Nurse Practitioner / Physician Assistant - SLEEP CENTER APP

The Nurse Practitioner (NP) functions as an advanced practice provider within the Sleep Medicine Program, independently or in collaboration with the Covenant HealthCare Sleep Medicine physician team, to provide comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for patients with sleep disorders across the lifespan, from infants to seniors. Collaborates closely with sleep physicians, sleep technologists, sleep educators, primary care providers, and other specialists to optimize patient outcomes and improve quality of life through evidence-based sleep medicine practices.

This position provides independent and collaborative patient management, patient education, care coordination, quality improvement support, and ongoing monitoring of treatment effectiveness for patients with sleep-related disorders including obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, insomnia, hypersomnolence disorders, circadian rhythm disorders, parasomnia, restless legs syndrome, and other sleep-related conditions.

Demonstrates excellent customer service performance in that his/her attitude and actions are at all times consistent with the standards contained in the Vision, Mission and Values of Covenant HealthCare and the commitment to Extraordinary Care for Every Generation.

Patient Assessment

· Conduct comprehensive sleep-focused histories and physical examinations.

· Evaluate patients referred for suspected sleep disorders.

· Order, interpret, and communicate diagnostic testing including:

o Home Sleep Apnea Tests (HSAT)

o Diagnostic Polysomnography

o Split-Night Studies

o CPAP/BiLevel Titration studies

o Multiple Sleep Latency Tests (MSLT)

o Maintenance of Wakefulness Tests (MWT)

o Laboratory and other diagnostic tests

· Diagnose and manage sleep disorders in accordance with established protocols and evidence-based practices.

· Develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with supervising physicians.

· Initiate, monitor, and manage positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy.

· Assess treatment adherence and efficacy through review of compliance and therapy data.

· Prescribe medications and durable medical equipment (DME) in accordance with state regulations and organizational policies.

· Maintain timely, accurate, and complete documentation regarding patient information, assessments, care plans, and interventions in the electronic medical record.

Patient Management & Education

· Collaborate with sleep physicians regarding complex patient management.

· Provide education to patients and their support systems regarding sleep disorders, diagnostic procedures, treatment options, and long-term disease management.

· Counsel patients and caregivers regarding PAP therapy, sleep hygiene, behavioral interventions, and lifestyle modifications.

· Promote patient self-management and adherence to prescribed therapies.

· Serve as a resource for patients, families, and caregivers regarding sleep health and treatment expectations.

· Provide coaching and ongoing support to improve PAP adherence.

Cross Departmental

· Provide on-call access for questions, concerns, or emergencies to the professional and technical staff of the sleep center.

· Communicate treatment plans and recommendations effectively to referring providers.

· Coordinate care with primary care providers, pulmonologists, cardiologists, neurologists, behavioral health providers, and other specialists.

· Work with Sleep Practice Manager to assist in developing clinical protocols for practice.

· Support education and training initiatives for clinical and technical sleep staff.

· Participates in departmental education initiatives, quality improvement projects, and professional development activities.

· Maintains confidentiality of patient information according to established practice policies and government regulations, such as HIPAA.

· Maintains current licensure, certifications, and credentialing requirements.

· Maintains professional competency in sleep medicine through ongoing training and continuing education.

· Must earn at least 30 credits (averaged 10 credits per year over the past 36 months) of AMA PRA Category 1 CME credit in sleep medicine. Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

· Master’s degree in nursing from an accredited school.

· Experience in sleep medicine preferred.

· Current licensure as a Nurse Practitioner in the State of Michigan.

· ACLS certification required or willing to obtain within 6 months of employment.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

· Strong understanding of sleep disorders and evidence-based treatment modalities preferred.

· Advanced clinical assessment and diagnostic skills.

· Knowledge of acute and chronic care protocols, administration of medications and treatments, delivery of care and documentation of care.

· Ability to interpret sleep study reports and compliance data.

· Proficiency with electronic health records and clinical documentation systems.

· Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment.

· Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

· Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain a wide variety of internal and external cooperative working relationships.

· Analytical skills necessary to plan, develop, and administer care to a wide variety of patients.

· Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

· Respond calmly and effectively in emergencies.

· Make decisions within scope of training and practice.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

· Ability to maintain punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards.

· Constant handling, feeling, talking, hearing and near vision.

· Frequent lifting up to 25 lbs.

· Frequent standing, walking, twisting, reaching, midrange vision, depth perception, color vision and field of vision.

· Occasional lifting up to 100 or more lbs.

· Occasional sitting, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, squatting, tasting/smelling and far vision.