EEG Apprentice

At Houston Methodist, the Neurodiagnostic Technologist Apprentice position is primarily a trainee position responsible for obtaining neurodiagnostic study recordings by means of appropriate techniques under the direct supervision and instruction by a credentialed technologist or physician. This position also assists with preparation and cleaning of testing rooms. Continuously expanding one's knowledge and understanding of the procedure being performed is required with the end goal of obtaining the corresponding national registry credential. The Neurodiagnostic Technologist Apprentice position delivers exceptional patient care per guidelines established by the department to ensure optimal patient safety and customer service.

FLSA STATUS
Non-exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

EXPERIENCE

• 6 months in a clinic/hospital setting or relatable service preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Competence in the use of computers and neurodiagnostic equipment
• Maintains clear communication with customers regarding mutual expectations during testing
• Takes personal responsibility and accountability for correcting customer service problems
• Must complete Houston Methodist Neurodiagnostic Training Program within one year of hire/transfer
• Must pass Houston Methodist Neurodiagnostic Competency Checklist within one year of hire/transfer
• EMG Certification within 18 months of hire with one of the following (not applicable for EEG): Certified Nerve Conduction Study Technologist (CNCT) by the American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine (ABEM) OR Registered Nerve Conduction Study Technologist (R.NCS.T.) by the American Association of Electrodiagnostic Technologists (AAET)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Obtains the patient’s cooperation for the best performance of these procedures. Plans and organizes materials and supplies in the appropriate work areas prior to patient arrival.
• Functions as a team member, responding willingly and positively to colleagues’ needs for assistance and partnership. Promotes a positive work environment with the interprofessional care team.
• Contributes towards improvement of department scores for turnover/retention/employee satisfaction, i.e., peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Prepares and cleans testing rooms. Provides assistance, lifting and moving patients as needed.
• Prepares patients by applying a variety of electrodes as required for testing. Obtains standard recordings as directed by the electromyographer.
• Role models behaviors and skills, through peer-to-peer accountability, towards improving department score for patient satisfaction.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Under the direct supervision of a credentialed technologist or attending physician:
• Recognizes artifacts and takes appropriate action to eliminate them. Recognizes and eliminates causes of electrical interference. Describes all abnormal clinical manifestations observed during tests.
• Makes appropriate calibration procedures of the neurodiagnostic apparatus for standard recordings; inspects and assures proper maintenance of neurodiagnostic supplies and related equipment.
• Identifies opportunities for process improvement providing recommendations impacting department quality and safety targets, through peer-to-peer accountability, reporting near misses, and collaborating with the interprofessional team.
• Assists in gathering data for quality improvement projects. Contributes to meeting department targets for quality and safety.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, minimizing incidental overtime. Meets labor productivity standards by effectively managing established daily responsibilities and assignments. Role models effective time management collaboration to meet the overall demands of the department.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in various research activities (if applicable). Offers innovative solutions through participation in performance improvement projects and department activities.
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. Completes and updates the My Development Plan (MDP) on an ongoing basis, including the development of advanced skills.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: No
• Other (department approved): Yes

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No