IOM Technologist

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the clinical manager, performs the preoperative assessment of the patient, conducts intraoperative sensory and motor tests using currently accepted electrophysiological techniques. Compiles real-time collection and interpretation of data and completes post-operative reports and billing forms. The purpose ofto record this testing is to reduce the incidence of stroke, paresthesia, impotence, incontinence, and paralysis as a post-operative surgical outcome.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Patient Consultation

• Explains test procedures so they are understandable to the patient and any family members that are present.


• Measures and accurately applies recording electrodes in a timely manner, according to the international 10-20 Electrode Placement System.

1. IOM Equipment Setup

• Calibrates, evaluates, and adjusts equipment, optimizing recording and stimulation parameters, to acquire salient data and information.


• Implements appropriate troubleshooting methods, such as adjusting stimulation, to assure accurate recording of information. • Keeps equipment clean and in proper working order, reporting technical malfunctions to supervisor and/or manufacturer.

1. Intraoperative Monitoring

• During surgery, interacts with the surgical team and surgeons to provide interpretive data regarding the patient’s neurological status.


• Identifies and eliminates physiological and non-physiological artifacts.


• Recognizes normal patterns, normal variants, and abnormal patterns; understands the medical and pharmacological/anesthetic conditions that influence all recording IOM modalities (e.g., EP, BAER, MEP, etc.); understands the clinical correlations between abnormal evoked potentials and various disease states.

1. Documentation

• Displays, prints, and labels waveforms to hard copy for interpretation marking, measuring, and calculating information such as latencies, voltages, and conduction times following established National Neuromonitoring Services guidelines and protocols.


• Accurately documents significant events and stages of surgery in a timely manner complete all IOM logs, files, and work/technical sheet, including a technical description of the IOM modality recorded, with emphasis on the clinical observations in order to assist the neurologists and/or designated MD with the final interpretation.

1. Additional Duties

• Following the completion of training, assists new IOM technologists


• If workload allows, attend scientific courses and seminars for continuing education.


• Performs additional duties as assigned by the Clinical Manager or Corporate staff.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

1. Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, neuroanatomy, pathologic processes, and aseptic techniques.


2. Knowledge of procedures followed in conducting electrophysiological tests and examinations on patients.


3. Knowledge of electrophysiological equipment used in performing tests on patients.


4. Ability to analyze various electronic and neurophysiologic waveforms.


5. Interpersonal communication skills necessary to interact with medical staff, patients, visitors, and other hospital employees.


6. Ability to stand, turn, and stoop among several types of equipment in an operating room suite.


7. Ability to apply different types of electrodes to a patient’s anatomy with precision and speed in preparation of monitoring a surgical procedure.


8. Ability to sit for extended periods of time, while concentrating on monitoring computer screen images during a surgical procedure.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Possible exposure to communicable diseases and hazardous materials with little likelihood of harm if established health precautions are followed.


2. The use of protective clothing such as surgical clothing, gloves, glasses, and masks (PPE).


3. Work requires lifting supplies, pushing, or carrying bulky pieces of equipment.


4. Occasional/frequent travel by motor vehicle and/or air transportation to heacaseloadlthcare facilities located in both urban and rural areas.


5. Variable work schedules that may change from week to week, depending on case load, surgeon’s availability, creating situations that may require minimal notice to be available for a case.


6. Will require cell phone availability for scheduled “on-call time” during weekends to cover add-on, elective, or emergency cases.


7. Usually working independently of other Technologists.


8. Physical demands would include lifting and transporting 40-45lbs of monitoring equipment to each facility utilizing proper lifting techniques.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

1. Receives general direction for case assignments and workweek scheduling from the Director of Operations and OperationsManager.


2. If appropriate, provides mentoring and tutorial guidance to IOM Technologist Trainees.


3. Does not supervise other IOM Technologists.

LICENSURE, REGISTRATION, OR PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION:

1. Preferred Certification by ABRET i.e. CNIM, REEGT, or REPT or will train to become board eligible.


2. Must hold a valid driver’s license.


3. Minimum of Bachelor’s degree or higher (i.e. Masters, Ph.D., MD).


4. Must have current AHA CPR certification.