Summary:
The Polysomnographic Technician Pediatric reports to the Medical Director or his designee at HCH. In accordance with established policies and procedures performs clinical testing on pediatric patients to determine presence of obstructive sleep apnea episodes. Sets up and calibrates testing equipment; prepares patient; conducts polysomnographic tests; monitors patient condition; reviews scores interprets and prepares written summary of results. Sets up and operates videotaping equipment.

Responsibilities:
Receives and reviews requests for polysomnographic testing. Prepares laboratory and obtains supplies to accommodate number of patients scheduled for testing.



Sets up and calibrates testing and treatment equipment: PC-driven digital polygraph blood oxygen saturation oximeter capnograph Respiratory Inductive Plethysmography (RIP) Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)/Bi-Level airway management equipment and videotaping equipment according to established procedures.



Explains procedure to patient and family members present to gain patient cooperation and to allay anxiety; assure calm quiet environment to allow patient to enter natural (non-medication-induced) sleep.



Places and attaches electrodes to patient*s scalp face chest and abdomen to standard placement locations; externally attaches ear clip; and depending on physician request attaches face mask or inserts nasal probe. May insert esophageal balloon as indicated by physician. Visually checks electrode placement for accuracy to prevent false readings. Positions videotaping equipment to film chest and abdominal breathing pattern accurately.



Operates PC-driven digital polysomnograph for the purpose of: recording patient*s stages of sleep (8-10 hours); real-time analysis of obstructive sleep apnea to ascertain the severity of obstructive sleep apnea and then initiate protocol-driven treatment with continuous positive airway pressure or bi-level positive airway treatment using Respiratory Inductive Plethysmography (RIP) and flow volume loops.



Reviews output making adjustments as necessary to produce tracings of multiple variables including electroencephalogram elctro-oculogram sub-mental electromyogram heart rate nasal and oral airflow respiratory effort end-tidal PCO2 and oxygen saturation.



Monitors patient*s progress (normally involves monitoring and testing more than one patient at a time) remaining alert for extended apneic episodes distress and signs or respiratory arrest. Alerts physician and/or code team as necessary and initiates cardiopulmonary resuscitation if indicated.



Reviews scores and interprets final tracing by identifying sleep stages as determined by following pre-set criteria: number of apneas and hypopneas per hour and per sleep stage; number of arousals; and presence and severity of hypoximia and arrhythmias. Summarizes and prepares written report of results for additional evaluation by physician.



Maintains inventory of supplies and equipment. Performs routine cleaning and maintenance and makes minor adjustments and repairs; makes arrangements for major repair as necessary. Participates in evaluation of and provides input into recommendations for purchase of new or additional supplies and equipment.



Participates in sleep-related clinical research studies providing assistance in similar testing and interpretation activities as well as with computer-assisted analysis of results.

Maintains quality assurance safety environmental and infection control in accordance with established hospital department policies procedures and objectives.



Meets and maintains clinical competencies measured by pre-determined credentialing standards mandatory/safety education and completion of Basic Life Support.



Performs other related duties as required.

Other information:
BASIC KNOWLEDGE:

The level of knowledge normally obtained through completion of an Associates Degree in Respiratory Care Biology Health Sciences or the successful completion of a Polysomnographic certification program or the equivalent (i.e. Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHP).



Registration required.



Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of aging processes human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.



EXPERIENCE:

Eighteen months previous experience as a polysomnographic technician including six months of pediatric experience.



Thorough understanding and competent application of PC-driven digital polysomnography protocols (including RIP and flow volume loops).



Expertise in the understanding and application of pulmonary flow volume loops for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.



Personal Computer skills required.



Basic knowledge of electronics and electrical safety.



Knowledge of and ability to perform polysomnographic testing procedures including ability to maintain equipment and instruct others in proper testing.



Knowledge of sleep staging and analytical ability to interpret and prepare written summary of results for further evaluation by physician.



Interpersonal skills to explain procedures to give instructions and to calm patient effectively in order to ensure a natural sleep process.



Mechanical aptitude and ability to operate calibrate set up and perform minor repairs and adjustments on equipment.



Ability to monitor closely recognize and assess changes in a patient*s condition for signs of respiratory distress or arrest.



Ability to initiate and administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation.



Ability to assist in moving or positioning patients.



WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Generally good; works in sleep laboratory setting.



SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None

HCH

Lifespan is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin age ethnicity sexual orientation ancestry genetics gender identity or expression disability protected veteran or marital status. Lifespan is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Location: Rhode Island Hospital USA:RI:Providence

Work Type: Per Diem

Shift: Shift 3

Union: UNAP