Neurodiagnostic Technician
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Neurodiagnostic Technician
Job ID: REF36520O
Area of Interest: Nursing Support
Location: Baltimore,MD US
Hours of Work: 7 pm – 7am
Job Facility: University Of Maryland Medical Center
Employment Type: Full Time
Shift: Night
Renowned as the academic flagship of the University of Maryland Medical System, our Magnet®-designated facility is a nationally recognized, academic medical center with opportunities across the continuum of care. Come join UMMC and discover the atmosphere where talents and ideas come together to enhance patient care and advance the science of nursing. Located in downtown Baltimore near the Inner Harbor and Camden Yards, you won’t find a more vibrant place to work!
Under direct supervision, performs routine neurological tests to include EEG’s (Electroencephalograms). May perform basic visual and auditory evoked potentials for use in diagnosis of neurological disorders.
Principal Responsibilities and Tasks
The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.
1. Performs electroencephalograph tests (EEG) on patients in order to record patient brain waves and nervous system responses.
- A. Attaches electrodes to precise locations on the patient’s scalp and body in order to precisely record brain activity.
- B. Explains procedure to patients to help eliminate fears/concerns and interviews patient to obtain required medical information to ensure safety during procedure.
- C. Makes proper adjustments to EEG equipment including baseline adjustments and changes to the placement of electrodes on the patient in order to obtain the best recording or to record activity in specific areas of the brain as requested by a physician.
- D. Observes patient responses to external stimuli Analyzes waveforms during testing by noting patient movements/seizures and responses to external stimuli. Marks recordings with pertinent clinical observations for review by a physician.
- E. Notifies physician if patient has difficulties during the procedure. May ask the physician for sedatives to help a patient sleep during monitoring.
2. Performs continuous video EEG monitoring studies throughout the hospital.
- A Coordinates timing of hookup of EEG with staff and physicians.
- B. Attaches electrodes to precise locations on the patient’s scalp and body in order to precisely record brain activity.
- C. Explains procedure to patients to help eliminate fears/concerns and interviews patient to obtain required medical information to ensure safety during the procedure.
- D. Makes proper adjustments to EEG equipment including baseline adjustments and changes to the placement of electrodes on the patient in order to obtain the best recording or to record activity in specific areas of the brain as requested by a physician.
- E. Observes patient responses to external stimuli Analyzes waveforms during testing by noting patient movements/seizures and responses to external stimuli. Marks recordings with pertinent clinical observations for review by a physician.
- F. Notifies physician if the patient has difficulties during the procedure. May ask the physician for sedatives to help a patient sleep during initial placement of EEG.
- G. Performs stimulation of the patient according to protocol on a daily basis at the bedside and will note the responses of the patient on the EEG record.
- H. Set up quantitative functions on bedside EEG for review at the time of initiation of recording and will ensure that quantitative review is functionally normal on a daily basis.
3. Set up video-EEG monitoring equipment for epilepsy patients or patients with other neurological disorders in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU). Prepares and operates computerized video monitoring equipment for a prolonged period of time to record patient’s brain activity through the use of scalp electrodes or grid implantation.
- A. Intermittently review long-term video monitoring studies in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) and may be asked to clip patient seizures or abnormal brain functioning for review by a Neurologist. Marks study with time of day and patient status (awake, standing, sitting, sleeping).
- B. May be asked to assist in operating EEG equipment and monitoring patients during Wada Testing to assist the Neurologist in determining the patient’s dominant hemisphere of the brain.
4 Under direct supervision performs evoked potential testing which is the response by the brain to an external stimulus in order to provide quantitative and objective measures of sensory functioning.
- i. Perform evoked potential testing in order to determine the integrity of specific nerve endings in the motor strip of the brain.
- ii. Monitor responses to external stimuli during testing by noting patient movements and responses to external stimuli. Marks recordings to indicate possible neurological disorders for review by a physician.
- iii. Make adjustments to evoked potential monitoring equipment to properly record brain activity as needed.
- iv. Operate stimulating equipment safely to include click stimulator, and pattern reversal stimulator for study of neurological abnormalities or deficits.
5. Cleans, adjusts, and performs routine maintenance and repair on EEG and evoked potential equipment. Work with Biomed and IT to assess and maintain software, hardware, and equipment.
Education and Experience
- Associate’s Degree (AA) in an approved neurodiagnostic technology program or completion of an accredited one year Neurodiagnostic program.
- One year of general healthcare experience such as providing patient care in a healthcare environment performing the duties of a Nursing Assistant or Medical Assistant with experience in Neurology. One year of experience performing EEGs and Evoked Potentials testing is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Basic understanding of neurophysiology and neuroanatomy is required to record and analyze patient brain activity.
- Ability to apply the principles of EEG and evoked potential monitoring to record patient brain activity for the purpose of diagnosing neurological disorders. Ability to acquire the principles of electrical safety as it relates to the safe operation of monitoring equipment.
- Ability to operate, maintain and perform simple repairs on EEG and evoked potential monitoring equipment.
- Highly effective verbal communication skills are required to explain procedures to patients, and work with neurologists to explain changes in brain activity during EEG and evoked potential monitoring.
- Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population(s) served. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age needs,
Patient Safety
Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives.
- Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.
- Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.
- Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same to those in charge.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Compensation:
Pay Range: $28.82-$40.35
Other Compensation (if applicable):