IOM Technologist

IOM Technologist

Full Time - Days At Houston Methodist, the Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IOM) Technologist position is responsible for performing routine, intraoperative neuromonitoring (IOM) according to hospital and department policy and procedures. When this position is not performing an IOM case, may be asked to perform ambulatory and long-term monitoring (LTM) electroencephalograms (EEG), and/or visual, brainstem, and somatosensory-evoked potential (EP) procedures and/or monitor epilepsy patients according to hospital and departmental policy and procedures. The IOM Technologist position works under indirect technical supervision based on competence. This position delivers exceptional patient care per guidelines established by the department to ensure optimal patient safety and customer service and practices Patient and Family-Centered Care

Qualifications

• Must have one of the following: 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 Associate's degree or higher in a science related field from an accredited college or university

Experience

• One year experience in IOM procedures, may include (END) clinical rotation

Licenses and Certifications Required

• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association and
• R-CNIM - Certified Neurophysiologic Intraoperative Monitoring (ABRET) - American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic Technologist_PSV within 3 years

Preferred

• R-EEGT - Registered Electroencephalographic Technician (ABRET) and
• R-EPT - Registered Evoked Potentials Technologist (ABRET)

Knowledge and Abilities

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• 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
• Knowledgeable in correct IOM, EEG and/or EP performance
• Able to independently perform EEG studies including bedside studies.
• Understands and follows concepts of digital equipment and electrical safety with regards to the equipment
• Knowledge of alternate montages, protocols, and alternate equipment settings and their effects on the test data
• Must have basic knowledge of personal computers, including but not limited to data entry, document printing, document scanning, a basic understanding of Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat

Essential Functions

• Communicates appropriately and effectively with the patient and staff to convey the purpose of the procedures and answers questions regarding the procedures.
• Promotes a positive, teamwork environment in all interactions with peers and team members. Anticipates needs of other team members; proactively offers assistance and promotes a positive work environment that actively assists interprofessional care team to achieve optimal department results and initiating problem resolution within the work unit.
• Provides contributions towards improvement of department scores for turnover/retention/employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.
• Prepares patient rooms and equipment for upcoming procedures; performs any other related duties that are consistent with patient and technical care.
• Performs patient assessment as related to care such as electrode fixation, product allergies, movement restrictions, and cognitive function; understands and recognizes drug and physiological status effects on activity monitored.
• Accurately completes all procedures performed, charging for procedures, and logging the patient data. Performs all IOM modalities including SSEPs, TceMEP, and EMG (including triggered).
• Contributes towards improving department scores for patient satisfaction on department scorecard through peer-to-peer accountability.
• Recognizes clinically significant events and follows department policy and procedure regarding critical test results, maintaining the patient's safety through communication to other patient care support staff during these procedures as appropriate.
• Ensures electrode application adheres with the International 1020 System. Applies and maintains correct electrode connections; identifies and performs basic and intermediate technical troubleshooting and artifact identification and elimination.
• Supports initiatives to prevent conditions such as patient falls and hospital-acquired infections. Contributes towards improving quality and safety scores on department scorecard.
• Submits all reports, billing and other paperwork within a timely manner.
• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, minimizing incidental overtime.
• Seeks guidance and validation of knowledge base, skill level and decision making as necessary, especially in areas of question, from preceptor and assigned licensed personnel, on EEG and/or EP signal recognition, relevant medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, infection control, contraindications for activation procedures, instrumentation and preparation for use.
• Offers innovative solutions through participation in performance improvement activities. Completes and updates the individual development plan (IDP) on an ongoing basis.

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 No
• 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 also has affiliations with Texas A&M University and the University of Houston. Houston Methodist Hospital offers unparalleled care for thousands of patients from around the world.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.