IONM TECH (INTRAOPERATIVE NEUROMONITORING TECHNOLOGIST) -

Detailed Responsibilities

• Perform baseline and intra-operative Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SEP) testing to include median nerve, ulnar nerve, peroneal nerve and posterior tibial nerve studies in accordance with established standards of practice
• Perform baseline and intra-operative Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential (BAEP) and Visual Evoked Potential (VEP) studies in accordance with established standards of practice
• Perform EMG recording during pedicile screw stimulation to access if surgeon inserted spinal screw has breached wall of the pedicile and needs to be repositioned
• Perform facial EMG recording during surgical procedures near cranial nerves or other EMG case specific recordings as directed by the surgeon
• Perform motor evoked potential testing under the direction of Neurophysiologist or surgeon
• Perform electroencephalogram (EEG) recording intraoperatively during carotid endarterectomy surgeries or intracranial surgeries as requested by the surgeon
• Perform cortical strip and cortical grid electrode brain recordings to include organizing and connecting appropriate patient specific interfaces, montage programming and recording of patient waveform data under the direction of an attending Neurophysiologist

SKILL

• Skill in the accurate and stable electrode placement for recording and stimulating

CALIBRATION

• Calibrate, set up and program for each modality of monitoring and use complex computerized instrumentation and peripheral equipment

MONITORING

• Carry out requested monitoring procedures under guidelines and surgeon notification limits

DEMONSTRATE

• Demonstrate knowledge of general principles of anesthetic techniques, the effects of different anesthesia regimens on the waveforms being recorded and the structures responsible for generating the effects
• Demonstrate competent, prompt troubleshooting techniques to correct problems with instrumentation recording and electrode malfunction
• Demonstrate proper infection control, aseptic and sterile procedures, with attention to monitoring instrumentation and electrodes entering the sterile field
• Demonstrate ability to determine monitoring modalities requested by the surgeon

PREPARE

• Prepare, examine and test all monitoring equipment, electrodes, stimulators and other equipment for each OR procedure
• Prepare to perform EEG and Long Term Video EEG monitoring or non surgical evoked potential testing if no OR cases are on the schedule
• Perform functions of END/EEG Techs in their absence or during high census or volume

DEVELOPMENT

• Enhance professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, reading current literature, attending in-services, meetings and workshops

Safety

• Adhere to safety procedures regarding the use of collodion, acetone, non-acetone collodion remover, or other biohazardous or flammable materials in the OR environment
• Practice safe electrical procedures to limit risk of injury to patients
• Follow patient safety-related policies, procedures and protocols
• Demonstrate proactive approach to patient safety by seeking opportunities to improve patient safety through questioning of current policies and processes
• Identify and report/correct environmental conditions and/or situations that may put a patient at undue risk
• Report potential or actual patient safety concerns, medical errors and/or near misses in a timely manner
• Encourage patients to actively participate in their own care by asking questions and reporting treatment or situations that they don't understand or may "not seem right"