What are the responsibilities and job description for the DBS Technologist position at SpecialtyCare Associate Referral Program?
Position Summary: Responsible for operating electrophysiological equipment used in functional mapping for deep brain stimulator implants. Operates electrode recording and stimulating equipment, microdrive controllers, generates invoices and reports, and maintains & cleans electrophysiological equipment and microdrive systems.
Nature and Scope: This person is technically proficient in use of electrophysiological equipment in general, has specific experience with DBS mapping hardware, and is able to troubleshoot problems with hardware and software during case. This person is able to effectively communicate mapping information to surgeon in real time, but is not expected to provide interpretation of results. Interpretation and supervision should come from an attending DBS neurophysiologist, or a surgeon with training in DBS neurophysiology. Supervision level is determined by VP of Ancillary Services. Individual is responsible for following SMS and hospital policies for OR credentialing, equipment maintenance, invoicing, and is expected to participate in collection of research data.
Essential Duties:
1. Patient Setup
Explain mapping procedure so it is understood by the patient, including purpose of recording and/or stimulation
2. MER & Stimulation equipment
Operate and adjust equipment, optimizing recording and stimulation parameters to acquire salient mapping data.
Implement appropriate troubleshooting methods to assure accurate maps.
Keep equipment clean and in proper working order, reporting malfunctions to supervisor and/or manufacturer.
3. Monitoring
Interact with surgical team and surgeons during procedure to provide data necessary for accurate placement of permanent DBS electrode.
Identify and eliminate physiological and non-physiological artifacts.
understand the medical and pharmacological/anesthetic conditions that influence the process of MER and stimulation mapping
Understand the effects of stimulation on symptoms of different diseases treated with DBS
4. Documentation
Provide summary summary documentation of DBS mapping procedure, including borders of target structure, location and depth of permanent lead placement, and when relevant, somatotopic organization, stimulation induced efficacy and side effects.
Accurately prepare in a timely manner, all invoices and work/technical sheet.
5. Additional Duties
Collect data for ongoing research projects
Perform additional duties as assigned by the VP of Ancillary Services or Director of DBS.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
A medical or graduate degree, or PhD candidate in biological science, neuroscience, audiology, or similar field.
Knowledge/ Experience/ Abilities:
1. Two years experience in general electrophysiological methods.
2. Twelve cases as DBS technologist trainee or DBS fellowship, and successful completion of DBS skills test
3. Knowledge of physiology & pathologic processes and aseptic techniques.
4. Knowledge of DBS procedures including somatotopic, efficacy and side effect mapping
5. Knowledge of microelectrode recording equipment and ability to interpret recordings of units and local field potentials
6. Knowledge of stimulation equipment and ability to detect stimulation side effects in patient
7. Interpersonal and communication skills necessary to interact with medical staff, patients, visitors, and other hospital employees.
8. Ability to effectively communicate technical content to surgeons and attending neurophysiologists in a logical, concise, understandable fashion.
9. Ability to work with other researchers, equipment representatives, physicians, educators, and trainers.
10. Ability to stand, turn and stoop among several types of equipment in an operating room suite.
11. Ability to set up equipment with precision and speed in preparation for mapping procedure.
12. Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time, while concentrating on operation of equipment during surgical procedure.
Working Conditions:
1. Possible exposure to communicable diseases and hazardous materials with little likelihood of harm if established health precautions are followed.
2. The use of protective clothing such as surgical clothing, gloves, glasses and masks.
3. Work requires lifting supplies up to forty (40) pounds, pushing, or carrying bulky pieces of equipment.
4. Variable work schedules that may change from week to week, depending on case load, surgeons’ availability, creating situations that may require minimal notice to be available for a case.
5. May require carrying a cell phone for non-scheduled work time to accommodate scheduling changes.
SpecialtyCare is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
