What are the responsibilities and job description for the EEG Technician - Part Time position at UNLV Medicine?
The EEG Technician is responsible for performing electroencephalogram (EEG) tests and related procedures within the outpatient neurology clinic. The technician reports directly to the clinic administrator, ensuring adherence to operational protocols and standards. Additionally, the EEG Technician collaborates closely with and works under the clinical direction of the overseeing neurologist, contributing to accurate patient assessments and high-quality care. The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of EEG procedures, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. This is a part-time position.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
EEG Procedures:
- Prepares patient for EEG testing, ensuring they understand the procedure and addressing any questions or concerns. Ensure consent has been obtained prior to the preparation for the procedure following the national patient safety goal (NPSG.01.01.01).
- Uses Two Patient Identifiers: Before applying electrodes, confirm the patient's full name and patients date of birth to enhance patient safety and reduce the risk of errors.
- Applies electrodes to the patient’s scalp according to established protocols and guidelines.
- Monitors and record EEG data during tests, ensuring accuracy and completeness. Understanding the importance of timely reporting for patient management.
Equipment Management:
- Operate and maintain EEG equipment, ensuring it is clean, functional, and calibrated
- Troubleshoot equipment issues when they arise and report any technical problems to the supervisor/and or physician immediately.
Patient Care:
- Ensure patient comfort and safety throughout the EEG process.
- Assist in the preparation of patients for additional tests as needed, such as video EEG monitoring
Data Analysis and Reporting:
- Familiarity with the different types of brain waves (alpha, beta, theta, delta) and their characteristics.
- Recognizing normal vs. abnormal patterns and potential epileptiform activity.
- Ability to differentiate between true brain activity and artifacts caused by movement, muscle tension, electrical interference, or equipment malfunction.
- Knowledge of common artifacts and how to minimize them during recordings.
- Familiarization with computer programs, file management, network storage & retrieval.
- Understanding the clinical indications for the EEG and how the findings correlate with the patient's symptoms and medical history.
- Awareness of specific conditions (e.g., epilepsy, sleep disorders) that may affect the EEG results.
- Skills in analyzing the EEG data for abnormalities and changes over time, including seizure activity, focal abnormalities, or diffuse slowing.
- Ability to assess the significance of findings in relation to the patient's clinical presentation.
- Proficiency in documenting findings clearly and concisely in the EEG report.
Education and Training:
- Educate patients and their families about EEG procedures and post-test care.
- Participate in ongoing training and professional development to stay current with advancements in EEG technology and techniques.
Quality Control:
- Knowledge of quality assurance practices to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the EEG data.
- Familiarity with the standards and guidelines set forth by organizations like the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society (ACNS) and the American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic Technologists (ABRET)
EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience in an EEG Lab, as an EEG Technician, and/or related field required
- Minimum of High School Diploma or Equivalent required
- Completion of EEG training program required
- Certificate program in EEG technology preferred
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required
- Registered Electroencephalographic Technologist (REEGT) preferred
- Certification through the American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic Technologists (ABRET) preferred
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES QUALIFICATIONS
- Understanding of the structure and function of the nervous system, including brain anatomy and electrical activity.
- Knowledge of electroencephalography principles, including the different types of brain waves and their significance.
- Awareness of patient care best practices, including infection control and safety protocols.
- Familiarity with policies and procedures related to quality assurance in neurodiagnostic testing.
- Ability to operate and troubleshoot EEG equipment and software, including video EEG systems.
- Skill in properly applying electrodes to the scalp and ensuring optimal contact for accurate readings.
- Proficiency in analyzing EEG data and identifying normal and abnormal patterns, including seizure activity.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with patients and healthcare team members.
- Ability to make informed decisions based on patient data and EEG results.
- Strong observational skills to detect subtle changes in EEG patterns and patient behavior.
- Ability to provide compassionate support to patients, ensuring their comfort and understanding during the procedure.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary healthcare team, following the clinical direction of neurologists and other professionals.
- Ability to assist the neurologist with nerve conduction studies (NCSs) needle EMG.
- Flexibility to handle varying patient needs and adapt to changes in protocols or technology.
- Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a team
- Must be willing to adapt to future growth within this department which may include up to but not limited to EEG home monitoring combined with sleep studies.
- Must be able to multitask and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment
- Must be able to maintain confidentiality and follow PHI/HIPAA regulations
- Must be able to pay close attention to details
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- May include standing, sitting, and/or walking for extended periods
- May include performing repetitive tasks
- May include working on a special schedule (i.e. evenings and weekends with clients)
- May include working with challenging patients and clients
- May include lifting up to 25 pounds
UNLV Health will provide equal opportunity employment to all employees and applicants for employment. No person shall be discriminated against in employment because of race, color, gender, age, national origin, ancestry, religion, physical or intellectual disability, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by law.
If you have any questions about our interview and hiring procedures, please contact Recruitment at healthjobs@medicine.unlv.edu.