Autonomic Technologist - Electroneurodiagnostics - Short Pump - PRN

VCU Health•LOC100206 Short Pump Pavilion, VA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Autonomic Tech I works under the direction of an Autonomic Medicine Specialist/Autonomic Neurologist and performs a battery of tests to measure the function of the autonomic nervous system. Records physiological data, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and sweat response, while patients are exposed to specific stimuli, such as deep breathing or a tilt-table test. This role involves preparing patients for testing, drawing up sterile solutions, explaining procedures to patients, placing EKG leads and electrodes, setting up and troubleshooting recording equipment, performing autonomic tests, and recording observations and data in real-time into EPIC. The technologist must accurately observe, record, and report patient concerns and reactions, measure heart rate and blood pressure during various stimuli, and notify healthcare providers of any necessary clinical responses. Responsibilities also include patient scheduling, answering patient questions, maintaining supply levels, and learning new testing methods. The role requires the ability to provide equitable care appropriate to the age of the patients served, including Pediatrics (1-12 years), Adolescents (13-17 years), Adults (18-64 years), and Geriatrics (65 years and older).

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent
Basic Life Support (BLS) required
1 year patient care experience (i.e. neurodiagnostic Tech, EMT, Patient Care Tech, Nurse Aide, Medical Assistant, Medic, EKG Tech, etc.).
N/A

Nice To Haves

Associate Degree from a Neurodiagnostic Technology program preferred.
Associates degree in an allied health field preferred.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) preferred.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) preferred.
Certified Autonomic Professional (CAP) through ABRET.
A basic knowledge of ECG monitoring.
Experience working with pediatrics.
Must have strong communication and technology skills.
Spelling, basic knowledge of anatomy (muscles, nerves, patient positioning, vestibular system, visual system).
Average mathematical skills.
Basic knowledge of electronics and instrumentation.

Responsibilities

Prepares the patient for testing both prior to the appointment and at the appointment time.
Prepares and draw up syringes of acetylcholine for sweat testing in sterile environment.
Puts patient at ease by explaining each autonomic test component and assuring they understand what to expect, how to communicate during the test and why the test is being performed.
Places EKG leads and electrodes to acquire a diagnostically accurate EKG.
Places blood pressure and other recording equipment and troubleshoots.
Performs each autonomic test and records observations and test result data in real time into EPIC.
Accurately observes, records, and reports all patient concerns, symptoms, reactions in a timely manner.
Measure the heart rate and blood pressure of the patient who will be exposed to a variety of stimuli that are controlled by the tech such as deep breathing, active standing, sweat gland function testing and passive head-up tilting on a tilt-table, and other stimuli as appropriate
Notifies the appropriate health care provider when an immediate clinical response is necessary based on procedural findings, patient condition, or other relevant concerns that may impact patient safety, care, quality.
Maintains proper patient scheduling in conjunction with the scheduling department.
Answers any patient questions prior to appointment date.
Maintains proper supply levels and orders additional testing supplies as needed.
Learn new tests or new testing methods as the field evolves and apply them to the patients as trained and instructed.
Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide equitable care appropriate to the age of the patients served on their assigned unit.
Demonstrates knowledge and related competencies of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age, specific needs and to provide the equitable care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.
Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.