Sleep Medicine NP?

Nursing Students NP Students

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Is anyone a Nurse Practitioner that works in Sleep Medicine? Or has anyone heard of NP's working in this speciality? How is it like? I have an interest in specializing in this field. Is it possible to develop a private practice in this field?

On 3/5/2021 at 4:57 AM, rpark91 said:

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.

Do you have any recommendations for someone who is very interested in going into sleep medicine as an NP?

Specializes in Pulmonology/Sleep.
7 hours ago, NPStudentRN said:

Do you have any recommendations for someone who is very interested in going into sleep medicine as an NP?

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. 

2 Votes

I have worked in Sleep Medicine for three years now. Day to day, I troubleshoot PAP, review results of sleep studies with patients (these have been read by an MD), and manage medications for narcolespy, IH, RLS, etc. I'll be honest, it started to get pretty boring/routine after about six months. But my schedule allows me to spend a great deal of time with my kids, and I'm able to moonlight at more exciting places. Plus, I don't worry about my patients. There are really no emergencies in sleep medicine, so when I'm done with work for the day, I'm DONE with work. 

I do like my job, but it is VERY specialized. I rarely do a physical exam beyond heart/lungs/ENT. For preparation, I recommend looking at the AASM website -- lots of great resources. If your current job gives you CEU $, there is an APP module that covers all the basics, and is excellent. 

The main things I like about my job are the interactions I have with my patients, and the satisfaction of helping people feel better. Frustrations include those who get angry about being RX'd a PAP device, and helping patients manage insomnia. The latter is because it's so frustrating for the patients, too!

If you have any questions I didn't answer, feel free to message me! 

2 Votes
On 7/19/2021 at 11:48 AM, NPStudentRN said:

Do you have any recommendations for someone who is very interested in going into sleep medicine as an NP?

The condition isn't so interesting after all. I have been a patient of sleep apnea for a while now using CPAP machines (https://www.cpapoutlet.ca/en/Machines) to get a good sleep as it was affecting my day to day life with extreme headache, fatigue and depression. It started becoming very tiring after every day coming home. I do go to bed early but the amount of sleep and the time to sleep is quite low as it takes a lot of time for me to go to sleep too.

I have an FNP, work in outpatient neurology practice at a large hospital and we see OSA pts. I diagnose, order tests, order sleep studies, order equipment.. etc. I also see other neuro conditions. When I was looking for a neuro job a provider during and interview told me if I didn't get this job and had my heart set on neuro, there are a lot of neuro jobs out there. ?

Specializes in ICU, CCU.

Hello! I just received an offer to join a Sleep Med telemed practice. They are offering me $65/new patient and $45/follow-up. Is this normally within the ballpark of compensation?

Hi I was asked to help see asynchronous Telehealth evaluations, for possible home sleep studies or sleep specialist referrals.  Are insurances covering initial evaluations via asynchronous Telehealth by contracted NP’s? I had understood the initial evaluation/ ordering of test had to be face to face with whoever was going to be managing the sleep apnea.  These are Florida patients.  I’m hesitant to accept, with the visits being asynchronous, and since I wouldn’t be managing the patient beyond the initial evaluation.  Thanks

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