Electroencephalogram (EEG) Technician

Neurodiagnostic Technologist

It's more than a career, it's a calling.

MO-SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital

Worker Type: Regular

Job Summary: Performs neurodiagnostic testing, to include EEG, EP, MEG, TMS, Epilepsy monitoring and Electrocorticography. Assist in nerve conduction testing. Completes all necessary documentation for departmental record, patient procedures, etc. Participates and assists in education and training opportunities.

Job Responsibilities and Requirements:

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES AND PERFORMANCE CRITERS (% OF TIME)

Essential Functions: The following are essential job accountabilities and performance criteria:

Position Accountabilities

1) Performs standard and complex EEG recordings according to established lab protocol, and guidelines set forth by the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) 70%

Criteria

A) Performs EEG recordings, including wake and sleep, nasopharyngeal studies, bedside, electrocerebral inactivity (ECI) evaluations and 24 hour ambulatory EEGs.

B) Summarizes the patient's neurological status and clinical history and completes the documentation needed for physician interpretation, including history sheets, labeling of tracing, etc.

C) Monitors EEG for special studies including WADA (sodium amytal studies), and ictal SPECT studies.

D) Performs long term epilepsy monitoring to evaluate patients with paroxysmal disturbances of cerebral function, electrocorticography and cortical mapping.

E) Maintains equipment(to include helium exchange) and supplies for all studies performed.

F) Completes all necessary documentation for departmental record, patient procedures, etc.

G) Participates and assists in education and training opportunities.

2) Completes patient charge forms to insure accurate and timely billing of the procedure and completes all necessary written documentation to insure smooth operation of the department. (2, 5, 6) 10%

Criteria

A) Enters charges daily for procedures performed with no more than 1 error per week.

Enters required patient information into daily log books.

B) Enters information into hospital and department computer equipment for other departmental functions (archiving patient data), service requisitions, etc.

3) Supports all functions, goals and objectives of the department as well as development of any new programs that involve the Neurophysiology Lab and Epilepsy Unit. (2, 4, 5, 6) 5%

Criteria

A) Participate in development of new diagnostic testing procedures to be performed in the department. Participates in the evaluation of new equipment for potential purchase.

B) Educates residents and other medical or technical staff in the technical aspects, indications and limitations of Neurophysiology exams.

C) Enhances professional growth and development through annual participation in educational programs, inservices, workshops, reading current publications on Neurophysiology testing/technology and neurological diseases, on line CME through various professional organizations & manufacturers and viewing videotaped education programs.

4) Safety/Infection Control: Practices according to safety and infection control policies. (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8) 5%

Criteria

A) Practices universal precautions and disposes of hazardous wastes per established guidelines. Disinfects and cleans equipment according to manufacturers guidelines and standards outlined by Infection Control and department policy.

B) Maintains a safe, clean, comfortable and therapeutic environment for patients/families/employees in accordance with hospital standards.

1. Maintains clutter free environment

2. Keeps conversations and background noise to a minimum

3. Adheres to dress code.

4. Maintains equipment in clean and proper working condition on a daily basis. Troubleshoots & corrects technical problems as needed. Contacts Clinical Engineering or manufacturer's service department (if under contract) when malfunctions occur.

C) Reports risk management concerns.

D) Assumes responsibility for completing all annual mandatory requirements:

1. Safety/Fire

2. Blood Borne Pathogen

3. Hazardous Communication

4. TB

5. Department Specific

6. Age Appropriate Care

E) Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.

5) Service: Provides service excellence to the customers of Saint Louis University Hospital by delivering timely, high quality care in a courteous and respectful manner. (1, 3, 5, 6) 3%

Criteria

A) Demonstrates Care and Courtesy to all patients, family members, hospital and medical staff.

Demonstrates an attitude of cooperation and professionalism when communicating with patients, physicians, co-workers and other personnel. Clearly communicates procedures to patients and family members to insure understanding and consent.

B) Communicates effectively and maintains confidentiality as outlined in the hospital policy.

Maintains strict confidentiality in regards to all patient, employee and hospital information.

C) Demonstrates competence and collaboration as outlined in the hospital policy.

Attends department meetings and other meetings as required. Annually attends inservices that support SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital mission and vision.

D) Provides Cost Effective Services: Minimizes overtime by scheduling and performing patient procedures in the most efficient manner (flex time).

Appropriately uses/handles equipment and orders supplies to minimize expenditures on repairs, replacement items and inventory.

E) Attends regularly scheduled hospital and department meetings that support and explain the Mission of St. Louis University Hospital and its operation.

6) Performance Improvement (PI): Incorporates Quality Assessment into one's daily work. (2, 3, 5, 6) 2%

Criteria

A) Assists in the daily collection of data for the department's Performance Improvement Program. (Volume indicators monthly and quality indicators are based upon department operation and requested monitoring by the procedure review committee.)

B) Responsible for the monthly and quarterly data analysis for each indicator in preparation for the quarterly and annual summaries.

7) Age Appropriate Care: Provides age-appropriate care to: 2%

_x_Child __x__Adolescent ___x__Adult ___x__Geriatric

Criteria

A) Demonstrates knowledge and skills of normal growth and development necessary to provide services to the age of the patient served by the department.

B) Demonstrates ability to assess and interpret age specific data to identify patient needs.

C) Utilizes communication skills necessary to interpret age specific responses to service and interaction.

D) Involves family or significant other in decision making related to services provided.

E) Demonstrates ability to provide service needed for the age groups routinely served by the department assigned.

8) Specialized Care: Provides specialized care to patients at high risk for injury. (1, 2, 4, 5, 8) <1%

Restraint Care

Initiates/evaluates alternatives to restraint prior to application.

Applies restraints consistent with the approved procedure.

Pain Management

Follows pain management plan of care, e.g.: repositioning, message, immobilization, etc.

Reports patient complaints of pain to the nursing staff and/or physician.

Abuse Assessment

Is aware of abuse recognition criteria and incorporates it into assessments.

Reports signs of possible abuse/neglect to the physician and Risk Management, and recommends appropriate consultations (psychiatric, Social Work) for evaluation.

The following job accountabilities may be reassigned.

9) Provides assistance in the day-to-day operation of the Neurophysiology lab. (2, 6) 3%

Criteria

A) Utilizes work order entry in Meditech to report functions which need to be performed by housekeeping or maintenance.

B) Retrieves previously microfilmed reports or videotaped procedures for viewing/printing as requested.

C) Assists in clerical duties as required, including telephone responsibilities, typing of reports, posting