Info about Polysomnography

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello,

First off, let me apologize in advance for asking a question not related to nursing but I couldn't find any concrete information anywhere else so I was hoping I could get some answers here. Ok here it goes: I'm currently in a program to become a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist but based on what I've read, I'm starting to have my doubts so here are my questions and any input would be welcomed: 1. What is the starting pay in Georgia (base + differential)? 2. Is it a respected field? 3. Is there job security in this field? Thanks in advance for the answers

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Is that the same as sonography tech who has specialization in multiple areas such as heart, abdomen, and obstetrics?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

[quote=Lev

I believe this is a sleep study technician. Why not try calling some sleep centers or checking with the related professional organization for information

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I've called several sleep centers. All of the answers I received were pretty vague.

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No, It mainly deals with people who suffer from sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, etc.

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Google the site Advance for Respiratory Care and Sleep. They recently did a salary survey.

As you can see most know very little about the profession. It has traditionally been a specialty spin off of Respiratory or a mish mash of unregulated mess with EMT thru LPNS working the centers. At least there is now a credentialing board and some states certify or license.

The respect you get will come from the people you work closely with in Sleep clinics or DME companies. And of course, the job satisfaction will come from enjoying your patients or clients. The clinics are rarely in close contact with professionals like nurses. Get used to the word "tech".

Sleep clinics come and go. Some got caught up in insurance scams and others faded as reimbursement dwindled. Reimbursement has been up and down by CMS. Your best bet is hospital based (especially) a large teaching center or a children's hospital for job security and benefits.

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Thank you so much for the detailed response.

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Specializes in NICU.

I just left 14 yrs as a Registered Sleep Technologist to go into nursing. The big issue is home studies. Several large insurance companies will not authorize in-lab sleep studies. They want home sleep studies in which the patient is sent home with a device that only records basic sleep information. It saves them money and results in less patients being sent to sleep labs.

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Specializes in Oncology.
I just left 14 yrs as a Registered Sleep Technologist to go into nursing. The big issue is home studies. Several large insurance companies will not authorize in-lab sleep studies. They want home sleep studies in which the patient is sent home with a device that only records basic sleep information. It saves them money and results in less patients being sent to sleep labs.

And despite less data, the patients prefer it. Because they're home in their own bed.

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