Electrodiagnostic Technologist

WOOSTER COMMUNITY HOSPITAL JOB DESCRIPTION

Electrodiagnostic Technologist

MAIN FUNCTION:

Provides electrodiagnostic testing to patients in an efficient, professional, compassionate and caring manner. Acts in compliance with hospital and Pulmonary/Neurology Department policies/procedures and AAET guidelines. Responsible for assuring effective communication with patients, support persons and members of the health care team. Responsible for conducting various diagnostic procedures which are used for neurologic assessment of inpatients and outpatients including: Nerve conduction studies, physician assisted EMGs (electromyography), EEGs (electroencephalograms), evoked potentials and transcranial doppler studies. Also responsible for recording and documenting performed studies, operating, troubleshooting, cleaning and sterilizing equipment, training therapists to assist in electrodiagnostic testing and occasional marketing of the pulmonary/neurology services offered.

RESPONSIBLE TO: Director

MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS:

• Two years experience performing nerve conduction studies and other diagnostic procedures
• Two years experience in providing direct patient care demonstrating an awareness and ability to provide good customer service
• Registered with AAET as a RNCST or with registered in EEG with ABRET
• No written disciplinary action within the last 12 months

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Registered in evoked potential with AAET
• Registered in transcranial doppler studies with ARDMS
• 5 years experience in electrodiagnostic testing
• Associates or bachelors degree in either a field of science or a health care related field

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Employees in this position may be:

1. Exposed to blood, body fluids, and/or airborne pathogens and are required to wear personal protective equipment
2. Must be able to push, pull, lift, carry, turn, crouch and bend as necessary to complete tasks.
3. Required to take “on call” status
4. Subject to STHR (short term hours reduction) according to policy

POSITION EXPECTATIONS: All expectations detailed below are considered ADA (American Disabilities Act) Essential.

Leadership

1. Embraces teamwork by adhering to standards of service excellence
2. Accepts and responds to change productively, while maintaining a positive attitude
3. Role models professional behavior

1. Demonstrates decision making and priority setting skills
2. Utilizes time management and effective use of resources
3. Utilizes appropriate delegation skills
4. Demonstrates conflict resolution skills
5. Uses professional communication that fosters a calm and orderly environment

Communication

1. Maintains awareness of verbal/non verbal communication in interactions with staff, other departments, physicians, patients and families
2. Maintains patient confidentiality in all communication interactions: written, verbal, electronic and digital
3. Communicates effectively with all members of the health care team
4. Reports critical information to physicians and others as indicated
5. Properly utilizes chain of command to handle issues
6. Facilitates communication between staff members, i.e. alerts nursing of changes in patient’s status
7. Demonstrates basic ability to initiate and manage crucial conversations
8. Utilizes AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Expectations, Thank You) to foster positive communication

1. Communicates all pertinent information regarding patients and their families care needs to Respiratory, Nursing and other departmental staff as reasonable and necessary
2. Interacts with clinical students in positive, productive manner

Operations

1. Maintains appropriate clinical skills:

• Work habits are consistently adjusted to accommodate the needs of the department and are prioritized and completed in an independent and timely manner
• Administers care according to WCH and Pulmonary/Neurology Policy/Procedure, current standards of care and AAET guidelines
• Performs assessments/reassessments and documentation to patient’s condition, needs and age, per documentation guidelines. Communicates changes in patient’s condition to the physician in a timely manner

1. Evaluates the environment to assure safety and infection control standards are met
2. Coordinates work to achieve maximum productivity. Able to multitask and prioritize workload. Work habits are consistently adjusted to accommodate multiple responsibilities and are prioritized and completed in a timely manner
3. Demonstrates reasonable and rational judgment in decision making

Customer Service

1. Displays positive attitude. Treats others with honesty and respect. Speaks positively in all customer interactions internal and external.
2. Uses AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, duration, Explanation, Thank you) to:

• Optimize the patient’s experience by reducing the patient and family’s anxiety and increasing the patient’s compliance
• Develop positive relationships with other departments to foster patient satisfaction

1. Uses face to face resolutions (crucial conversations) to intervene with patients or staff in situations where customer needs have not been met to determine a positive, mutually agreeable resolution

Staff Development/ Personal Growth

In conjunction with Department Manager.

1. Demonstrates initiative and responsibility to develop personal, leadership and professional goals
2. Functions as a preceptor, seeking learning opportunities for student/orientee. Interacts with department manager to evaluate student/orientee’s progress toward goals, indentifying additional needs
3. Demonstrates professional development by attending conferences, participating in committees/unit projects and ongoing educational activities
4. Demonstrates professional growth by maintaining awareness of changes in all areas of electrodiagnostic testing
5. Accepts feedback as opportunity for growth

1. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of new policies and procedures, practices, changes in practice and initiatives. Obtains this knowledge via staff meeting attendance, reading of communication, required hospital education, discussion with departmental leadership and peers.

Performance Improvement

1. Sets goals and works toward becoming registered in evoked potential with AAET and becoming registered in transcranial doppler studies with ARDMS
2. Identifies processes to be improved and communicate to management team. Assists in data collection as directed
3. Develops and maintain awareness of TJC (The Joint Commission), CMS (Centers for Medicare Services) and other required quality and safety measures

AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCY

Dependent upon department and the population served:

Neonatal (Birth thru 28 days)

1. Handles infants in gentle manner
2. Speaks in soothing voice
3. Holds and cuddles infant when necessary

Infant (29 days thru 12 months)

1. Approaches infant in slow, non-threatening way
2. Speaks in soothing way
3. Holds and cuddles infant as much as possible
4. Encourages parental interaction with infant

Pediatrics (one year thru 11 years)

1. Allows choices when possible
2. Speaks directly using few, clear simple terms and explanations

Adolescents (12 years thru 18 years)

1. Allows participation in care and choices as appropriate
2. Provides for patient’s modesty
3. Tells patient exactly what will be expected
4. Allows patient control
5. Speaks directly to patient in simple medical terms

Geriatrics (65 years and older)

1. Identifies physical/social/emotional barriers and physical limitations and treats patient with dignity and respect
2. Teaches patient about one item at a time and speaks directly to patient in simple medical terms
3. Repeats instructions several times
4. Speaks slowly and distinctly when talking to the patient
5. Provides for patient’s modesty
6. Tells patient what will be expected
7. Allows patient control