Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Service Excellence Award
Generic

Kirsten Smith

Grosse Pointe Farms

Summary

Dynamic Registered Sleep Technologist with extensive experience at Children's Hospital of Michigan, specializing in sleep disorder treatment and patient care coordination. Recognized for enhancing patient outcomes through effective CPAP titration and compassionate communication. Proven ability to mentor staff and implement quality assurance protocols, ensuring high standards of care in sleep studies.

Demonstrates expertise in patient monitoring, data analysis, and sleep study administration. Known for collaborative teamwork and adaptability to changing needs. Skilled in utilizing advanced diagnostic tools and maintaining high standards of patient care. Trusted for delivering consistent and impactful results.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Registered Sleep Technologist

Children's Hospital of Michigan
06.2015 - Current
  • Conducted comprehensive sleep studies to evaluate patients' sleep patterns and disorders.
  • Analyzed polysomnographic data to provide accurate diagnoses and treatment recommendations.
  • Educated patients on sleep hygiene and preparation for diagnostic procedures.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop effective patient care plans.
  • Mentored junior staff in technical procedures and equipment operation.
  • Implemented quality assurance protocols to enhance testing accuracy and safety compliance.
  • Promoted continuous improvement initiatives within the sleep center through participation in performance evaluations, quality assurance measures, and professional development opportunities.
  • Promoted a safe and comfortable environment for patients by consistently maintaining clean, organized, and well-stocked sleep study rooms.
  • Maintained high-quality patient care through strict adherence to established safety guidelines and procedures during sleep studies.
  • Ensured accuracy of diagnostic results by maintaining up-to-date knowledge on industry standards, technologies, and best practices.
  • Expedited diagnosis timeframes for patients experiencing severe symptoms by prioritizing critical cases when necessary according to medical necessity criteria from insurance providers or referring physicians'' requests.
  • Reduced instances of technical errors during testing procedures through meticulous attention to detail and careful monitoring of equipment functionality throughout each study.
  • Contributed to team success by collaborating closely with multidisciplinary healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care for patients with sleep disorders.
  • Demonstrated flexibility in adapting to various sleep study protocols and methodologies to accommodate diverse patient populations, including pediatric and geriatric patients.
  • Increased patient satisfaction with thorough pre-test education and clear explanations about the sleep study process.
  • Fostered positive relationships with patients, families, caregivers, and other healthcare providers through effective communication skills and compassionate bedside manner during overnight stays at the sleep center.
  • Optimized efficiency of testing equipment through regular calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting as needed.
  • Gathered, charted, and analyzed patient history data and discussed key points with clinicians.
  • Evaluated patient histories and medical records for accuracy and completeness.

Registered Sleep Technologist

St. John Hospital
08.2009 - 07.2015
  • Service Excellence Award Recipient 2011- voted in by physicians, managers, co-workers, and patients.
  • Evaluated patients'' sleep patterns through conducting accurate polysomnography tests and detailed analysis of recorded data.
  • Streamlined documentation processes by accurately inputting test results into electronic health records systems while maintaining patient confidentiality.
  • Enhanced patient comfort by implementing individualized sleep study protocols based on medical history and specific needs.
  • Maintained professional certification as a Registered Sleep Technologist through regular participation in continuing education opportunities, ensuring up-to-date expertise in the field of sleep medicine.
  • Maintained accurate patient charts and medical records.
  • Educated patients about procedures, answered questions, and provided comforting words to control anxiety and enhance procedure results.
  • Utilized medical software to document and track patient progress.
  • Operated and maintained medical equipment used to diagnose and treat patients.
  • Performed diagnostic tests and reported results to healthcare providers.
  • Assisted physicians in diagnosis and treatment of patients.
  • Educated patients and caregivers on proper ways to use breathing apparatuses at home.
  • Conducted comprehensive sleep studies to evaluate patients' sleep patterns and disorders.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop effective patient care plans.
  • Mentored junior staff in technical procedures and equipment operation.
  • Implemented quality assurance protocols to enhance testing accuracy and safety compliance.
  • Promoted continuous improvement initiatives within the sleep center through participation in performance evaluations, quality assurance measures, and professional development opportunities.
  • Maintained high-quality patient care through strict adherence to established safety guidelines and procedures during sleep studies.
  • Ensured accuracy of diagnostic results by maintaining up-to-date knowledge on industry standards, technologies, and best practices.
  • Expedited diagnosis timeframes for patients experiencing severe symptoms by prioritizing critical cases when necessary according to medical necessity criteria from insurance providers or referring physicians'' requests.

Respiratory Therapist/Registered Sleep Technologist

Genesys Regional Medical Center
05.1996 - 08.2010
  • Assisted in administering respiratory care to patients under supervision.
  • Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to healthcare team.
  • Utilized diagnostic equipment to evaluate lung function and oxygen levels.
  • Collaborated with nursing staff to optimize patient treatment plans.
  • Educated patients on respiratory therapies and proper use of equipment.
  • Maintained cleanliness and functionality of respiratory devices and tools.
  • Participated in training sessions to enhance clinical skills and knowledge.
  • Documented patient progress and interventions accurately in electronic health records.
  • Managed ventilator support for critically ill patients in intensive care units, ensuring proper adjustments according to physician orders and clinical guidelines.
  • Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
  • Administered oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy and inhalation therapy to improve patients' breathing and lung function.
  • Provided emergency response assistance in cases of respiratory distress or failure as part of a rapid response team.
  • Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
  • Educated patients and families on disease management, breathing techniques, and medication administration, promoting self-care and adherence to treatment plans.
  • Collaborated closely with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans addressing patient needs and goals.
  • Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management, and intubations.
  • Educated patients and families on proper use of respiratory equipment and techniques for managing respiratory disorders to improve patient outcomes.
  • Served as a resource for staff and patients on the safe use of supplemental oxygen, ensuring optimal therapeutic benefits.
  • Maintained accurate patient records to track patients' medical history and treatment plans.
  • Developed strong relationships with referring physicians by providing timely communication regarding patient progress and updates on therapy effectiveness.
  • Improved patient care by developing individualized treatment plans based on thorough assessments and evaluations.
  • Enhanced patient outcomes by effectively administering respiratory therapy treatments and interventions.
  • Monitored patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
  • Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient treatment plans.
  • Cooperated and communicated with physicians to deliver patient satisfaction and meet compliance with set standards.
  • Coordinated with case managers, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to address psychosocial factors impacting respiratory health.
  • Maximized equipment utilization by maintaining regular maintenance schedules for all respiratory therapy devices.
  • Improved patient outcomes by educating families on home care techniques and importance of medication adherence.

Education

Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy

Oakland Community College
Southfield, MI
06-1996

Skills

  • Working knowledge of computers and software systems
  • Working knowledge of hospital based computers and software systems
  • Extensive experience with written and verbal communication
  • Oxygen therapy administration
  • Patient care coordination
  • Sleep disorder treatment
  • CPAP titration
  • Pediatric sleep studies
  • Positive airway pressure management
  • Complex sleep apnea management
  • Sleep-related hypoxemia evaluation
  • BiPAP titration

Certification

  • RTT - Respiratory Therapy Technician
  • RPSGT - Registered Respiratory Therapist

Timeline

Registered Sleep Technologist

Children's Hospital of Michigan
06.2015 - Current

Registered Sleep Technologist

St. John Hospital
08.2009 - 07.2015

Respiratory Therapist/Registered Sleep Technologist

Genesys Regional Medical Center
05.1996 - 08.2010

Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy

Oakland Community College

Service Excellence Award

Received Service Excellence Award - nominated and voted on by physicians, managers, co-workers and patients.

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