WHO HE IS: Registered polysomnographic technologist, Pennsylvania Hospital

YEARS AT PENN: 7 1/2

WHAT HE DOES: Keiser’s responsibilities range from conducting sleep tests on patients—some of which are done during the day, some at night—to fitting patients for masks to ordering supplies for the department.

NIGHT WORK: Keiser works an unusual and demanding schedule: Two days a week during the week, and a 12-hour overnight shift on Saturdays. It’s not ideal, he admits, but adds: “You get used to it. Just like anything else.”

WHAT HE LIKES ABOUT HIS JOB: Keiser used to work in the environmental field, but says the stress was too much and he began looking for a change. With some encouragement from his wife, he got the education he needed to start a new career—and says the switch was worth it. “I love the contact with the people. When they come in the door, they’re nervous. They’re not educated about what we’re doing. So we strive to make them feel like family members. We explain what we’re doing and why we’re doing it. The results are good too. It’s very satisfying to see a person say, ‘You really helped me.’”Keiser used to work in the environmental field, but says the stress was too much and he began looking for a change. With some encouragement from his wife, he got the education he needed to start a new career—and says the switch was worth it. “I love the contact with the people. When they come in the door, they’re nervous. They’re not educated about what we’re doing. So we strive to make them feel like family members. We explain what we’re doing and why we’re doing it. The results are good too. It’s very satisfying to see a person say, ‘You really helped me.’”

Originally published on September 21, 2006.