Full-Time-EEG Technician I

Overview

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Responsibilities and Qualifications

Overview:

Neurodiagnostic technologists (EEG Technician) use specialized equipment to monitor how well a patient's nervous system is functioning, so doctors can identify and treat neurological problems. Neurodiagnostic technologists receive extensive training in neurophysiology, so they can identify normal and abnormal electrical activity in the central, nervous, autonomic and peripheral nervous systems. By recording electrical patterns throughout these systems, neurodiagnostic technologists provide valuable data that a physician will use to diagnose and treat conditions such as headaches, dizziness, seizure disorders, strokes and degenerative brain disease.

Responsibilitites:

The EEG technologist provides a safe recording environment by:* verifying identity of the patient* disinfecting electrodes after each procedure or using disposable products* following standard precautions for infection control per facility policy and procedures* attending to patient needs as established by facility policy and procedures* recognizing/responding to life-threatening situations* being certified to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation* following facility policy and procedures for sedation* complying with facility policy and procedures for emergency and disaster situations* complying with hazardous material handling procedures* maintaining instrument/equipment in good working order* taking appropriate precautions to ensure electrical safety.

The EEG technologist establishes rapport with the patient and the patient's family by:* using personal communication skills to achieve patient relaxation/cooperation* explaining all test procedures including activation procedures* explaining the electrode application method (paste, collodion, etc.)* interacting on a level appropriate to patient's age and cognitive ability* maintaining respect and patient confidentiality.

The EEG technologist evaluates the patient to:* determine the patient's mental age, mental state, and comprehension level* note the patient's overall physical condition* determine appropriate method of electrode application* ascertain the patient's capacity to cooperate with activation procedures* determine if hyperventilation/photic stimulation is contraindicated* accommodate for disabilities or special needs* determine the need for additional physiological monitors* document unusual or inappropriate behavior suggestive of seizure or psychogenic nonepileptic event* determine the possible need for restraints or emergency intervention.

The EEG technologist prepares a basic data sheet that includes:* patient's information (name, age, ID number, doctor, etc.)* recording time, date, and technologist's name or initials* pertinent patient history and familial medical history* previous EEG reports* current medication/sedation and time of last dosage* time of last meal* time, date, aura, and circumstances of last seizure or symptoms* patient's mental, behavioral, and consciousness states* diagram of skull defects or anomalies (if any)* diagram of any modifications in electrode placement.

The EEG technologist's electrode application follows a method that includes:* ensuring accurate electrode placement according to the International 10--20 System or modified 10--10 System* adjusting electrode placement for anatomical defects or anomalies* cleaning the electrode site to reduce skin impedance prior to scalp electrode application* applying surface electrodes with EEG conductive paste or with collodion and electrolyte* verifying surface electrode impedances measure below 5,000 Ohms* verifying when sterile, disposable subdermal needle electrodes are used, impedances measure below 10,000 Ohms* applying electrodes to record ECG.

The EEG technologist documents the working condition of a digital EEG instrument by:* calibrating system amplifiers* verifying standard filter settings* verifying sensitivity settings* inputing a biological (bio-cal) signal to all channels* observing the first 30 seconds of the recording from the primary system-reference montage when instrumental and biological calibration cannot be performed* correcting or reporting deviations per facility policy and procedure

The EEG technologist applies the principles of electronics and mathematics to recording by:* knowing how differential amplifiers work* computing voltage and frequency of waveforms* calculating the duration of waveforms* understanding the polarity of waveforms* understanding impedance

The EEG technologist knows how digital waveforms are affected by:* 60 hertz filter* filter settings* digital filters* sensitivity settings* referential and bipolar montages* electrodes type and electrode material composition* malfunctioning equipment* printer conversion of data.

The EEG technologist obtains a standard EEG that includes:* a minimum of 20 minutes of technically acceptable recording* eye opening and closing to check effects of stimuli on EEG* hyperventilation for a minimum of 3 minutes* photic stimulation at frequencies appropriate for history and reactivity* minimum recording of one minute post hyperventilation/photic stimulation* mental stimulation/assessment procedures* periodic checks of electrode impedance* natural drowsiness and sleep, if possible* notations of montage, filters, display speed, and sensitivity setting changes* notes of observed behavior, clinical seizure manifestations, etc.* minimum recording of 2 minutes post any questionable event.

The EEG technologist customizes the recording procedure by:* evaluating reason for referral, history, and observed waveforms* utilizing techniques to bring out or enhance clinical symptoms* selecting montages appropriate for abnormalities seen and/or expected* selecting appropriate instrument settings, i.e., filters, sensitivity, timebase* encouraging drowsiness and sleep* applying additional electrodes and adjusting montage, if needed, to localize abnormal activity* recording respiration, if appropriate* recording ECG rhythms.

The EEG technologist differentiates artifacts from cerebral waveforms by:* recognizing possible artifactual waveforms* documenting (on the recording) patient movements* applying electrodes to record eye movements* replacing electrodes exhibiting questionable activity or contact* troubleshooting for possible electrical interference.

The EEG technologist:* reports critical tests results* to the interpreting physician and supervisor and documents this communication according to facility policy and procedures* documents sedation used, dosage, and effects (if applicable)* reviews EEG for appropriate documentation or amplifier settings and montage changes* removes electrode paste/collodion/adhesive from the patient's scalp and hair.

The EEG technologist understands (has a working knowledge of):* medication effects on the EEG background and waveforms* medical terminology and accepted abbreviations* signs, symptoms, and EEG correlates for adult neurological disorders* signs, symptoms, and EEG correlates for pediatric neurological disorders* seizure manifestations, classifications, and EEG correlates* psychiatric and psychological disorders and EEG correlates.

The EEG technologist understands and follows technical criteria for:* recording electrocerebral inactivity (brain death)* recording neonatal EEG* recording pediatric EEG* abnormal awake and asleep patterns for each age range* EEG patterns for levels of consciousness* clinical and nonconvulsive seizure patterns.

Qualifications:

Because you're committed to excellence, you understand the importance of being properly prepared for your role at Mercy. That's why you'll bring to your role the right set of qualifications:

Education: High school diploma and, preferably, a two-year degree with coursework in the physical or biological sciences.Licensure: No state or federal licensure is required.Experience: Must be skilled or have a general knowledge of neurodiagnostic testing. Prior healthcare experience working in the acute care setting preferred. Must be able to interact with patients to ensure reliable results. Must understand or be capable of learning the effects of anesthesia on EEG results and be able to interpret visual data. EEG technicians must be prepared to apply their skills in stressful settings, such as operating or emergency rooms, if need be. Certifications: CRT, RPSGT, RRT or eligible preferred. Other: Ability to work well under stressful conditions. Ability to troubleshoot equipment. Teamwork is essential. Attention to detail and ability to understand and follow precise directions.

We'll Support You at Work and Home

Our foundations are built on dignity and respect. Modern Healthcare Magazine named us as a "top 100 places to work." We go out of our way to help people feel welcomed. We offer day-one comprehensive health, vision and dental coverage, PTO, and employer-matched retirement funds, even to part-time employees. We're proud to provide tuition reimbursement to help you grow and learn new skills.

What Makes a Good Match for Mercy

Compassion and professionalism go hand-in-hand with us, along with exceptional quality care. Having a positive outlook and a strong sense of advocacy is in perfect step with our mission and vision. We're also collaborative and are not afraid to do a little extra to deliver excellent care -- that's just part of our commitment. If that sounds like a fit for you as well, we encourage you to apply.