Neurodiagnostic Technologist

It's more than a career, it's a calling.

MO-SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital

Worker Type:

PRN

Job Summary:

Performs neurodiagnostic testing, to include EEG, EP, MEG, TMS, Epilepsy monitoring and Electrocorticography. Assist in nerve conduction testing. Completes all necessary documentation for departmental record, patient procedures, etc. Participates and assists in education and training opportunities.

Job Responsibilities and Requirements:

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES AND PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (% of Time)

Essential Functions: The following are essential job accountabilities and performance criteria:

Position Accountabilities

1) Performs standard and complex EEG and evoked potential (EP) recordings according to established lab protocol, and guidelines set forth by the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) 70%

Criteria

A) Performs EEG recordings, including wake and sleep, nasopharyngeal studies, bedside, electrocerebral inactivity (ECI) evaluations.

B) Summarizes the patient’s neurological status and clinical history and completes the documentation needed for physician interpretation, including history sheets, labeling of tracing, etc.

C) Records clinical evoked potentials in the following modalities: auditory, visual and cervical and lumbar somatosensory. Records clinical nerve conduction velocities and quantitative sensory testing. Monitors EEG during sodium amytal studies, electrocorticography, cortical mapping etc

D) Performs long term epilepsy monitoring to evaluate patients with paroxysmal disturbances of cerebral function.

2) Completes patient charge forms to insure accurate and timely billing of the procedure and completes all necessary written documentation to insure smooth operation of the department. (2, 5, 6) 10%

Criteria

A) Enters charges daily for procedures performed with no more than 1 error per week.

B) Enters required patient information into daily log books.

C) Enters information into hospital and department computer equipment for other departmental functions (archiving patient data), service requisitions, etc.

3) Supports all functions, goals and objectives of the department as well as development of any new programs that involve the Neurophysiology Lab and Epilepsy Unit. (2, 4, 5, 6) 5%

Criteria

A) Participate in development of new diagnostic testing procedures to be performed in the department. Participates in the evaluation of new equipment for potential purchase.

B) Educates residents and other medical or technical staff in the technical aspects, indications and limitations of Neurophysiology exams.

C) Enhances professional growth and development through annual participation in educational programs, in-services, workshops, reading current publications on Neurophysiology testing/technology and neurological diseases, on line CME through various professional organizations & manufacturers and viewing videotaped education programs.

4) Safety/Infection Control: Practices according to safety and infection control policies. (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8) 5%

Criteria

A) Practices universal precautions and disposes of hazardous wastes per established guidelines. Disinfects and cleans equipment according to manufacturer’s guidelines and standards outlined by Infection Control and department policy.

B) Maintains a safe, clean, comfortable and therapeutic environment for patients/families/employees in accordance with hospital standards.

1. Maintains clutter free environment.

2. Keeps conversations and background noise to a minimum

3. Adheres to dress code.

4. Maintains equipment in clean & proper working condition on a daily basis. Troubleshoots & corrects technical problems as needed. Contacts Clinical Engineering or manufacturer’s service department (if under contract) when malfunctions occur.

C) Reports risk management concerns.

D) Assumes responsibility for completing all hospital and department annual mandatory requirements:

E) Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.

5) Service: Provides service excellence to the customers of Saint Louis University Hospital by delivering timely, high quality care in a courteous and respectful manner. (1, 3, 5, 6) 3%

Criteria

A) Demonstrates care and courtesy to all patients, family members, hospital and medical staff.

•Demonstrates an attitude of cooperation and professionalism when communicating with patients, physicians, co-workers and other personnel. Clearly communicates procedures to patients and family members to insure understanding and consent.

B) Communicates effectively and maintains confidentiality as outlined in the hospital policy.

•Maintains strict confidentiality in regards to all patient, employee and hospital information.

C) Demonstrates competence and collaboration as outlined in the hospital policy.

•Attends department meetings and other meetings as required. Annually attends in-services that support Saint Louis University Hospital mission and vision.

D) Provides Cost Effective Services:

•Minimizes overtime by scheduling and performing patient procedures in the most efficient manner (flex time).

•Appropriately uses/handles equipment and orders supplies to minimize expenditures on repairs, replacement items and inventory.

E) Attends regularly scheduled hospital and department meetings that support and explain the Mission of Saint Louis University Hospital and its operation.

F) Demonstrate ability to relate to coworkers in a professional and respectful manner, in order to assure and promote a culture of safety.

6) Performance Improvement (PI): Incorporates Quality Assessment into one’s daily work. (2, 3, 5, 6) 2%

Criteria

A) Assists in the daily collection of data for the department’s Performance Improvement Program. (Volume indicators monthly & quality indicators are based upon department operation & requested monitoring by the procedure review committee.)

B) Responsible for the monthly and quarterly data analysis for each indicator in preparation for the quarterly and annual summaries.

7) Age Appropriate Care: Provides age-appropriate care to: 2%

__x__Adolescent ___x__Adult ___x__Geriatric

Criteria

A) Demonstrates knowledge and skills of normal growth & development necessary to provide services to the age of the patient served by the department.

B) Demonstrates ability to assess and interpret age specific data to identify patient needs.

C) Utilizes communication skills necessary to interpret age specific responses to service and interaction.

D) Involves family or significant other in decision making related to services provided.

E) Demonstrates ability to provide service needed for the age groups routinely served by the department assigned.

8) Specialized Care: Provides specialized care to patients at high risk for injury.

(1, 2, 4, 5, 8) <1%

Criteria

A) Restraint Care

1) Initiates/evaluates alternatives to restraint prior to application.

2) Applies restraints consistent with the approved procedure.

B) Pain Management

1) Follows pain management plan of care, e.g.: repositioning, massage, immobilization, etc.

2) Reports patient complaints of pain to the nursing staff and/or physician.

C) Abuse Assessment

1) Is aware of abuse recognition criteria and incorporates it into assessments.

2) Reports signs of possible abuse/neglect to the physician and Risk Management, and recommends appropriate consultations (psychiatric, Social Work) for evaluation.

The following job accountabilities may be reassigned.

9) Provides assistance in the day-to-day operation of the Neurophysiology Lab. (2, 6) 3%

Criteria

A) Retrieves previously videotaped procedures or digitally archived for viewing/printing as requested. Perform data management/archiving duties as requested.

C) Assists in clerical duties as required, including telephone responsibilities, processing of reports, filing, scheduling, etc.

D) Participates in preparing & performing regular safety and infection control surveys. Reports non-compliant issues to manager and if necessary, safety or infection control director, and takes steps to correct deficiencies.

DISCLAIMER: Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Rationale for Essential Functions

1) The performance of this function is the reason the job exists.

2) There are limited employees among whom the performance of this function can be distributed.

3) This function occupies a great deal of the employee’s time.

4) This function is highly specialized. Employees are hired for the skill/ability to perform this function.

5) Failure to perform this function may have serious consequences.

6) The function was performed by past employees, and is performed by current employees.

7) Exposure to blood borne pathogens that require the use of protective equipment

8) Exposure to tuberculosis that requires the use of protective equipment

Job Specifications

MINIMUM EDUCATION: Graduate of an accredited school of Neurodiagnostic Technology preferred or equivalent training. Prior experience in epilepsy and intraoperative monitoring preferred.

MINIMMUM EXPERIENCE:

At least three years’ experience performing EEGs, NCV and EPs. Intraoperative monitoring experience helpful. If not a graduate of an accredited school of Neurodiagnostic Technology must already have R.EEG T credential. Epilepsy experience helpful but not required.

REQUIRED COURSE: (licensure/certification)

Registered or registry eligible by ABRET in EEG, or within 18 months of hire

BLS Required

Skills: (administrative/business)

Compile statistics

File, archive and retrieve department patient files

Computer skills helpful

Skills: (equipment/machine)

Various Neurophysiology Lab and Epilepsy Unit equipment for diagnostic and monitoring procedures.

Hospital computer system (EHR = EPIC, HPF, Meditech)

Hospital telephone system

Calculator

Copy machine

FAX machine

WORKING CONDITIONS:

May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases.

Regularly exposed to the risk of blood borne pathogens.

Exposed to hazardous anesthetic agents, body fluids and wastes.

Subject to electrical and radiant energy hazards.

Occasional exposure to unpleasant patient or unit elements.

May be exposed to unpleasant elements (accidents, injuries and illness).

Subject to varying and unpredictable situations.

May be required to handle emergency or crisis situations.

Occasionally subjected to irregular hours.

Exposed to chemicals such as isopropyl alcohol and gel that are used in diagnostic testing procedures.

Exposed to chemicals for cleaning/disinfecting of equipment using hospital approved agents.

Protective Equipment:

Eye shield/goggles

Gown

Lab Coat

Mask

Non-sterile medical gloves

Sterile medical gloves

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Lifts, positions, pushes and/or transfers patients (can exceed 350 lbs on rare occasions)

Periodic heavy physical effort (lift/carry up to 50 lbs).

Prolonged, extensive or considerable standing/walking/sitting required.

Pushes/pulls or moves/lifts heavy equipment/supplies (up to 400 lbs)

Manual dexterity, mobility and fine motor skills required.

Intermittent exertion when performing studies.

Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling and crouching required in performing job duties.

VISION REQUIREMENTS:

Be able to adjust vision for varying degrees of room light.

Bring objects into focus and see clearly at 20 inches or less.

REQUIRED PROFESSIONAL LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

State of Work Location: Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Wisconsin

• Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)

• And

• Registered Electroencephalographic Technologist (R. EEG T.) - ABRET Neurodiagnostic Credentialing and Accreditation

Employee___________________________________________Date____________

Supervisor__________________________________________Date_____________

Manager/Director_____________________________________ Date ___________

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. An individual working in their job classification must also perform specific tasks upon request by supervisor personnel. Furthermore, the duties and responsibilities for this job classification are subject to change at the discretion of the medical center.

Work Shift:

Variable Shift (United States of America)

Job Type:

Employee

Department:

3600000037 EMG/EEG

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

0

Benefits:

SSM Health values our exceptional employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package to fit their needs.

• Paid Parental Leave : we offer eligible team members one week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro-rated based on FTE). 

• Flexible Payment Options: our voluntary benefit offered through DailyPay offers eligible hourly team members instant access to their earned, unpaid base pay (fees may apply) before payday.

• Upfront Tuition Coverage : we provide upfront tuition coverage through FlexPath Funded for eligible team members. 

SSM Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SSM Health provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Click here to learn more.