Research Sleep Lab Associate (Part-time) - Pulmonary

The Research Sleep Lab Associate performs all types of sleep disorder testing, including setup and performance of nocturnal polysomnograms for research purposes. The Research Sleep Lab Associate may function as a nighttime lead tech, training technicians and ensuring proper functioning of the lab at night. In addition, this individual documents routine observations including sleep stages and clinical events, changes in procedures and significant events in order to facilitate scoring and interpretation of nocturnal polysomnograms. Demonstrates working knowledge of polysomnography, basics of sleep medicine and recognizes cardiac arrhythmia. This individual may be tasked with specific research protocols that include advanced setup of polysomnography as well as real-time monitoring and interventions. Candidate is also responsible for neuropsychological testing including assessment of spatial navigational memory, sustained attention, emotional memory, cognitive assessment. The Research Sleep Lab Associate will also be charged with developing research protocols that allow testing the effects of sleep disruption. Research Sleep Lab Associate will take lead in preparation of manuscripts and report results of research protocols at scientific meetings in form of oral presentations.

Gathers and Analyzes Patient Information

• Reviews history, physical information, medications, procedure request, and study protocol.
• Communicates wi.th the Medical Director as necessary.
• Checks voice mail upon arrival to the lab.
• Completes and verifies documentation.
• Assists in explaining the procedure and orienting the patient to the sleep center and obtains informed consent for subjects in research studies.

Testing Preparation Procedures

• Prepares and calibrates equipment required for testing to determine proper functioning and make adjustments, if necessary.
• Applies electrodes and sensors according to accepted published standards and protocols (clinical and research).
• Performs appropriate physiologic calibrations to ensure proper signals and make adjustments, if necessary

Polysomnographic Procedures

• Follows procedural protocols for diagnostic polysomnography (NPSG) Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), 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.)
• Performs polysomnographic data acquisition while monitoring study-tracing quality to ensure signals are artifact-free and make adjustments, if necessary.
• Documents 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.
• Implements appropriate interventions (including actions necessary for patient safety and therapeutic intervention such as continuous and bi-level positive airway pressure, oxygen administration, etc.).
• Follows lights on procedures to verify integrity of collected data and complete the data collection process (e.g. repeats the physiological and instrument calibrations and instructs the patient on completing questionnaires, etc.)
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and provide age specific care in the treatment, assessment, and education of adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
• Recognizes sleep/wake stages by applying professionally accepted guidelines.
• Recognizes clinical events (such as respiratory events, cardiac events, limb movements, arousals, etc.) as per professionally accepted guidelines.
• Training new polysomnographic technicians and performs staff education.
• Assures implementation of standards of practice for overnight sleep studies.
• Reports status of supplies and equipment maintenance to daytime supervisor.
• Reports concerns issues regarding night time staff/lab operations to management.

Service Management and Professional Issues

• Complies with applicable laws, regulations, guidelines and standards regarding safety and infection control issues, and Rules of Ethics and Conduct Guidelines. Performs routine equipment care and maintenance and inventory evaluation. Maintains current CPR /BCLS certification
• Obtains and maintains CITI certification.
• Demonstrates effective written and spoken communication skills. Demonstrates appropriate social skills.
• Demonstrates ability to follow direction
• Responds to study participants procedural-related inquiries by providing appropriate information
• Service Management and Professional Issues
• Performs neuropsychological testing including but not limited to spatial navigational memory tes