Neurodiagnostic (EEG/EMG) Technologist I

Detailed Overview

Under the direction of the Technical Lead, performs duties related to diagnostic neurophysiology (EEG / EMG) in the operation of the Neurodiagnostic Services Department.

Duties include preparing and interviewing patients for tests, explaining procedures, conducting tests such as Electroencephalography (EEG), Evoked Potentials, Nerve Conduction studies and Electromyography (EMG), calibrating and adjusting equipment, recording measurements, and formulating technical reports for interpretation by medical staff in clinical diagnosis.

Responsibilities Conducts and records EEG, Nerve Conduction Tests and EMG, on patients by performing duties such as operating a variety of equipment, calibrating and adjusting equipment during test processes, taking appropriate measurements from test data produced, and entering calculated results into computer in order to demonstrate whether abnormalities exist.

Conducts Evoked Potential Tests such as visual, brainstem and somato-sensory evoked responses using a variety of equipment by performing duties such as locating and stimulating nerves, applying recording electrodes to patient, assessing patient’s responses and making necessary adjustments to equipment to ensure a complete study is conducted.

Formulates technical preliminary reports by performing duties such as analyzing recordings, measuring numerical data, describing abnormal manifestations and forwarding calculations to physician for use in clinical diagnosis.

Receives and prepares patients for tests by performing duties such as receiving requisitions from physicians, reviewing case history and medical chart to be alert for certain symptoms during the test, e.

g. epilepsy and assessing the nature of the problems to determine process and direct test accordingly. Prepares patients for tests by receiving and interviewing patient or family, explaining procedures, attaching electrodes and / or electromyographic equipment to appropriate areas and monitoring patient's comfort to ensure patient is at ease while obtaining required results.

Participates in departmental infection control program by performing duties such as assessing infection control in equipment, handling / storing / disposing of needle electrodes and other supplies, and disinfecting and sterilizing equipment to safety standards in accordance with quality assurance program.

Performs preventative maintenance on equipment by performing duties such as calibrating and cleaning equipment to ensure equipment is producing accurate records;

maintains service and equipment performance records by completing log book and arranging repairs to ensure equipment is working.

Maintains neurodiagnostic procedure records by storing and retrieving from digital archives for future reference. Stores and retrieves hardcopy archives if requested.

Guides the clinical experience of assigned new staff and students; provides input to the Technical Lead as requested on progress in achieving established clinical practice guidelines and standards of practice.

Demonstrates procedures and usage of equipment to staff including medical residents and students. Assists with setting measurable goals and objectives within a team or individual environment, incorporating the organization's vision and values, goals and corporate plan, through methods such as maintaining and updating own knowledge of clinical and professional development within area of practice, and developing plan in collaboration with supervisor for professional development;

reviews progress to ensure that goals are achieved within established time frames. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications Education, Training & Experience Graduation from an accredited Diploma program in Electroneurophysiology (i.

e. Diploma of Technology), plus one year's recent, related experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Current registration with the Canadian Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic Technologists (CBRET) and the Board of Registration of Electromyography Technologists of Canada (BRETC).

Current membership with the British Columbia Society of Electroneurophysiology Technologists (BCSET) and / or the Association of Electromyography Technologists of Canada (AETC).

Skills and Abilities Comprehensive knowledge of evidence-based Electroneurophysiology practice related to conducting various diagnostic tests including EEG, Evoked Potentials, Nerve Conduction studies and EMG.

Broad knowledge of Electroneurophysiology theory and practice within a client and family-centred model of care. Broad knowledge and practice of safe work procedures with Electroneurophysiology equipment.

Broad knowledge of other health care disciplines and their role in client care. Demonstrated ability to teach / demonstrate.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, physicians, other health care staff, clients and their families, both one-on-one and in groups.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and in collaboration with others. Demonstrated ability to establish workload priorities and organize work in collaboration with others.

Physical ability to perform the duties of the position. Skill in the use of equipment, and in techniques appropriate to the assessment of clients.

Computer literacy with word processing, spreadsheet and database skills.