Summary:
The Neurodiagnostic/OR Intern demonstrates excellent customer service performance in that his/her attitude and actions are at all times consistent with the standards contained in the Vision, Mission and Values of Covenant HealthCare and the commitment to Extraordinary Care for Every Generation.
This individual, after twelve (12) months of training, and under moderate supervision, provides high quality EEGs, EPs, NCVs and ambulatory EEGs. After eighteen (18) months of training this person will demonstrate competence in three (3) basic Intraoperative Monitoring procedures.
This person operates several different types of machines and computers, and provides a safe and comfortable environment for patients. The Neurodiagnostic/OR Intern has clinical contact with patients in all age groups (neonatal, infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult, geriatric) and is able to appropriately assess, care for and treat them according to the age appropriate care guidelines as defined by Covenant HealthCare.
The Neurodiagnostic – OR Intern functions in this role until all requirements are met to take and pass the certification a for Neurodiagnistic – OR tech.
Responsibilities:
Performs EEGs and Ambulatory EEGs using the 10/20 International System of head measurements, proper electrode application, proper protocol for infants, cerebral death and to prove abnormalities; troubleshoots record for elimination of artifact and/or technical problems
Performs Evoked Potential testing with proper electrode application for test ordered and proper stimulation of correlating central nervous system pathways; performs nerve conduction velocity testing per specific physician protocol and/or direction
Cleans electrodes, monitoring equipment and patient rooms
Completes paperwork as required on all testing procedures for charts, files and physicians
Maintains proficiency in all computer functionality necessary to perform job duties (HIS, PACS, QC, email, etc.)
Communicates with manager, co-workers and physicians about changes, ideas, concerns and problems within the lab
Works as a team with technologists in Safety, Quality Assurance and Regulatory requirements along with continuous quality improvements in the everyday routing functions of the lab
Reports operational, functional and system problems to the manager
Promotes positive customer and employee relations by projecting a favorable corporate image through professional, confident, courteous and effective interactions with customers, staff and physicians
Performs intraoperative monitoring for 3 routine types of neuro cases with proper peripheral and cortical leads attached for monitoring
Assesses the patient before surgery and confers with surgeon on proper monitoring technique that will be used during surgery making sure that the pathway at risk is monitored
Keeps an accurate and concise note throughout surgery procedure describing what is being done surgically at any particular time and what is happening physiologically to the patient
Keeps physician informed during surgery of test changes, after careful troubleshooting to eliminate technical errors
Able to troubleshoot technical errors quickly and resolve problems in the operating room so monitoring can resume
Performs other duties as assigned
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Required: Associates Degree in a healthcare related field
Commitment to successfully obtain registry for EEG or EVOKs within two years of employment
Required: Clinical experience in a healthcare setting
Preferred: Experience in an OR setting
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
Working knowledge of human anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of medical terminology
Demonstrated organizational skills
Demonstrated teamwork skills
Demonstrated computer skills
Good verbal and written communications skills essential
Demonstrated troubleshooting skills
Able to understand physiology changes and effects on waveforms during anesthesia, sleep, seizures, etc. after six (6) months of training
Able to communicate and empathize with patients
Ability to work with little or no supervision in a competent manner
Ability to analyze and make proper judgment calls for all areas of department including, but not limited to, patient testing, patient convenience and prioritization of duties
Ability to move heavy equipment and assist patients
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Ability to maintain punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards.
Frequent standing, walking, twisting, reaching, handling, feeling.
Frequent talking, hearing, near vision, midrange vision, far vision.
Frequent depth perception, visual accommodation, color vision.
Frequent field of vision.
Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.
Occasional sitting, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing.
Occasional balancing, stooping, crouching, squatting.
NOTICE REGARDING LATEX SENSITIVITY IN APPLICANTS FOR EMPLOYMENT.
It has been determined that Covenant HealthCare cannot provide a latex safe or latex free work environment at any of its facilities. Unfortunately, that means that any individual, including an applicant or an employee, is likely to be exposed to latex while on Covenant’s premises. Therefore, latex tolerance is considered to be an essential function for any position with Covenant.