Sleep Lab Technologist - Full Time - Night Shift
About us: For the past 85 years, Stephens County Hospital has been a trusted name in the community, striving for excellence and delivering professional and compassionate care. Our dedicated staff of approximately 475 employees has a heart for healthcare and realizes how precious the gift of good health can be.
Stephens County Hospital is a 96-bed acute care hospital located in Toccoa, Georgia. We are nestled in the beautiful foothills of Northeast Georgia where our family-oriented community offers many cultural and civic opportunities as well as numerous outdoor activities.
Stephens County Hospital is a member of the Georgia Hospital Association, American Hospital Association and Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals. Stephens County Hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission, the nation’s premier healthcare monitoring agency.
Sleep Lab Technologist - Full Time - Night Shift
Education:
Completion of training in an AMA-approved school of Respiratory Therapy.
Advanced education in sleep technology, and the ability to either possess or be eligible for the Registry exam for Sleep medicine administered by the BRPT.
Licensure / Certification:
BLS Certification within first month of employment.
Current Georgia Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCP) license, Certification by the NBRC for either RRT and/or RSPGT or SDS
Provides care for patients of the following age groups:
Adult (19 to 59 Years)
Pediatric (>Newborn to 11 Years) Senior Adult (60 to 74 Years)
Adolescent (12 to 18 Years) Geriatric (75 and Above)
Duties & Responsibilities:
• Conducts patient interview to gather data required for documentation.
• Reviews physician’s orders, test, FIO2, and special instructions
• Determines parameters to be monitored during testing and factors that may affect outcome of study
• Completes all required paperwork as required by departmental policy.
• Uses proper hand hygiene throughout procedure.
• Accesses the EMBLA software calibration program and calibrates the system to match the numerical values on the oximeter and ancillary equipment.
• Set-ups the sleep recorder by accurately entering the patient’s name on archiving media, selecting the appropriate start-up menus and establishing proper montages to begin recording.
• Uses the international 10-20 systems to measure for EEG electrode locations.
• Identifies appropriate placement for:
* ECG, chin EMG, anterior tibialis EMG, thoracic and abdominal piezo-crystal belts, nasal/oral thermostat
• Cleans and abrades all necessary electrode sites and applies electro conductive material where applicable.
• Verifies appropriate impedance level for each electrode and documents on sheet.
• Places and securely attaches to the patient, checks for proper function and appropriate signal for:
* Airflow thermistor, respiratory effort belts, oximeter probe, body position indicator, ETCO2 canella
• Attaches all necessary additional devices to the appropriate interface or recording device and ensures proper function of audio/visual monitor.
• Verifies signal quality on all channels.
• Repositions or replaces electrodes and other equipment as necessary.
• Machine calibration for 30 seconds.
• Initiates bio-calibration as per policy and procedure.
• Informs patient of lights out and notes the following:
* Time, patient position, oxygen saturation, respiration rate and heart rate, other pertinent information such as supplemental oxygen and nCPAP levels, room conditions, sleep stage and apneic/hypopneic events
• High frequency interference (i.e. 60 cycle)
• Low frequency interference (i.e. sweat, EKG)
• Intermittent signal
• Increased or attenuated signal amplitude
• Unusual EEG pattern
• Generates a combination protocol sheet for any patient with compelling history indicating moderate to severe sleep apnea.
• Follows correct policy and procedure for combination/split night exam.
• Uses backup or alternate equipment.
• Alters the montage to maintain essential information.
• Wakes the patient to replace/reposition electrodes or other monitoring devices if outcome is affected.
• Alters the patient’s environment (i.e. heat, air conditioning, fan, etc.).
• Documents any patient complaints, condition of environment and equipment used.
• Documents interventions and treatments (adjusting leads, applying NCPAP, O2).
• Assures that the patient has slept in both supine, and lateral positions.
• Documents patient behaviors (i.e. snoring, out of bed, vocalizing).
• Notifies physician as needed.
• Documents lights on time.
• Wakes the patient and performs patient calibration.
• Performs machine calibrations.
• Removes electrodes and other devices using appropriate technique and cleans.
• Administers post sleep questionnaire.
• Calibrates pressure-monitoring device.
• Begins monitoring at lowest nCPAP with patient in the supine position and records.
• Increases and documents nCPAP to achieve therapeutic level.
• Verifies that optimal pressure has been achieved.
• Appropriately changes to Bi-Level airway support for those patient documenting high nCPAP pressures or preponderance of central apneas.
• Applies supplemental oxygen with NCPAP to correct for low oxygen baseline and frequency/severity of oxygen desaturation after optimal nCPAP is established.
• Use and possible side effects of nCPAP.
• Shows film regarding nCPAP use.
• Verifies physician order (specific or standing).
• Explains procedure and orients the patient to the method of administration (i.e. canella or mask).
• Follows current policy and procedure regarding oxygen use.
• Recognizes complications and contraindications of oxygen therapy.
• Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and skills to perform clinical patient assessments.
• Evaluates laboratory data, x-rays and other pertinent information in analyzing the appropriateness of therapy or determining the need for medical intervention.
• Demonstrates appropriate knowledge of dosage, duration, indications, contraindications and mode of action for all medications utilized in the scope of Respiratory care.
• Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and skills to perform IPPB, metered dose inhaler and hand-held nebulizer therapies.
• Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and skills to deliver humidification therapy as indicated or as prescribed by physician.
• Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and skills to perform CPT, postural drainage, incentive spirometry, end tracheal suctioning and other pulmonary hygiene techniques.
AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:
Pediatric (>Newborn to 11 Years)
• Uses appropriate technique for venipuncture and finger sticks.
• Shows ability to give medicated therapy via mask, mouthpiece or blow-by.
• Uses appropriate technique and restraint for venous, arterial and capillary blood sampling procedures; responds appropriately to abnormal blood gas values and promptly notifies nurse and/or physician.
• Uses appropriate technique and devices to deliver chest physical therapy.
• Uses appropriate oxygenation devices and application.
• Uses appropriate and invasive and noninvasive ventilation devices.
• Shows ability to communicate with the patient and parents the therapy and the expected outcome of the therapy.
Adolescent (12 to 18 Years)
• Shows ability to give medicated therapy via mask or mouthpiece.
• Uses appropriate technique and restraint for venous and arterial blood sampling procedures; responds appropriately to abnormal blood gas values and promptly notifies nurse and/or physician.
• Uses appropriate technique and devices to deliver chest physical therapy.
• Uses appropriate oxygenation devices and application.
• Uses appropriate and invasive and noninvasive ventilation devices.
• Shows ability to communicate with the patient and parents the therapy and the expected outcome of the therapy.
Adult (19 to 59 Years)
• Shows ability to give medicated therapy via mask or mouthpiece.
• Uses appropriate technique and restraint for venous and arterial blood sampling procedures; responds appropriately to abnormal blood gas values and promptly notifies nurse and/or physician.
• Uses appropriate technique and devices to deliver chest physical therapy.
• Uses appropriate oxygenation devices and application.
• Uses appropriate and invasive and noninvasive ventilation devices.
• Shows ability to communicate with the patient, the therapy and the expected outcome of the therapy
Senior Adult (60 to 74 Years)
• Shows ability to give medicated therapy via mask or mouthpiece.
• Uses appropriate technique and restraint for venous and arterial blood sampling procedures; responds appropriately to abnormal blood gas values and promptly notifies nurse and/or physician.
• Uses appropriate technique and devices to deliver chest physical therapy.
• Uses appropriate oxygenation devices and application.
• Uses appropriate and invasive and noninvasive ventilation devices.
• Shows ability to communicate with the patient, the therapy and the expected outcome of the therapy.
Geriatric (75 Years and Older)
• Shows the ability to give medicated therapy via mask mouthpiece or blow-by.
• Uses appropriate technique and restraint for venous and arterial blood sampling procedures; responds appropriately to abnormal blood gas values and promptly notifies nurse and/or physician
• Uses appropriate technique and devices to deliver chest physical therapy.
• Uses appropriate oxygenation devices and application.
• Uses appropriate and invasive and noninvasive ventilation devices.
• Shows ability to communicate with the patient, the therapy and the expected outcome of the therapy.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Ability to compile, code and categorize, or verify information/data
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Ability to determine appropriate course of action in more complex situation
• Ability to work independently, exercise creativity, and maintain a positive attitude
• Ability to manage multiple and simultaneous responsibilities and to prioritize scheduling of work
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all medical, financial, and legal information
• Ability to complete work assignments accurately and in a timely manner
• Ability to communicate effectively, with excellent verbal and written communication skills
Sleep Lab Technologist
Non-Essential Functions:
• Perform other duties as assigned or requested.
Professional Requirements:
• Adhere to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.
• Complete annual education requirements.
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
• Report to work on time and as scheduled.
• Wear identification while on duty.
• Maintain regulatory requirements, including all state, federal and local regulations.
• Represent the organization in a positive and professional manner at all times.
• Comply with all organizational policies and standards regarding ethical business practices.
• Participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities.
• Attend regular staff meetings and in-services as needed.
Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions:
• May need to sit or stand for up to 2-6 hours at a time
• Physically demanding, high-stress environment
• Must be able to lift 10 pounds or more
Stephens County Hospital is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, disability, military status, sexual orientation, genetic predisposition, carrier status or any other legally protected status.
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marie.culver@stephenscountyhospital.com
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