Neurodiagnostic Technologist

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

Neurodiagnostic Technologist performs prescribed diagnostic procedures requiring specialized knowledge and skills in support of the provision of diagnostic and/or therapeutic services to a specified patient population. Ensures accurate diagnostic results for patients of any age of graphically recorded impulses generated by the brain providing quality outcomes by performing EEG (electroencephalogram) consistent with Christiana Care department policies and procedures.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Obtains relevant medical patient information from patient, family or chart.
• Establishes rapport with patient and gives proper instructions to ensure cooperation.
• Measures patient's head according to the International 10/20 System and applies electrodes accordingly.
• Calibrates EEG machines.
• Keeps equipment clean and in operating condition.
• Records EEG and Evoked Potential studies according to established procedures.
• Recognizes artifacts and take appropriate steps to eliminate them.
• Observes patient during recording and makes proper notations.
• Uses appropriate EEG activation procedures.
• Monitors other physiological parameters as required.
• Removes electrodes upon completion of the test, cleans hair and scalp.
• Prepares EEGs for upload and archiving.
• Communicates with manager for equipment troubleshooting and repairs as required.
• Demonstrates skills and knowledge necessary to provide care appropriate to neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients, including knowledge of growth and development, the ability to obtain and interpret information to identify patient needs, and to provide the care needed.
• Performs assigned work safely, adhering to established department safety rules and practices. Reports to manager, in a timely manner, any unsafe activities, conditions, hazards or safety violations that may cause injury to oneself, other employees, patients and visitors.
• Performs other related duties as required.

SCOPE, PURPOSE, AND FREQUENCY OF CONTACTS:

Frequent contact departmentally and situationally with employees, patients, family members, visitors, medical staff and their office staffs, and students at various levels. Communication with ICU providers.

DIRECTION/SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Neurodiagnostic Specialist, Department Manager, Medical Director, Staff Neurologists,

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Graduation from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited Neurodiagnostic Program.
• Minimum of 6 months experience working in a patient care environment.
• ABRET board eligible, certification required within 1 year.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of basic EEG and Evoked Potential procedures and their techniques.
• Knowledge of principles of EEG technology.
• Knowledge of neuroscience-related subjects.
• Knowledge of departmental policies and procedures.
• Knowledge and skill of computer operations, networking and videography.
• Highly skilled in EEG pattern recognition.
• Ability to provide a technical description of EEG patterns.
• Ability to work quickly and proficiently under stressful conditions.
• Understands the utility of current medications used in critical care and epilepsy management.
• Ability to clinically and electrographically recognize seizures and status epilepticus.
• Skill in use of electroencephalograph and accessory equipment.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in manual dexterity and equipment operation.
• Ability to recognize, correct and eliminate any artifacts.
• Ability to collect medical and non-medical data and to perform simple math.
• Ability to perform efficiently, and conform to work schedule for maximum productivity.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationship with patients, families and other members of the health care team.
• Ability to maintain aseptic techniques to promote infection prevention.
• Ability to learn new medical technologies.
• Ability to reason, prioritize, problem solve – to identify problems and initiate problem solution.
• Ability to make decisions.
• Ability to constructively manage stress.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS)

SHIFT:

• 48hrs Bi-Weekly - Day Shift
• Scheduled Mon-Fri
• On-Call requirement (Overnights or Weekend) - Alternated with other staff

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Frequent lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, twisting, standing, bending, stooping while examining patients and their needs. Frequent pushing of equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Generally pleasant laboratory environment, occasionally work in a high stress environment within the critical care units. Contact with chemicals and exposure to their fumes. Direct contact with life-threatening situations. Occasionally handling body wastes including blood products.