About this role
Job Summary
This entry-level position is designed for individuals interested in beginning a career in sleep technology. Previous sleep technician experience is not required; on-the-job training will be provided.
Under the supervision of experienced sleep technologists and clinical leadership, the Sleep Technician Trainee will learn to perform overnight sleep studies, including patient preparation, physiological monitoring, sleep-testing equipment, documentation, and patient care.
Essential Functions
· Learn the preparation for and performance of overnight sleep studies.
· Greet patients and help create a safe, comfortable, and professional environment throughout their sleep study.
· Learn proper patient setup procedures, including the placement of electrodes, sensors, respiratory monitoring equipment, and other sleep-study devices.
· Learn to operate and monitor polysomnography and related sleep-testing equipment.
· Observe patients and physiological signals throughout overnight studies under appropriate supervision.
· Recognize and report equipment problems, signal issues, patient concerns, and other changes requiring attention.
· Assist with troubleshooting sensors and monitoring equipment during sleep studies.
· Learn proper procedures for documenting observations, events, interventions, and other required information.
· Learn processes such as: cleaning, disinfecting, preparing, and maintaining sleep-study equipment and patient rooms.
· Follow infection-prevention, patient-safety, confidentiality, and departmental policies and procedures.
· Communicate professionally and compassionately with patients, families, physicians, technologists, and other members of the healthcare team.
· Participate in required training and educational activities to develop competency in sleep technology.
· Reviews patient histories, medications, and procedures.
· Learn how to perform appropriate calibrations.
· Learn Performance of Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) titration per protocol and/or policy and procedure.
Other Duties
- Scans and mails paperwork.
- Stocks the lab.
- Participates in departmental and association-wide informational meetings and in-services, including staff meetings, association-wide forums, and seminars.
- Reviews and acknowledges with signature, department and association-wide policies and procedures annually. Assists the Cardiopulmonary Director with development and maintenance of policies and procedures as needed.
Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Knowledge and Skills Developed During Training
The Sleep Technician Trainee will receive instruction and hands-on experience in:
· Basic sleep physiology and sleep disorders
· Patient preparation for polysomnography
· Electrode and sensor placement
· Sleep-study equipment and software
· Physiological signal monitoring
· Recognition of common sleep-related events
· Equipment troubleshooting
· Patient safety and comfort
· Infection prevention and equipment cleaning
· Sleep-study documentation
· Professional communication and teamwork
Abilities
Must be able to read, write, understand, and speak English.
Operational knowledge of office equipment in the Sleep Lab
Department-specific equipment knowledge, including:
· Nihon Koden polysomnography equipment
· Fax machines
· Printers
· Phone systems
· Computers
· Commonly used hospital computer programs (e.g., Hospital Information Systems, MS Office, email, internet)
Service-oriented with excellent customer service skills
Strong computer skills
Problem-solving skills
Organizational skills
Multitasking skills
Professional interpersonal skills
Time management skills
Ability to prioritize work
Telephone etiquette
Supervisory Responsibilities
None.
Work Environment
At Summit Healthcare, our mission statement is that we are trusted to provide exceptional, compassionate care close to home. Our vision is to be the healthcare system of choice.
To uphold our mission and vision statements, we expect all employees to practice SHINE Behavioral standards:
- Always SHINE – show respect and be kind.
- Always work together – we are on the same team.
- Always serve others – no job is beneath you.
- Always maintain high standards of quality and safety – best practice every time.
- Always communicate clearly – be compassionate.
- Always practice integrity – maintain confidentiality.
- Always be accountable – take responsibility.
- Always empower – create an environment of success.
- Always excel – don't settle for mediocrity.
- Always promote wellness – make choices for a healthy lifestyle.
Physical Demands
Light
Exerts up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demands are in excess of those of Sedentary work. Light work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree. Worker is exposed to extensive computer work.
Required Education and Experience
- BLS CPR AED certification within 30 days of hire
OSHA Exposure Category:
OSHA Exposure Category 1
Involves exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues.