Staff / Sr. Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) Specialist

University of California System•San Francisco, CA

25d•Onsite

About The Position

An Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) Specialist at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center will provide real-time multi-modality IONM in a wide variety of operating room procedures (including neurosurgery, otolaryngology, vascular and orthopedic surgeries) in which neural structures are at risk, such as aneurysms, brain and spine tumors, AVMs, spinal fusions, middle ear surgeries, TAAAs, and miscellaneous procedures involving peripheral and cranial nerves. The IONM specialist will derive, directly or through the supervision of a junior associates, technical and clinical meaning from these assays in order to produce interventional recommendations aimed to improve or preserve the neurologic outcome of UCSF patients. This position comes with management responsibilities, such as scheduling, training and supervising, when delegated by the manager. In addition to clinical and technical duties, this position offers the opportunity to pursue related research interests, drawing on the collaborative resources available at UCSF. All patient care team members are responsible to meet patient needs, demonstrate willingness to learn new skills, and foster a harmonious work environment in which high quality patient care and customer service is consistently provided. Team members promote a cooperative working relationship with each other, physicians, other disciplines and the public by facilitating and enhancing communication, displaying honesty and respect, displaying sensitivity to cultural differences, and expressing and accepting feedback in a professional manner.

Requirements

Certification in Neurophysiologic Intraoperative Monitoring (CNIM)
Diplomats of American Board of Neurophysiologic Monitoring (DABNM) or meet prerequisites for DABNM
Doctorate degree in physical science, life science or clinical allied health profession (Ph.D., M.D., D.O., D.C.,Au.D. and D.Pt.)
At least three (3) years' technical and professional level IONM experience in the operating room.
Demonstrates subject matter expertise of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring practices.
Ability to provide real-time multi-modality IONM in a wide variety of operating room procedures.
Advanced verbal and written communication skills; clear, concise written documentation and interpersonal communication skills.
Expert user of neuromonitoring information technology applications.
Advanced skills to quickly evaluate complex issues and identify resolutions within defined procedures and policies. Demonstrated ability to solve problems without precedent and suggest solutions through innovative critical thinking.
Must take call and monitor cases during daytime, evening, weekends and holidays, in accordance with departmental policies at all UCSF locations.
Certification in Neurophysiologic Intraoperative Monitoring (CNIM)
Bachelor's degree in science, medical, or related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
At least six months' experience with IONM (i.e. human neurophysiological signals-EEG, EP, EMG).
Demonstrates subject matter knowledge of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring practices.
Ability to provide real-time multi-modality IONM in a wide variety of operating room procedures.
Strong verbal and written communication skills; clear, concise written documentation and interpersonal communication skills.
Advanced user of neuromonitoring information technology applications.
Solid skills to quickly evaluate complex issues and identify resolutions within defined procedures and policies.
Demonstrated ability to solve problems and suggest solutions through critical thinking process.
Must take call and monitor cases during daytime, evening, weekends and holidays, in accordance with departmental policies at all UCSF locations.

Nice To Haves

Expertise with Cadwell IONM hardware and software (Classic and Surgical Studio)
Related publications, abstracts and/or presentations that reflect strong research interests, particularly in IONM
Language mapping or neuropsychological testing experience.
Five years technical and professional level IONM experience in the operating room

Responsibilities

Use expert knowledge of relevant anatomy, medical conditions, and surgical procedures and their bearing on IONM signals to advise appropriate IONM during preoperative consultation with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other allied professionals.
Demonstrate expert-level capability in the setup, calibration, maintenance and operation of IONM software and hardware (e.g. Cadwell, Medtronic, & other companies) to record IONM electroencephalography (EEG), evoked potentials (EP), and/or electromyography (EMG).
Expert ability to establish baselines, to optimize IONM signals and monitor using methods such as auditory brainstem response (ABR), EEG, free-run and triggered EMG and direct cortical motor evoked potentials (MEP), and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP). Expertise in advanced IONM techniques, such as radiofrequency lesioning, phase reversal, dorsal column mapping, trigeminal nerve sensory mapping, lateral-spread response, brachial/lumbar plexus mapping, compound nerve action potentials, brainstem mapping and other advanced techniques.
Provide expert analysis of IONM waveforms to decipher real-time IONM changes that distinguish technical and anesthetic effects from substantive changes in neural function.
Convey an immediate and clear assessment of IONM, including supervised work, to surgeons, anesthesiologists, OR staff or other IONM delegates.
Develop and execute interventions with surgical and anesthesia teams to enhance or preserve patient outcome derived from evidence-based knowledge of IONM.
Demonstrate expert knowledge of the impact of anesthesia on IONM signals. Collaborate with anesthesia personnel to achieve anesthetic conditions that promote optimal IONM recordings.
Provide, in-person or remote, troubleshooting assistance and professional assessment of IONM findings to supervised neurophysiologists.
Assign and delegate IONM activities consistent with departmental policies and best practices, including provision of IONM, room and floor supervision and scheduling.
Document, clearly and expediently, the analysis and interpretation of IONM activities, protected patient information, anesthesia and surgical events and communications for medical records and billing purposes in a manner consistent with departmental policies.
Ability to communicate in English, clearly and effectively, sometimes in stressful circumstances.
Adapt to changes in the work environment, such as, but not limited to, changes in procedures, modalities, providers, patients and work location.
Take call and monitor cases during daytime, evening, weekends and holidays, in accordance with departmental policies at all UCSF locations.
Maintain a deep and current knowledge of techniques, technologies, advances, and regulatory standards in IONM from reading books, journals, online materials and participating in education programs.
Maintain DABNM certification.
Provide instructive leadership in departmental meetings, hospital in-service programs, professional meetings/seminars, through on-line and in-person formats.
Ability to self-learn, develop, teach and launch new methods, procedures and policies to meet patient needs in quickly advancing field.
Conform to hospital medical stipulations and policies.
Contribute to the department through research, administrative duties (i.e HR & scheduling), teaching, hardware/software and workstation maintenance.