Neurophysiology Coordinator

Neurophysiology Coordinator

The Neurophysiology Coordinator will perform all types of EEG studies that include routine, video, ambulatory and continuous ambulatory EEG and/or Evoked Potential. May also be assigned to perform polysomnographic procedures and record scoring. We accept candidates qualified in either or both EEG and sleep.

Responsibilities

The coordinator will perform these studies on patients of all age groups, including neonates, pediatric, adult and geriatric populations. Will also participate in recording studies according to approved clinical research protocols as necessary. The holder of this position should provide technically excellent EEG testing and procedures in a fiscally sound and productive manner.

The coordinator will be responsible for performing all neurophysiology laboratory activity. This includes troubleshooting of equipment problems, maintenance of equipment and supplies in working order, working with information technology at Columbia University, Department of Neurology, NYP and vendors as needed. The coordinator will have a strong information technology understanding of systems software and troubleshooting issues.

For technical elements, the position reports to the medical director of the service. For scheduling and time off approval, the position reports to the practice manager.

Duties will include the following:

• Obtaining patient history, gathering appropriate information about patients symptoms and medications
• Explaining test procedures to patient and family members present
• Measuring and accurately applying electrodes according to established guidelines. Performs routine EEG, video EEG, EEG, and specialized and related EEG, and or EP studies on patients in all age groups in outpatient setting according to laboratory protocols and standards
• Performing basic video EEG monitoring under minimal supervision in the clinical areas served by the service of this department as assigned.
• Can perform neurological testing protocol on patients having seizure
• Understands basic EEG and/or EP patterns and recognizes general categories of abnormality
• Recognizes, monitors as appropriate and/or eliminates artifacts
• Obtaining accurate recordings that address the clinical question, including testing patients level of alertness as appropriate
• Troubleshooting and solves common EEG, EP, and Video EEG recording system problems
• Consults with supervisory staff about problems that cannot be resolved independently following trouble shooting guidelines set forth by supervisors.
• Checks that recording is accurate before the patient leaves the laboratory or attending/fellow is called
• Performs basic EEG archive and transfer functions.
• Conducts self and maintains self in a professional manner, demonstrates positive interpersonal skills with patients, family members and colleagues
• Fills out and submits forms and departmental documents that pertain to each procedure
• Enters technical information into database

Polysomnographic Procedures

Follow procedural protocols such as Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), to ensure collection of appropriate data. Follow "lights out" procedures to establish and document baseline values (such as body position, oxyhemoglobin saturation, respiratory and heart rates, etc.). Perform Polysomnographic data acquisition while monitoring study-tracing quality to ensure signals are artifact-free and make adjustments, if necessary. Document routine observations including sleep stages and clinical events, changes in procedure, and significant events in order to facilitate scoring and interpretation of polysomnographic results. Implement appropriate interventions (including action's necessary for patient safety and therapeutic intervention as needed). Follow "lights on" procedures to verify integrity of collected data and complete the data collection process (repeats the physiological and instrument calibrations and instructs the patient on completing questionnaires, etc.). Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and provide age specific care in the treatment, assessment, and education of neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.

Polysomnographic Record Scoring

Score sleep/wake stages by applying professionally accepted guidelines. Score clinical events (such as respiratory events, cardiac events, limb movements, arousals etc.) according to center specific protocols. Generate accurate reports by tabulating sleep/wake and clinical event data.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent in education, training and experience, plus three years of related experience and/or successfully completed a neurophysiology program from an accredited institution.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.