EEG Technologist

Summary:

Under the general supervision

of the EEG Lead Technologist(s) and according to established procedures

conducts electroencephalographic examinations collects information and

prepares impressions of findings to assist physician in evaluating and

diagnosing cerebral conditions by recording the brain�s electrical

activity. Such activities can be

performed in either a clinical or interoperative setting. When in the operating room setting monitors

EEG activity of patients under local or general anesthesia. Performs evoked potential monitoring (EVP)

procedures.

Responsibilities:

1.Performs a full range of EEG and EVP procedures in various

hospital settings i.e. operating room special procedures section of

radiology and the laboratory.

2.Monitors

the brain activity of patients under anesthesia and communicates pertinent

information to the surgeon during procedures.

Notes clamping of arteries post-clamping conditions and sew-up to watch

for EEG changes when administering EEG tests in the operating room.

3.Supports

EEG monitoring when assigned to the special procedures laboratory or operating

room to include brain mapping intraoperative EEG Evoked Potential Monitoring

and special electrode recordings.

4.Interviews

patient to obtain pertinent medical history to explain and instruct patient

regarding procedure and to allay anxiety and elicit cooperation. Abstracts additional relevant information

from patient�s chart or medical record.

5.Ensures

that electrodes are sterilized applies electrodes on predetermined measured

positions on patient�s head and checks electrode performance. Uses appropriate precautionary measures to

prevent infections when using needle electrodes. Uses judgement in placement of electrodes in

deviating from standard practice to obtain reading.

6.Calibrates

and checks the accuracy of response and as necessary adjusts channels of EEG

and EVP apparatus. Checks intravenous

and oxygen apparatus on patients requiring such therapy and reports any

malfunction to appropriate personnel.

7.Selects

predetermined electrode combinations as well as special combinations

appropriate to the specific case.

Obtains and continuously scans recordings recognizes artifacts and

takes appropriate action to eliminate them.

Uses activating procedures such as hyperventilation and photic

stimulation to induce and record brain reaction. Notifies supervisor when sleep induction is

required and obtains recordings.

8.Makes

notation on record of all actions taken during procedure and records clinical

manifestations observed during tests such as patient�s degree of alertness

versus drowsiness.

9.Reviews

and analyzes tracings. Prepares

impressions of findings indicating technical changes that are focal

laterilized paroxysmal or artifactual.

10. May

perform premature baby testing both at Rhode Island Hospital and Women and

Infants Hospital. Provides patient

preparation including measuring of head and placement of electrodes.

11. Observes

three physiological parameters in addition to multi-channel EEG recordings: eye

movements respiration cardiac activity.

Records changes to explain EEG findings.

12. Performs

WADA studies in radiology special procedures.

13. May

conduct closed circuit video recordings requiring knowledge of equipment. Monitors patient at bedside for extended

periods of time.

14. Monitors

patients with specialized electrodes.

Adheres to proper sterilization procedures in placing needle electrodes

on patients. Provides stimulus where

visual / auditory reactions are induced.

15. Maintains

equipment in clean operating condition; detects instrumental malfunction; makes

minor repairs and adjustments and reports the need for major repair.

16. Conducts

long-term monitoring at bedside for pentabarb coma pediatric and adult

patients.

17. Maintains

and enhances technical expertise by participating in appropriate educational

activities including attending conferences and meetings and reading relevant

journals.

Other information:

BASIC KNOWLEDGE:

Successful completion of post-high school. One- or two-year

accredited program in EEG Technology including completion of required clinical

affiliation preferred.

Eligibility to sit for written examination for formal

registration by the American Board of Registration in Electroencephalographic

Technology within three years of placement in position (1000 EEG examinations

required).

Knowledge of EEG techniques concepts and equipment.

Ability to apply knowledge to clinical setting and expand

upon it through experience.

Knowledge of pathological disorders directly affecting brain

and other medical conditions indirectly causing brain dysfunction.

Manual dexterity to measure and place electrodes accurately

and manipulate controls on EEG machines.

Visual acuity and capacity for sustained attention to detect

minor differences or abnormalities while scanning a moving graph of constantly

changing data for periods of up to two hours.

Analytical ability and communication skills necessary to

formulate and write concise technical impressions of EEG findings.

Interpersonal skills to explain procedures allay anxiety

and gain corporation of very ill patients.

Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care

patients with consideration of aging processes human development stages and

cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

EXPERIENCE:

Up to one year on the job training and experience to become

familiar with wide range of EEG procedures.

Experience preferred though not required

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Normal patient care environment with some exposure to

infectious disease or unpleasant patient care activities. Some exposure to volatile substances such as

acetone ether and alcohol. Hazards are

minimized by adherence to established safety and infection control guidelines.

Some physical effort to cope with patients with behavioral

problems who may be combative.

INDEPENDENT ACTION:

Performs independently within department policies and

procedures. Refers specific complex

problems to supervisor where clarification of department policies and

procedures may be required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None

Lifespan is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin age ethnicity sexual orientation ancestry genetics gender identity or expression disability protected veteran or marital status. Lifespan is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Location: Rhode Island Hospital USA:RI:Providence

Work Type: Full Time

Shift: Shift 1

Union: UNAP