IOM Specialist

DescriptionGENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:Under the direction of the IOM Chief Technologist and the Medical Director, the Specialist performs standard and complex intraoperative neurodiagnostic procedures as described by MGH Neuro Intraoperative Monitoring protocols. An IOM Specialists provides troubleshooting and technical interpretation of intraoperative neurologic data during surgery to the Medical Director and to the surgical team. The Specialist is also responsible for the accurate recording and documentation of SSEP, TcMEP, EMG/Triggered EMG, BAEP, and EEG waveforms. In addition, the Specialist will also be responsible for recording and documentation of cortical motor/sensory mapping, ECoG, and direct peripheral nerve stimulation cases. The Specialist assists in the maintenance of equipment, patient data, and supplies as directed by the chief IOM technologist. This person will act as an interactive part of the operating room team, assisting in duties as appropriate. As MGH continues to research and apply intraoperative monitoring methods and techniques to new procedures, the technologists will be required to learn new protocols as they are developed. Specialists may be asked to participate in the development of these protocols by the Chief Technologist. A Specialist displays leadership qualities and can identify potential areas of concern and communicate these concerns to the IOM chief technologist. This role functions on a more independent basis, requiring less support from other staff members, than the Technologist II role. In the absence of the Chief technologist, and at the Chief Technologists discretion, the Specialist may be requested to act as the Charge technologist.PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Provides intraoperative monitoring for all surgical cases as requested. This technologist works independently requiring very little assistance with the exception of complex cases and troubleshooting. Required assistance will also be determined by the Medical Director and IOM chief technologist. Throughout the surgical procedure the technologist must be able to provide continuous on-line technical interpretation to the surgical and NIOM teams. Technologist also directs the surgeon in application of sterile electrodes and stimulating devices in surgical field.Assures that the interpreting neurophysiology physician is notified of potential issues. When possible, assures the real-time remote monitoring system is available.Responsible for preparing patients prior to draping for surgery, setting up for all possible appropriate monitoring procedures. Preparation is by applying scalp electrodes (using the international 10-20 system and collodion glue), other electrodes and stimulators with the utmost accuracy and security, as necessary for long duration and sensitive surgical procedures. Measures the electrical impedance and determines the integrity of all monitors, prior to the draping of the patient. Informs the patient about the neurodiagnostic procedure and answers questions as appropriate. Abstracts relevant clinical information from the patient's chart, the patient and from the surgeon when necessary.Prepares a preliminary technical report describing the recording throughout the procedure. While monitoring, meticulously documents all surgical and related procedures and communications with the surgical team. Assists in the maintenance of databases and patients' permanent documents.Assists in the training of Technologist I-II and/or physicians as appropriate and determined by IOM chief technologist. Technologist also serves as a role model for other technologists.Must have a very good knowledge of the general principles of modern anesthetic techniques and the effects of different anesthetic regimens on the respective waveforms.Must have a very good understanding of all the surgical procedures being performed.Keeps abreast of current developments in the IOM field and participates in educational conferences, meetings, and/or other activities that promote continuing education.Applies infection control standards, aseptic, and sterile techniques, with particular attention to any monitoring instrumentation that enters the sterile field.Technologist understands the policies and procedures related to “on call” status and can reliably take call.May be called upon to act as charge tech in the absence of the IOM chief technologist and IOM senior specialist. This includes organizing the IOM schedule, ensuring coverage for all cases. Also included in this responsibility is the coordination of vendors (according to policy) and recognizing appropriate cases for team members skill level.Consults with IOM senior specialist and IOM chief technologist regarding complicated issues, as requested.QualificationsCompetent use of MGH neuromonitoring equipment (Natus/Medtronic/Nihon Kohden)Ability to learn new software applications.Meets all defined competencies as determined by IOM Chief Technologist and Medical Director, including Leadership Competency.Ability to function as Charge Tech in absence of IOM Chief TechnologistAbility to lead and mentor junior staffAbility to perform complex SSEP/MEP, BAEP, and EEG independently. Also, able to perform dorsal column mapping, cortical mapping, nerve to nerve, aneurysm, cranial nerve monitoring protocols independently.Ability to troubleshoot equipment independently, requiring assistance only on occasion. Excellent knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office applicationsCNIM PreferredRequired: Minimum of 2 years' experience in NIOMMust meet one of the four criteria below:CAAHEP DiplomaCurrent R.EEG.T or R.EP.TBachelor’s degree or higher (foreign degrees may be acceptable)Certificate of completion from ABRET recognized programJob Field: Health Technician/TechnologistOrganization: Massachusetts General Hospital(MGH)Schedule: Full-timeShift: Day JobEmployee Status: Regular