Night 1:  Clinical Expectations

It is the student’s responsibility to arrive at the clinical site prepared to be an active learner.  The clinical site is gracious enough to allow you the opportunity to learn from them, at their discretion.  They may revoke this opportunity at any time, if they are unsatisfied with your interest or effort. 

You should always make a few personal goals for yourself prior to each clinical night.  Your goals should be actions you take in order to meet the objectives for each night (located at the bottom of this page). 

Be curious     -    Be interested     -     Be helpful.

What to expect on Night 2 of your clinical education:

1.  You will most likely observe & assist with some of these:

• • • Prepare the lab for arrival of the patient (patient room, instrumentation, etc….)

    • Review necessary paperwork and documentation prior to patient arrival

    • Introduce patient to the Sleep Center

    • Hook-up patient, verify impedances

    • Perform Bio-cal prior to and post study

    • Perform pre and post study questionnaires

    • Un-hook patient (then dismiss patient)

    • Save study data (or archive data)

2.  It is likely your preceptor will quiz you on:

• • • How monitoring equipment works (ie….pulse oximeter, nasal pressure transducer, thermal sensors, etc…)

    • Why we monitor each parameter (ie…EEG, EKG, EOG, etc….)

    • Sleep stages, respiratory events, limb movements, EKG arrhythmias, artifact recognition

    • Study protocols

    • Emergency procedures

3.  You may feel overwhelmed at times.  That is normal.  Ask for guidance or clarification when needed.

Psychomotor (hands -on) Goals

1.  Measure and perform patient hook-up with few corrections needed.

2.  Perform bio-calibrations prior to and post study.

3.  Insert Tech notes at appropriate times and with appropriate content.

4.  Identify each sleep stages, respiratory events and recognize artifact during the PSG.

5. Identify the indication for the study performed.

Cognitive (knowledge) Goals *You will need to comment on these in the Clinical Night Questions/Discussions in Canvas.

6.  Describe the facilities basic protocol for performing a diagnostic study. For example,…

• • What is the process for when the patient needs to use the bathroom after the study has started?

  • What are the “lights out” & “lights on” procedures (do you do biocals with both)?

  • Do you keep a 30-minute patient assessment log during the study (or other similar type of documentation)

  • Is a sleep aid offered if the patient can’t sleep (what is the policy regarding this)?

  • What determines when to wake the patient in the morning (ie…does the patient decide or other)?

  • What are the techs duties after waking the patient, but prior to leaving the lab?

7. Outline the appropriate timing and content of tech notes throughout the study.

8. What education is provided for the patient and how is it delivered?

Affective (Behaviors) Goals

9. Behaves professionally with patients, family & clinical staff. 

10. Maintains patient confidentiality as determined by HIPPA.

11. Accepts constructive criticism and/or suggestions from others well.

12. Exhibits motivation to be independent.

13. Seeks guidance from preceptor as appropriate (confident, but not over-confident).

14. Positively, clearly and concisely communicates information.

15. Assumes responsibility of test being performed.

16. Ensures a safe environment for patient and staff.

17. Performs all aspects of duties in a detail oriented fashion, with emphasis on accurate and valid data.

18. Demonstrates interest in sleep and patient well-being.