by American Board of Sleep Medicine or SDS by The National Board for Respiratory Care)*. Obtain/Maintain current AHA BLS-HCP *or completion of BRPT/RPSGT within 6 months of hire

Other Minimum Qualifications: Demonstrates computer skills appropriate for the position. Demonstrates effective written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrates appropriate social and customer service skills. Demonstrates critical thinking, ability follow directions and work with minimal supervision. Demonstrates teamwork skills. Follow HIPPA policies to maintain the privacy and security of patient information.

About Carilion

This is Carilion Clinic ...

An organization where innovation happens, collaboration is expected and ideas are valued. A not-for-profit, mission-driven health system built on progress and partnerships. A courageous team that is always learning, never discouraged and forever curious.

Headquartered in Roanoke, Va., you will find a robust system of award winning hospitals, Level 1 and 3 trauma centers, Level 3 NICU, Institute of Orthopedics and Neurosciences, multi-specialty physician practices, and The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute.

Carilion is where you can make your own path, make new discoveries and, most importantly, make a difference. Here, in a place where the air is clean, people are kind and life is good. Make your tomorrow with us.