EEG/EMG Technician - Crystal Run Healthcare

UnitedHealth Group•West Nyack, NY

1d•$20 - $36•Onsite

About The Position

Optum NY, is seeking a Electroneurodiagnostic Technician to join our team in West Nyack, NY. Optum is a clinician-led care organization that is changing the way clinicians work and live. As a member of the Optum Care Delivery team, you’ll be an integral part of our vision to make healthcare better for everyone. At Optum, you’ll have the clinical resources, data and support of a global organization behind you so you can help your patients live healthier lives. We believe you deserve an exceptional career, and will empower you to live your best life at work and at home. Experience the fulfillment of advancing the health of your community with the excitement of contributing new practice ideas and initiatives that could help improve care for millions of patients across the country. Because together, we have the power to make health care better for everyone. Join us and discover how rewarding medicine can be while Caring. Connecting. Growing together. Primary responsibility of the EEG Technician is to perform Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings of patients to provide input on medical conditions. Monday-Friday 8am-4pm. Travel to Newburgh 2 times per month You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Requirements

1+ years of clinical experience (preferably Neurology and Pain Management)

Nice To Haves

EEG or EMG certification
Current BLS Healthcare Provider Certification
1+ years of EEG/EMG experience
1+ years of experience in neurological anatomy and related neurological disease processes
Must be able to assist patients on and / or off stretchers, tables, and wheelchairs
Must be able to sit for extended periods of time when processing specimens
Must be able to walk, stand and sit for long hours
Handles multiple conflicting priorities and interruptions to routine
Exposed to bodily fluids, hazardous chemicals, odors and communicable diseases
Work area may be noisy and stressful
Accountability - Takes responsibility for outcomes of personal actions, decisions, and behaviors. Provides consistent, timely, high quality work. Completes work by established time lines and routinely uses time effectively. Meets annual mandatory education and employee health requirements in the time frame prescribed. Is punctual, observes prescribed work hours and meal periods and has an acceptable overall attendance record. Adheres to safety guidelines and reports environmental issues to Facilities
Adaptability - Accepts and effectively adapts to changes in position, department and organization. Responds to change positively with a genuine desire to support the organization and accepting work assignment adjustments as needed
Communication - Communicates clearly and effectively both orally and written. Demonstrates active listening and respect for other's ideas, problems, and suggestions. Responds in a prompt and friendly manner to requests and inquiries. Respects confidentiality and is HIPAA compliant in all aspects of communication regarding patients, employees and the organization. Utilizes C.L.E.A.R. and H.E.A.R.T
Computer Literacy - Uses computers and software relevant to position effectively and efficiently in the working environment
Customer/Patient Focus - Knows the customer (internal and external) business needs and acts accordingly. Provides consistent, quality service to all patients and customers
Job Knowledge/Technical Skill - Effectively performs essential job functions on a consistent basis. Demonstrates the practical and technical skills and knowledge required for the job. Demonstrates initiative consistent with job expectations to improve performance
Professionalism - Takes pride in presenting a professional image and behavior. Maintains professional appearance by adhering to dress code and wearing identification badge. Acts in accordance with the Core Values
Teamwork/Cooperation - Creates a positive work environment and influences the behavior of other employees by their supportive and positive approach to daily activities within the work environment. Assists coworkers in response to fluctuations in workloads. Maintains positive work relationships by being courteous and respectful. Builds trust and works with integrity. Accepts criticism, is open to new ideas, and handles conflict constructively and diplomatically

Responsibilities

Call patients to verify appointment for EMG and EEG studies
Schedule EMG and EEG patients when needed
Reschedule patients as needed to maintain EMG and EEG schedule
Attends and participates in departmental meetings
Provide and collect patient satisfaction questionnaire for EMG and EEG patients
The Technologist provides a safe recording environment by: verifying identity of patient cleaning electrodes after each procedure following universal precautions for Infection Control attending to patient needs appropriately recognizing/responding to life-threatening situations being certified to perform CPR complying with lab protocols 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 Technologist establishes rapport with the patient and 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 mental capacity maintaining respect and patient confidentiality
The Technologist evaluates the patient to: determine the patient’s mental age, mental state, and comprehension level note the patient’s overall physical condition decide appropriate method of electrode application ascertain the patient’s capacity to cooperate with activation procedures determine if hyperventilation is contraindicated accommodate for disabilities or special needs document unusual or inappropriate behavior suggestive of seizure/pseudo seizure
The Technologist prepares a basic data sheet (“Tech sheet”) that includes: patient information (name, age, ID number, doctor, etc.) recording time, date, and Technologist’s name or initials noting pertinent patient history and familial medical history listing current medications/sedation and time of last dosage noting time, date, aura, and circumstances of last seizure or symptoms specifying the patient’s mental, behavioral, and consciousness states
The Technologist’s electrode application follows a method that includes: measuring and marking the head following the 10/20 measurement system prepping patient’s scalp prior to electrode application applying electrodes with paste or with collodion and electrolyte verifying electrode impedances are balanced and below 5,000 Ohms
The Technologist documents the working condition of a digital EEG instrument by: calibrating system amplifiers imputing a biological (bio-cal) signal to all channels corrects or reports deviations as appropriate
The Technologist obtains a standard EEG that includes: at least 20 minutes of technically acceptable recording (120 pages) 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 & reactivity mental stimulatio0ssessment procedures periodic checks of electrode impedance natural drowsiness and sleep, if possible annotations are done every 2 minutes notes on observed behavior, clinical seizure manifestations, etc.
The Technologist maintain and assess proper cleaning and equipment functioning Equipment cleaned after every use Cables are ready for usage, stocked in and a need manner Ambulatory equipment cleaned after returned, no paste, dirt or visibly soiled Maintain room cleaned and in an orderly fashion before patient arrives Maintain clean and dust free headbox and computers in the room
The Technologist differentiates artifacts from cerebral waveforms by: monitoring ECG rhythms for abnormality recognizing possible artefactual waveforms documenting (on the recording) patient movements applying/recording leads for ECG replacing electrodes exhibiting questionable activity or contact troubleshooting for possible electrical interference
When the EEG recording is finished the Technologist: removes electrode paste/glue from the patient’s scalp and hair after runtine in lab EEGs describes clinically significant behavior
The Technologist understands (has a working knowledge of): 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, and EEG correlates
The Technologist maintains and improves knowledge and skills by: reviewing EEG tracings with team leader on a regular basis reading journal articles studying text books related to the field
The EEG Technologist applies the principles of electronics and mathematics to recording by: knowing how differential amplifiers work understanding impedance
The Technologist knows how waveform displays are affected by: 60 Hertz filter filter and sensitivity settings paper speed referential and bipolar montages
The Technologist knows how waveform displays are affected by: digital filters malfunctioning equipment
The Technologist recognizes: normal and normal variant awake and asleep patterns for each age range abnormal awake and asleep patterns for each age range EEG patterns for levels of consciousness clinical seizure patterns