Neurodiagnostic Specialist Full Time Days

Description

The Neurodiagnostic Specialist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

A clinically competent technologist who has successfully passed the REEGT, REPT, and CNIM, and demonstrates competence in performing TCDs. Performs EEGs, ambulatory EEGs, LTMEs, clinical EPs, and TCDs. Responsible for recording electrical activity to study epilepsy, convulsive disorders and localizing lesions in the cerebrum and spinal canal. Effectively interacts with patients and family members, and other health team members.

Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates I-CARE values (Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence) in daily work and interactions.
• Presents a friendly, approachable, professional demeanor and appearance.
• Provides accurate information and timely updates to patients and customers. Addresses questions and concerns promptly or identifies appropriate person and resources to do so. Provides directions or help to patients and customers with finding their way.
• Uses effective service recovery skills to solve problems or service breakdowns when they occur.
• Demonstrates teamwork by helping co-workers within and across departments. Communicates effectively with others, respects diverse opinions and styles, acknowledges the assistance and contributions of others. 
• Uses organizational and unit/department resources efficiently.
• Manages work schedule efficiently, completing tasks and assignments on time.
• Contributes to opportunities and processes for continuous improvement.
• Participates in efforts to reduce costs, streamline work processes, improve, and grow services we provide.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in a manner which optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Is familiar with operations, maintenance and safety guidelines when operating equipment utilized in testing procedures. Keeps current with technology changes.
• Verifies working condition of EEG and/or Evoked Potential equipment by using equipment calibration and bio calibration. Understands and appropriately applies High/Low Filters, Sensitivity settings.
• Demonstrates ability to accurately place electrodes and sensors according to International 10-20 System and Neurodiagnostic Lab Procedures. Can adjust placements to accommodate anatomical defects.
• Demonstrates ability to use computerized equipment to perform EPs and EEGs, which includes knowledge and proper use of filter settings, sensitivity settings, and montages.
• Obtains pertinent patient history to determine techniques to bring out or enhance clinical symptoms, Is able to adjust techniques to accommodate special needs, age-related needs, behavioral needs. Understands and applies technical protocols for neonates, pediatrics, ICU/IOM and ECS recordings.
• Uses accurate judgement and knowledge of contraindications when utilizing activation procedures. Applies good judgement and precautions when administering stimulations i.e. High electric pulses for SSEP or tcMEP, Broadband Clicks for BAEP.
• Obtains a minimum of 20 minutes of technically acceptable EEG recording. Can distinguish normal/normal variants from abnormal EEG waveforms. Demonstrates ability to recognize and troubleshoot artifacts and correct the source. Obtains technically acceptable Visual Evoked Response, Brainstem Auditory Response, and/or SomatoSensory Evoked Response. Demonstrates ability to recognize and troubleshoot artifacts and correct source. Obtains technically acceptable Comprehensive TCD exam. Distinguishes spEMG activity from artifacts.
• Demonstrates knowledge of neuro anatomy and physiology, EEG and EP correlates. Demonstrates knowledge of Cerebrovascular and TCD correlates. Understands relationship between nerve roots and the muscles they serve.
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of the affects of anesthesia on all waveforms collected for IOM. Communicates and coordinates monitoring plan with anesthesiologist.
• Applies appropriate safety precautions when caring for patients having seizures. Determines need for possible emergency intervention Utilizes slow time constructively, i.e. putting away supplies, stocking rooms. Keeping work areas organized, work surfaces clean and free of clutter. Assists physician in lab with clinical EMG studies. Educates patients and/or families about procedure performed. Interacts professionally and utilizes AIDET principles when interacting with patients and/or families.
• Responds to on-call pages in a responsible and timely manner. Communicates with Physicians and Nursing Staff to co-ordinate care involving emergency procedures.
• Maintains environment of care in the department area and throughout the hospital by appropriately reporting any issues that may arise.
• Mentors co-workers who are training and striving to obtain registries
• Annually reviews Neurodiagnostic Lab procedures and makes recommendations for change/updates.
• Accurately enters patient demographic information and pertinent history into recording system
• During all recording sessions, provides documentation that is timely, accurate, complete, and legible. EP obligatory waveforms are labeled and measured accurately. All documentation meets current standards and policies.
• Responsible for accurately entering charges on day of service and maintaining log of performed procedures.
• Scans patient data appropriately. Archives data and can recall data as needed.
• Seeks out and obtains clinical learning opportunities. Seeks advances in technology to incorporate Neurodiagnostic lab protocols.
• Serves as mentor to co-workers in their efforts to obtain clinical excellence
• Maintains REEGT, REPT and CNIM by obtaining continuing education credits. Minimum of 10/year.

Qualifications

Required:

• High School graduate or equivalent.
• Successfully passed REEGT and REPT.
• Successfully passes internal exam demonstrating competence in TCDs.
• Successfully passed CNIM.
• BLS within six months of hire, CNIM, REG, EEG, and REG EP

Equal Opportunity

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.