General Summary

Under direct supervision, performs routine neurological tests to include EEGs (Electroencephalograms).

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

Performs electroencephalograph am tests (EEG) on patients in order to record patient brain waves and nervous system responses.

• Attaches electrodes to precise locations on the patient's scalp and body in order to precisely record brain activity.
• Explains procedure to patients to help eliminate fears/concerns and interviews patient to obtain required medical information to ensure safety during procedure.
• Makes proper adjustments to EEG equipment including baseline adjustments and changes to the placement of electrodes on the patient in order to obtain the best recording or to record activity in specific areas of the brain as requested by a physician.
• Observes patient responses to external stimuli. Analyzes waveforms during testing by noting patient movements/seizures and responses to external stimuli. Marks recordings with pertinent clinical observations for review by a physician.
• Notifies physician if patient has difficulties during the procedure.

Sets up video-EEG monitoring equipment for epilepsy patients or patients with other neurological disorders. Prepares and operates computerized video monitoring equipment for prolonged period of time to record patient's brain activity through the use of scalp electrodes.

• Reviews continuous video EEG monitoring and annotates EEG recording to indicate patient status (awake, standing, sitting, sleeping, stimulation) and any interictal or ictal abnormalities on intermittent review. Annotation, noting time of day and patient status, will be performed daily prior to physician review and intermittently during a 24 hour monitoring period.
• Cleans, adjusts, and performs routine maintenance and repair on EEG equipment.
• Highly effective verbal communication skills are required to explain procedures to patients, and work with neurologists to explain changes in brain activity during EEG monitoring.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population(s) served. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age needs.

Treating over 330,000 patients every year, the University of Maryland Medical Center is at the vital core of Maryland's health care system and community. We're known for our prestigious expertise in innovative research and education, along with the talented staff and advanced centers that make it all possible. The R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, the world's first center dedicated to trauma, treats more than 7,500 critically injured patients a year with an incredible 97 percent survival rate. We also have one of the nation's largest kidney and pancreas transplant programs at The Joseph and Corinne Schwartz Division of Transplantation, home to Maryland's first steroid-free protocol and pancreas/kidney transplant. From our National Cancer Institute-designated UM Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center to The University of Maryland's Children's Hospital, one of the largest pediatric centers in the state, we are dedicated to saving and transforming lives.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) is required. College courses in anatomy, physiology, and biology are preferred.
• One-year general healthcare experience such as providing patient care in a health care environment performing the duties of a Nursing Assistant or Medical Assistant with experience in Neurologyis preferred.
• One year experience performing EEGs preferred.
• In absence of a one year experience of performing EEGs, a period of apprenticeship with the current EEG technician will be required. This period will not exceed 90 days. A competency evaluation will be performed by the hospital within 90 days. Graduate of an accredited EEG training program preferred.
• BLS Certified.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Basic understanding of neurophysiology and neuroanatomy is required to record and analyze patient brain activity.
• Ability to apply the principles of EEG monitoring to record patient brain activity for the purpose of diagnosing neurological disorders. Ability to acquire the principles of electrical safety as it relates to the safe operation of monitoring equipment.
• Ability to operate, maintain and perform simple repairs on EEG monitoring equipment.
• Highly effective verbal communication skills are required to explain procedures to patients, and work with neurologists to explain changes in brain activity during EEG monitoring.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population(s) served. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age needs.

Patient Safety

Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives.

• Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.
• Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.
• Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same to those in charge.

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