Sleep Technician/ Nurse

Overview

The Sleep Technician/Nurse works under the supervision of the Lead Nurse or Lead Physiologist within a busy Sleep Department. The post holder is responsible for initiating and reviewing CPAP therapy, assessing its effectiveness, and educating patients about sleep-disordered breathing. The role requires up-to-date clinical knowledge, accurate documentation, ongoing professional development, and a compassionate, professional approach to working with patients and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Set up patients on CPAP, select and fit appropriate interfaces, and adjust therapy settings in line with sleep study findings to ensure optimal treatment efficacy and patient comfort.
• Review CPAP therapy effectiveness, identify the need for further testing if required, and educate patients about sleep-disordered breathing and CPAP use.
• Explain sleep study results to patients, including physiological events observed, and discuss the potential short- and long-term health implications of treating or not treating obstructive sleep apnoea (including cardiovascular impact and daytime functioning).
• Provide information on driving-related DVLA regulations where relevant and support patients to understand their responsibilities.
• Troubleshoot CPAP-related issues, provide guidance for therapy in a variety of situations (e.g., travel), and promote adherence and safety.
• Conduct telephone and face-to-face review clinics, delivering ongoing assessment and support for patients on CPAP therapy.
• Communicate effectively with patients who have language barriers, cognitive or learning difficulties, or varying health literacy, ensuring information is delivered clearly and supportively.
• Make clinical decisions regarding initial treatment, interpreting sleep study data to determine the type and severity of sleep apnoea, and integrating clinical presentation to inform the treatment plan.
• Manage complex cases and discharge under supervision; troubleshoot equipment and staff issues to ensure an efficient service.
• Assist in the Sleep Clinic with preparation and download of sleep study devices when required.
• Occasionally obtain arterial blood gas (ABG) samples to support assessment of obesity hypoventilation syndrome; training provided as needed.
• Accurately record electronic information relating to equipment issued to patients and discuss the appropriateness of therapy.
• Liaise with consultants and senior sleep nurses to review and evaluate patient progress, adherence, and response to treatment; contribute to shared decision-making.
• Participate in team meetings, record minutes, and foster collaboration and the dissemination of evidence-based practice.

Main Duties and Responsibilities (Organisational and People Management)

• Provide cross-coverage as required to other hospital sites; supervise and develop Sleep Coordinators and participate in setting departmental objectives aligned with unit and national targets.
• Ensure safe systems of work, compliance with Health and Safety legislation, risk assessments, and timely reporting of hazards.
• Maintain clinical databases and records, produce statistical reports on workload, and ensure information is recorded in the appropriate clinical systems.
• Support infection control, maintain stock, participate in audits and research, and contribute to budget reconciliation and workforce planning.
• Participate in MDTs or Respiratory meetings and communicate with staff and external stakeholders as required.

Training and Professional Development

• Provide training and ongoing support to respiratory nurses managing ward patients on CPAP therapy; cover mask fitting, machine use, troubleshooting, and best practices.
• Lead group training sessions with the MDT on a quarterly basis and ensure mandatory training is completed according to policy.
• Engage in ongoing clinical training to maintain up-to-date knowledge of CPAP devices and monitoring systems; participate in personal development planning and appraisal processes.

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience of managing patients with CPAP and working in sleep medicine.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development and understanding of equalities issues.
• Ability to interpret sleep study data and make informed clinical decisions; strong interpersonal and communication skills.

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