rpark91

Take as many CEUs in sleep and become proficient with sleep apnea machines (CPAP, BIPAP, ASV) and their differences before your interview. Refresh on guidelines regarding insomnia and narcolepsy. Know the testing strategies for narcolepsy and medications. A lot of places have pulmonary or psych in their practice so if you have backgrounds in that, that will help too.

I do not. I work M-F, regular 40 hrs.

Hi, I've been in sleep medicine for about 2 years (combined with pulm as well). I LOVE what I do. I see a variety of sleep patients. Mostly obstructive sleep apnea; those on CPAP or BiPAP. Central sleep apnea as well on BiPAP or ASV. Complex sleep apnea as well. I order home sleep studies and in lab studies. A lot of education, teaching, and reinforcement of PAP therapy. We also treat narcolepsy, EDS w/OSA, hypersomnia, insomnia, ect. It's a very interesting field that often goes un-noticed and we tend to see a lot of improvement with our patients.

I was a little out of place when I first started clinicals. But then you have to think that you're there for the same reason as everybody else, and that's to help people. I learned to be assertive and seek opportunities when I can. My most difficult clinical was OB. About half my patients didn't want me in the room, and that's okay. It's whatever is most comfortable for the patient. During Peds rotation, everybody loved the male nurses (and student nurses) because they could relate to them with video games and cartoons and what not. I've worked as a SNT during the summer and have gotten a lot of positive remarks about being in the nursing profession. A lot of people definitely look up to male nurses. Just stand tall, be assertive, confident, and be a positive role model!

St. Louis, MO entering last semester of BSN program :)