Polysomnographer

Description

About the Role

The Polysomnographer is responsible for providing high-quality patient care through the comprehensive evaluation, testing, and treatment of sleep disorders. Working under the general supervision of the Sleep Supervisor, this role performs diagnostic and therapeutic sleep studies, monitors patient responses, and provides education to patients and families regarding sleep health. The Polysomnographer plays an important role in improving patients’ quality of life by ensuring accurate data collection, maintaining patient safety and comfort, and supporting effective treatment plans. This position may also provide guidance and supervision to other sleep laboratory personnel while promoting excellence in patient care and clinical outcomes.

How You’ll Make an Impact

As the Polysomnographer, you make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives by helping identify and treat sleep disorders that affect their overall health, safety, and well-being. Through your expertise, attention to detail, and compassionate care, you provide accurate diagnostic information, support effective treatment plans, and educate patients on improving their sleep health. Your work directly contributes to better clinical outcomes, enhanced quality of life, and a positive patient experience.

Sleep Study Testing & Patient Care

• Perform patient preparation, equipment setup, hook-ups, monitoring, and data acquisition for all sleep laboratory procedures in accordance with department policies and standards established by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).
• Conduct a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic sleep studies, including standard polysomnography (PSG), PSG with seizure montage, CPAP and BiPAP titration studies, oxygen titration studies, Multiple Sleep Latency Tests (MSLT), and Maintenance of Wakefulness Tests (MWT).
• Monitor patient safety, comfort, and physiological responses throughout testing procedures while providing compassionate, patient-centered care.
• Recognize, document, and respond appropriately to patient needs and significant physiological events during testing.

Data Analysis & Documentation

• Score and interpret sleep study data according to established guidelines outlined in the AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and Associated Events.
• Accurately complete patient records, clinical documentation, and related reports in a timely manner.
• Assist with the maintenance, organization, storage, and retrieval of patient records, sleep study data, sleep diaries, billing documentation, correspondence, and other departmental records.
• Ensure all documentation complies with regulatory, accreditation, confidentiality, and organizational standards.

Equipment & Laboratory Operations

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment by stocking, cleaning, and maintaining sleep laboratory equipment, patient care areas, storerooms, and workspaces.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance, calibration checks, troubleshooting, and report equipment issues as appropriate.
• Assist in evaluating new equipment , technologies, and supplies to support quality patient care and operational efficiency.

Education, Training & Professional Development

• Assist the Supervisor and Medical Director with the development, implementation, and evaluation of orientation, education, competency, and training programs.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and clinical support to new employees, students, and other staff members under the direction of department leadership.
• Maintain current knowledge of sleep medicine practices, AASM standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Quality Improvement & Department Support

• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and performance improvement activities under the direction of the Supervisor and Medical Director.
• Support departmental goals by contributing to process improvement efforts, compliance initiatives, and patient satisfaction activities.
• Collaborate effectively with physicians, healthcare providers, and interdisciplinary team members to promote positive patient outcomes.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission and operations of the Sleep Center.

Requirements

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Current Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) credential.
• Licensed Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) with an interest in and willingness to train in polysomnography and sleep medicine. 
• Current BLS and Healthcare Provider CPR certification upon hire or obtained within 90 days of employment.
• ACLS certification obtained within six (6) months of employment.
• Ability to successfully complete required training and demonstrate competency in sleep laboratory procedures and patient monitoring.
• Previous experience in sleep diagnostics, respiratory care, patient monitoring, or a related healthcare field.
• Knowledge of American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) standards and sleep study scoring guidelines.

Who You Are

• Demonstrates compassion, empathy, and respect while caring for patients experiencing sleep-related health concerns.
• Maintains a professional appearance, good personal hygiene, and a positive attitude.
• Exhibits honesty, integrity, and a strong commitment to patient confidentiality. 
• Possesses excellent attention to detail and the ability to remain focused during extended monitoring periods.
• Demonstrates sound judgement, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in a clinical environment.
• Remains calm, dependable, and adaptable in changing situations and during emergency events.
• Communicates effectively with patients, families, physicians, and other healthcare team members.
• Displays patience and sensitivity when working with patients of all ages and backgrounds.
• Works independently with minimal supervision while also contributing positively as a team member.
• Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Maintains flexibility to work varying schedules, including overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Supports a culture of safety, quality, and excellence in patient care.

Skills & Capabilities

• Strong knowledge of sleep study procedures, patient monitoring techniques, and sleep laboratory operations.
• Ability to perform polysomnographic testing accurately and efficiently while maintaining patient safety, comfort, and dignity.
• Effective customer service skills with a commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with patients, families, physicians, and healthcare team members.
• Strong observational, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to recognize and respond appropriately to changes in patient condition and study results.
• Ability to accurately document, score, analyze, and maintain patient records in accordance with departmental, regulatory, and accreditation standards.
• Proficiency in the use of computers, electronic medical records, sleep diagnostic software, and related technology.
• Ability to organize work, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple responsibilities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Knowledge of equipment operation, troubleshooting, routine maintenance, and quality assurance practices.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with advances in sleep medicine and American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) standards.

Position Details

Schedule: Full-time, non-exempt position with the expectation to work 36-40 hours per week. Regular and punctual attendance is required.

Physical Requirements: Frequent standing, use of hands and fingers, ability to handle or feel with hands or arms, climb or balance, talk and hear. Occasionally required to walk, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Occasionally required to lift or move up to 25 pounds.

Equipment: Ability to operate equipment safely. 

Acknowledgment

I acknowledge that I have reviewed and understand the contents of this job description. I understand that this document may be revised at the organization’s discretion and does not constitute a contract of employment. Employment is at will and may be changed with or without notice, including but not limited to duties, location, compensation, benefits, or employment status.