Melanie Bass
Augusta
Summary
Conscientious Polysomnographic Technician with a demonstrated history of ensuring patients feel relaxed and informed during observations. Detail oriented and advanced in sleep study procedure and data collection. Capable of performing various electroneurodiagnostic tests and nerve conduction studies. Comfortable connecting with patients, explaining PAP procedures and answering questions. Well-versed in procedural requirements and constraints.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Polysomnographic Technologist
Wellstar Sleep Clinic
Augusta
03.2023 - Current
- Conduct overnight adult and pediatric sleep studies to monitor patients' sleep patterns.
- Assist in the setup of polysomnography equipment for diagnostics.
- Review and score sleep study data to identify abnormalities.
- Ensure compliance with safety standards in the sleep clinic environment.
- Prioritize patient safety, satisfaction and clinical outcomes in day-to-day activities.
- Utilize advanced software programs for analyzing polysomnographic data.
- Evaluate data for the presence of pathologic events such as apnea, hypopnea, snoring, periodic limb movement disorder, and other sleep disorders.
Polysomnographic Technician
CSRA Sleep LLC
Augusta
10.2020 - 04.2022
- Performed comprehensive sleep testing and analysis.
- Follow procedural protocols (such as Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), parasomnia studies, PAP and oxygen titration, etc.) to ensure collection of appropriate data.
- Perform appropriate physiological calibrations to ensure proper signals and make required adjustments.
- Follow 'lights out' procedures to establish and document baseline values (such as body position, oxyhemoglobin saturation, respiratory, and heart rates, etc.).
- Perform data acquisition while monitoring study-tracing quality to ensure signals are artifact-free. Identify, correct, and document artifact.
- Document routine observations, including sleep stages and clinical events, changes in procedure, and other significant events in order to facilitate scoring and interpretation of polysomnographic results.
- Implement appropriate interventions (including actions necessary for patient safety and therapeutic intervention such as positive airway pressure, oxygen administration, etc.).
- Follow 'lights on' procedures to verify integrity of collected data and complete the data collection process (e.g. repeat the physiological and instrument calibrations and instruct the patient on completing questionnaires, checking for completeness, etc.).
Polysomnographic Technician
Pulmonary, Allergy and Sleep Center of Augusta
Augusta
11.2018 - 03.2020
- Performed polysomnographic procedures to obtain diagnoses.
- Scored, interpreted and reported results of sleep studies to supervisor.
- Aided patients in understanding sleep disorders by explaining study procedures, data and diagnoses.
- Educated patients on procedures, test results, sleep disorders and available resources.
- Performed positive airway pressure (PAP) mask fitting.
- Administered CPAP/BiPAP/MSLT/ASV therapy to qualifying patients under AASM guidelines.
Polysomnographic Technician
Columbia Heart/Medical Solution
Columbia
11.2008 - 09.2016
- Performed diagnostic sleep studies and determined possible sleep disorders.
- Administered CPAP/BiPAP/MSLT/ASV therapy to qualifying patients.
- Explained pre-testing, testing, and post-testing procedures to the patient.
- Monitored and provided patient care during studies.
- Collected, analyzed and integrated patient information for the identification of patient-specific needs to determine final procedures, along with the ordering physician or clinical director and laboratory protocols.
- Prepared and calibrated equipment required for testing to determine proper functioning.
- Made adjustments when necessary.
- Applied electrodes and sensors according to accepted published standards.
- Performed appropriate physiologic calibrations to ensure proper signals and made adjustments when necessary.
- Also performed positive airway pressure (PAP) mask fitting.
Education
Some college - No degree
South University
Columbia, SCSome college - No degree
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SCSkills
- Condition monitoring
- Patient Care
- ECG/EEG/EKG recording
- Chart updating
- Recordkeeping abilities
- Strong medical ethic
- Appointment confirmation
- Routing lab results
- Medical filing
- Scheduling appointments
- Office administration
- Advanced Medical Terminology
- Proper GramStain Process
- Proper bio-hazardous materials handling/PPE
- Specimen collection and processing
- Wound care
- Accounts receivable
- Social skills
Certification
- BLS/First-Aid Certification
- AED certification
Timeline
Polysomnographic Technologist
Wellstar Sleep Clinic
03.2023 - Current
Polysomnographic Technician
CSRA Sleep LLC
10.2020 - 04.2022
Polysomnographic Technician
Pulmonary, Allergy and Sleep Center of Augusta
11.2018 - 03.2020
Polysomnographic Technician
Columbia Heart/Medical Solution
11.2008 - 09.2016
Some college - No degree
South University
Some college - No degree
University of South Carolina