A long-time Central Kansas Medical Center employee started as a nurse’s
aide, transferred to the cardio-pulmonary department and now is a
registered sleep technologist.
Megan Donecker, left, has earned certification as a registered sleep technologist at CKMC; Brandi Gruber is director of the hospital’s Sleep/Wake Center.
Megan Donecker, who cares for patients in CKMC’s Sleep/Wake Disorders
Center, recently earned her certification as a registered
polysomnographic technologist. Polysomnography refers to the study of
sleep.
“To earn these credentials, the technologist must have certain clinical
experience and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation certification,” said
Donecker, who has been a CKMC employee for 10 years. “Other requirements
are expertise in the field and adherence to strict rules of conduct.”
During her time in the cardio-pulmonary department, Donecker assisted in
respiratory therapy, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, treadmill
tests, electrocardiograms and electroencephalograms.
After transferring to the sleep center and completing her initial
education, Donecker took a registry prep course at the Alabama School of
Sleep Medicine and Technology in Birmingham. She then passed the board
exams.
“I have always wanted to be in the healthcare profession,” Donecker
said. “My father died of a heart attack when I was 10 years old and
since then, I have wanted to be in healthcare and serve others.
“Those who seek treatments for sleep disorders and breathing problems
reduce their risks of heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, lung conditions,
high blood pressure, depression and chronic pain,” Donecker added. “It
is rewarding to be a part of caring for patients in the sleep center.”
Brandi Gruber, respiratory therapist and director of CKMC’s
cardio-pulmonary services and the sleep center, said Donecker has been a
tremendous asset to patients and their families.
“Megan has worked hard to accomplish her goals and all of us commend her
for these efforts,” Gruber said. “As an accredited sleep lab, we must
have staff that are board registered, and Megan was up to the task and
successfully completed her education.”
The sleep center is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep
Medicine. Dr. Steven Ronsick is the medical director. |
