EEG Technologist

Brown Medicine•Cranston, RI

7d•$28 - $46•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the EEG Lead Technologist(s) and according to established procedures, conducts electroencephalographic (EEG) examinations, collects information, and prepares impressions of findings to assist physicians in evaluating and diagnosing cerebral conditions by recording brain electrical activity. Work may take place in clinical or intraoperative settings. In the operating room, monitors EEG activity of patients under local or general anesthesia. Performs evoked potential monitoring (EVP) procedures. Brown University Health employees are expected to model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, and demonstrate its core Success Factors: Instill Trust and Value Differences; Patient and Community Focus; and Collaborate. Performs independently within department policies and procedures, referring complex problems to a supervisor when clarification of policies or procedures is needed. There is no supervisory responsibility.

Requirements

Successful completion of post-high-school education.
Knowledge of EEG techniques, concepts, and equipment, with the ability to apply and develop that knowledge in a clinical setting.
Knowledge of pathological disorders directly affecting the brain and other medical conditions that may cause brain dysfunction.
Manual dexterity to measure and place electrodes accurately and manipulate EEG machine controls.
Visual acuity and sustained attention to identify minor differences or abnormalities while scanning changing graph data for periods of up to two hours.
Analytical ability and communication skills to formulate and write concise technical impressions of EEG findings.
Interpersonal skills to explain procedures, reduce anxiety, and gain the cooperation of very ill patients.
Demonstrated knowledge and skills to provide care with consideration of aging processes, human developmental stages, and cultural patterns at each step of care.
Up to one year of on-the-job training and experience to become familiar with a wide range of EEG procedures.

Nice To Haves

Completion of a one- or two-year accredited EEG Technology program, including required clinical affiliation.
Eligibility to sit for the American Board of Registration in Electroencephalographic Technology written examination within three years of placement in the position; 1,000 EEG examinations are required.
Experience is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Performs EEG and EVP procedures in hospital settings, including the operating room, radiology special procedures, and the laboratory.
Monitors brain activity under anesthesia and communicates pertinent information to surgeons during procedures, including EEG changes associated with artery clamping and closure.
Supports brain mapping, intraoperative EEG, evoked potential monitoring, and special electrode recordings in assigned settings.
Interviews patients, obtains relevant medical history, explains procedures, provides instructions, and helps reduce anxiety and gain cooperation.
Reviews patient charts and medical records for relevant information.
Sterilizes electrodes, measures and applies them to the patient's head, checks their performance, and uses appropriate infection precautions, including when using needle electrodes.
Uses judgment to adjust electrode placement when needed and selects standard or case-specific electrode combinations.
Calibrates EEG and EVP equipment, checks response accuracy, adjusts channels as necessary, and checks intravenous and oxygen apparatus for patients receiving that therapy, reporting malfunctions to appropriate personnel.
Obtains and continuously scans recordings, identifies artifacts, and takes appropriate action to eliminate them.
Uses activating procedures, including hyperventilation and photic stimulation, and obtains sleep-induction recordings when required after notifying a supervisor.
Documents actions taken during procedures and clinical manifestations observed, including patient alertness or drowsiness.
Reviews and analyzes tracings and prepares concise technical impressions, identifying focal, lateralized, paroxysmal, or artifactual changes.
May perform premature baby testing at Rhode Island Hospital and Women and Infants Hospital.
Prepares patients, measures their heads, and places electrodes; observes eye movements, respiration, and cardiac activity in addition to multichannel EEG recordings and records changes that explain EEG findings.
Performs WADA studies in radiology special procedures.
May conduct closed-circuit video recordings and monitors patients at bedside for extended periods, including patients with specialized electrodes.
Provides visual or auditory stimuli to elicit reactions.
Maintains equipment in clean operating condition, detects malfunctions, makes minor repairs and adjustments, and reports the need for major repairs.
Conducts long-term bedside monitoring for pediatric and adult patients in pentobarbital coma.
Maintains and enhances technical expertise through appropriate educational activities, including conferences, meetings, and reading relevant journals.