Neurodiagnostic Technician

Job Description

As a Neurodiagnostic Technician with the University of Maryland Medical System, you will play a critical role in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders. Under the direct supervision of a Director of Respiratory Care, Pulmonary, you will perform routine neurological tests, including EEGs and continuous video-EEG monitoring studies.

Responsibilities

1. Conduct EEG tests, attaching electrodes to precise locations on the patient's scalp and body to record brain activity.
2. Explain procedures to patients, addressing their fears and concerns, and interview patients to obtain necessary medical information for safe testing.
3. Adjust EEG equipment, making baseline adjustments and changing electrode placements to obtain optimal recordings or to record activity in specific brain areas as requested by physicians.
4. Observe patient responses to external stimuli, analyzing waveforms during testing, and marking recordings with pertinent clinical observations for physician review.
5. Notify physicians of patient difficulties during procedures and may request sedatives to help patients sleep during monitoring.

Additional Responsibilities

1. Set up video-EEG monitoring equipment for epilepsy patients or those with other neurological disorders, preparing and operating computerized video monitoring equipment to record patient brain activity through scalp electrodes.
2. Review long-term video monitoring studies, editing patient seizures or abnormal brain functioning for review by neurologists, and marking computer records with time of day and patient status.
3. Perform evoked potential testing to determine the integrity of specific nerve endings in the motor strip of the brain, monitoring responses to external stimuli during testing, and marking recordings to indicate possible neurological disorders for physician review.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; college courses in anatomy, physiology, and biology preferred.
• One year of general healthcare experience providing patient care in a healthcare environment, with experience in neurology required.
• One year of experience performing EEGs, evoked potentials, or polysomnography testing preferred.
• Current BLS certification required; R.EEG T credential from the ABRET EEG Registry preferred.

Working Conditions

Works in a clean, dimly lit environment, potentially exposed to frequent interruptions and occasional crisis situations. May be physically or verbally abused by patients and is expected to work weekends and holidays as necessary for on-call duties.

Physical Requirements

Standing, sitting, ascending/descending stairs, and walking required 0-8 hours per shift; heavy lifting, carrying, pushing on rollers up to 200 lbs., and pulling in excess of 100 lbs. 0-3 hours per shift in accordance with Safe Patient Lifting policy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Basic understanding of neurophysiology and neuroanatomy required to record and analyze patient brain activity.
2. Ability to apply EEG and evoked potential monitoring principles to record patient brain activity for diagnosing neurological disorders.
3. Ability to operate, maintain, and perform simple repairs on EEG and evoked potential monitoring equipment.
4. Highly effective verbal communication skills required to explain procedures to patients and work with neurologists.

Patient Safety

1. Ensures patient safety in job functions and participates in hospital, department, or unit patient safety initiatives.
2. Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.
3. Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.

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