Brandi Gruber has added to her credentials in an effort to enhance services for sleep-disorder patients at St. Rose Ambulatory & Surgery Center. In addition to being director of cardiopulmonary services and a respiratory therapist, Gruber now has a CRT-SDS certification after passing the Sleep Disorders Specialty exam.
“This test is specifically for respiratory therapists who help people who suffer from sleep disorders,” Gruber said. “It focuses on skills that are unique to the diagnosis and treatment of sleep problems.”
The National Board of Respiratory Care is administering the test after seeking input from sleep-disorder specialists from around the country.
“The NBRC gathered information from people with a vested interest in improving care for patients,” Gruber noted. “I will use this new education to help St. Rose patients get a better night’s sleep.”
The Sleep/Wake Disorders Center at St. Rose offers the latest in technology, Gruber said. Patients include those with sleep apnea, sleep disturbances related to night-shift work and restless leg syndrome.
Steven Ronsick, M.D, is the center’s medical director and the only area physician who is board certified in sleep medicine.
Supporters of the advanced SDS testing include The American Association for Respiratory Care, The American College of Chest Physicians, The American Society of Anesthesiologists and The American Thoracic Society, Gruber added.