Sleep Technologist I-Entry Level

The GW Medical Faculty Associates (MFA) was incorporated in July 2000 as a not-for-profit, physician-led practice group. The organization functioned as an independent organization in support of The George Washington University School of Medicine and Sciences as a multi-specialty physician practice group. The GW MFA has grown to become the largest independent academic physician practice in the Washington, DC metro region with more than 500 physicians and nearly 200 APP providers. In 2018, the MFA bylaws were revised to allow The George Washington University to serve as the sole corporate member while the MFA retained independent 501c3 status. The purpose of the change was to ensure alignment between the MFA and GWU.

MFA physicians provide comprehensive patient care, offering one practice for the whole person with 52 medical and surgical specialties. As members of the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences faculty, MFA providers are teachers and mentors for medical students, residents, fellows, and researchers preserving the rich tradition of academics, research, and healing. In addition to maintaining a closely integrated alliance with The George Washington University and The George Washington University Hospital (GWUH) which is separately owned and operated by Universal Health Services (UHS), the GW MFA has active referring relationships with 12 area hospitals.

The GW MFA’s leading healthcare presence in the DC metro region is complemented by a network of community-based practices in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Given its geographic location in central NW Washington, DC, and proximity to more than 175 resident embassies, the MFA continues to evolve its international clinical outreach.

Position Summary

The Sleep Technician I is responsible for providing high-quality patient care while performing comprehensive polysomnographic testing, analysis, and associated interventions. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to work weekends and perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned.

The Sleep Technologist I becomes familiar with and complies with all company and client policies and procedures in order to perform the following as assigned:

General

• Must be available to work weekends.
• Maintain confidentiality when dealing with any patient information.
• Interact with patients, physicians, coworkers, and visitors in a courteous, professional manner.
• Report for scheduled work shifts on time and in proper attire, wearing appropriate identification.
• Demonstrate a high level of flexibility with work schedule and/or shift to meet patient or company needs.
• Demonstrate proficient time management and the ability to perform multiple tasks at one time.
• Maintain an organized and clean work area that is stocked with the appropriate supplies.
• Properly utilize and maintain supplies and equipment.
• Handle stressful and difficult situations in a calm and professional manner.
• Communicate concerns/issues to management in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Demonstrate gradual and persistent improvement in job performance quality.

Polysomnographic Testing Procedures

• Make beds and ensure the cleanliness of the facility.
• Review the information in patient paperwork to include sleep/wake complaints and order for study.
• Greet the patient upon arrival and escort him/her to the sleep room. Educate patient and family concerning overnight/morning procedures, answering any questions. Interview the patient to obtain information needed for the completion of pre-test paperwork.
• Set up and calibrate monitoring equipment, selecting the appropriate recording montage.
• Apply electrodes and other recording devices to the patient and verify proper function.
• Perform pre-test calibrations, making any necessary adjustments to equipment.
• Institute “lights out” and document patient data.
• Monitor the polysomnogram, obtaining a high-quality recording.
• Recognize and document clinical and physiological events pertinent to the study.
• Communicate information on patient status to the medical director as needed.

Patient and Equipment Safety

• Recognize and respond appropriately and quickly to patient physiologic events.
• Safely lift/move patients and equipment, using proper body mechanics.
• Ensure the safety and welfare of all patients, including those with special needs.
• Check the availability and function of emergency equipment.
• Comply with Universal Precautions at all times.
• Properly disinfect/sterilize equipment, electrodes, and transducers.
• Appropriately handle all hazardous materials.

Complex Procedures

• Conduct Multiple Sleep Latency and Maintenance of Wakefulness testing.
• Conduct testing of patients with disabilities and other special needs.
• Conduct advanced monitoring procedures when required by the Medical Director.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Must have a high school diploma and additional education in an AMA-approved health-related program.
• Must be enrolled in or have completed the A-STEP Online Self Study Modules, or must be enrolled in a CAAHEP-accredited sleep technology training program, electroneurodiagnostic (END) program, or respiratory therapy add-on track for sleep technology.

Licensure

• Must be currently certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and provide proof.
• Must be eligible for Washington DC medical license in polysomnography including criminal background check.

Experience

• A minimum of 1 year of medical-related experience along with additional education in an AMA-approved health-related program or be currently enrolled in a CAAHEP-accredited sleep technology program.
• Non-students must have prior experience as a Sleep Technologist, EEG technologist, respiratory care practitioner, or nurse.

Physical Requirements 

• Stand, walk, bend, and reach above the shoulder for long periods of time in a clinical setting.
• Must be able to occasionally lift or carry and frequently push or pull up to 100 lbs. as part of the role
• Regularly exposed to healthcare settings that may require personal protective equipment
• Requires manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, calculator, copier machine, and other equipment

Other

• Must provide proof of currently required vaccines as stipulated by MFA policy.