EEG Technician

EEG Technician

At Houston Methodist, the EEG Technician position is an entry-level to mid-level job that performs routine, ambulatory and long-term monitoring (LTM) electroencephalograms (EEG), and/or visual, brainstem, and somatosensory evoked potential (EP) procedures according to hospital and departmental policy and procedures. Until competent to perform the job duties of an EEG Technician, this position works under the direct technical supervision of a higher-level EEG Technologist, physician, or other appropriate clinician. Once competence has been demonstrated, this position performs EEG Technician job responsibilities independently with technical aspects of procedures performed falling under indirect technical supervision of appropriate higher level.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)
• Completion of an Accredited Electroneurodiagnostic END program or an Associate's degree or higher in a science related field from an accredited college or university preferred

Experience:

• Six months experience in the performance of END procedures in a patient care environment or successful completion of all clinicals required by and through an approved Electroneurodiagnostic END program

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going evaluations consisting of one or more of the following: skills, competency assessments and/or performance reviews
• Possesses basic computer knowledge to operate the necessary computer systems and software to include data entry, document printing, document scanning, and a basic understanding of Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat
• Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers
• Knowledgeable of alternate montages, protocols, and alternate equipment settings and their effects on the test data
• Knowledgeable of correct EEG and/or EP performance and clinically significant events
• Understands why and how to maintain correct electrode connections
• Able to perform EEG/END procedures under indirect supervision once training program complete
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

Essential Functions:

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with other health care professionals as needed for problem resolution and/or achievement of identified patient specific goals.

Service Essential Functions:

• Communicates appropriately and effectively with the patient and staff to convey the purpose of the procedures and answers questions regarding the procedures.
• Performs patient assessment as related to care such as electrode fixation product allergies, movement restrictions, and cognitive function; knows and recognizes drug and physiological status effects on activity monitored.
• Stocks supplies and prepares patient rooms and equipment for upcoming procedures, performs any other related duties that are consistent with patient and technical care for this level.

Quality/Safety Essential Functions:

• Ensures correct electrode application in adherence with the International 1020 System; recognizes correct EEG and/or EP performance and clinically significant events and follows policy and procedures and governmental regulations regarding critical test results; maintains the patient's safety through communication to other patient care support staff during these procedures as needed.
• Maintains correct electrode connections; identifies and performs basic and intermediate technical troubleshooting and artifact identification and elimination; follows concepts of digital equipment and electrical safety with regards to the equipment; recognizes when alternate montages, protocols, and/or equipment settings might be necessary, and their effects on the test data, and takes appropriate actions, notifying others as needed.
• Performs EEG studies including bedside studies, clinical EP studies, and monitoring of epilepsy patients.
• Reports "near misses" and inputs errors promptly into documentation system to improve processes and identify trends. Ensures all equipment utilized has had QC performed as required and is in safe working order prior to use. Reports any malfunctions to management and regularly practices preventive maintenance procedures; calls for service if needed.
• Contributes to identification of corrective actions and improvement activities, and to meeting departmental and hospital targets for quality and safety.

Finance Essential Functions:

• Provides accurate and complete documentation of patient procedures. Enters charges at the time service is delivered. Submits all reports, billing and other paperwork within a timely manner.
• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies and reports low supply inventories. Recommends solutions in achieving departmental objectives.
• Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.

Growth/Innovation Essential Functions:

• Participates in departmental projects and activities. Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as an EEG Technologist.

Supplemental Requirements:

• Work Attire
• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: No
• Other (department approved): No
• On-Call
• On Call* No
• Travel
• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist Hospital is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 hospital in Texas and one of America's "Best Hospitals." As a full-service, acute-care hospital located in the Texas Medical Center and the flagship hospital of Houston Methodist, it has evolved into one of the nation's largest nonprofit teaching hospitals and a leader in innovative medical research with a comprehensive residency program. Two of Houston Methodist's primary academic affiliates are among the nation's leading health care organizations: Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Houston Methodist Hospital offers unparalleled care for thousands of patients from around the world.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.