EEG Technologist

EEG Technologist

Under the general supervision of the EEG Lead Technologist(s) and according to established procedures, conducts electroencephalographic examinations, collects information and prepares impressions of findings to assist physician in evaluating and diagnosing cerebral conditions by recording the brain's electrical activity. Such activities can be performed in either a clinical or interoperative setting. When in the operating room setting, monitors EEG activity of patients under local or general anesthesia. Performs evoked potential monitoring (EVP) procedures.

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another. In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done. The core Success Factors include: Instill Trust and Value Differences Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate.

Responsibilities:

• Performs a full range of EEG and EVP procedures in various hospital settings, i.e., operating room, special procedures section of radiology and the laboratory.
• Monitors the brain activity of patients under anesthesia and communicates pertinent information to the surgeon during procedures.
• Supports EEG monitoring when assigned to the special procedures laboratory or operating room to include brain mapping, intraoperative EEG, Evoked Potential Monitoring and special electrode recordings.
• Interviews patient to obtain pertinent medical history, to explain and instruct patient regarding procedure and to allay anxiety and elicit cooperation. Abstracts additional relevant information from patient's chart or medical record.
• Ensures that electrodes are sterilized, applies electrodes on predetermined measured positions on patient's head and checks electrode performance. Uses appropriate precautionary measures to prevent infections when using needle electrodes. Uses judgement in placement of electrodes in deviating from standard practice to obtain reading.
• Calibrates and checks the accuracy of response and, as necessary, adjusts channels of EEG and EVP apparatus. Checks intravenous and oxygen apparatus on patients requiring such therapy and reports any malfunction to appropriate personnel.
• Selects predetermined electrode combinations as well as special combinations appropriate to the specific case. Obtains and continuously scans recordings, recognizes artifacts and takes appropriate action to eliminate them. Uses activating procedures such as hyperventilation and photic stimulation to induce and record brain reaction. Notifies supervisor when sleep induction is required and obtains recordings.
• Makes notation on record of all actions taken during procedure and records clinical manifestations observed during tests such as patient's degree of alertness versus drowsiness.
• Reviews and analyzes tracings. Prepares impressions of findings indicating technical changes that are focal, laterilized, paroxysmal or artifactual.
• May perform premature baby testing, both at Rhode Island Hospital and Women and Infants Hospital. Provides patient preparation, including measuring of head and placement of electrodes.
• Observes three physiological parameters in addition to multi-channel EEG recordings: eye movements, respiration, cardiac activity. Records changes to explain EEG findings.
• Performs WADA studies in radiology special procedures.
• May conduct closed circuit video recordings, requiring knowledge of equipment. Monitors patient at bedside for extended periods of time.
• Monitors patients with specialized electrodes. Adheres to proper sterilization procedures in placing needle electrodes on patients. Provides stimulus where visual / auditory reactions are induced.
• Maintains equipment in clean operating condition; detects instrumental malfunction; makes minor repairs and adjustments and reports the need for major repair.
• Conducts long-term monitoring at bedside for pentabarb coma pediatric and adult patients.
• Maintains and enhances technical expertise by participating in appropriate educational activities including attending conferences and meetings and reading relevant journals.

Minimum Qualifications:

Successful completion of post-high school. One- or two-year accredited program in EEG Technology, including completion of required clinical affiliation preferred. Eligibility to sit for written examination for formal registration by the American Board of Registration in Electroencephalographic Technology within three years of placement in position (1,000 EEG examinations required). Knowledge of EEG techniques, concepts and equipment. Ability to apply knowledge to clinical setting and expand upon it through experience. Knowledge of pathological disorders directly affecting brain and other medical conditions indirectly causing brain dysfunction. Manual dexterity to measure and place electrodes accurately and manipulate controls on EEG machines. Visual acuity and capacity for sustained attention to detect minor differences or abnormalities while scanning a moving graph of constantly changing data for periods of up to two hours. Analytical ability and communication skills necessary to formulate and write concise technical impressions of EEG findings. Interpersonal skills to explain procedures, allay anxiety and gain corporation of very ill patients. Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

Experience: Up to one year on the job training and experience to become familiar with wide range of EEG procedures. Experience preferred though not required.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

Normal patient care environment with some exposure to infectious disease or unpleasant patient care activities. Some exposure to volatile substances such as acetone, ether and alcohol. Hazards are minimized by adherence to established safety and infection control guidelines. Some physical effort to cope with patients with behavioral problems who may be combative.

Independent Action:

Performs independently within department policies and procedures. Refers specific complex problems to supervisor where clarification of department policies and procedures may be required.

Supervisory Responsibility:

None