EMG; Electromyography Technician - Neurology Clinic

Responsibilities

• Performs motor and sensory nerve conduction studies and somatosensory evoked potentials
• Identifies and eliminates/reduces artifact by positioning the patient to ensure adequate accessibility and patient comfort and by creating an environment optimal for patient relaxation
• Prepares the patient and equipment for the needle examination, disinfects recording electrodes and stimulator probe according to facility policy and procedures
• Verifies correct nerve stimulation by observing appropriate muscle contraction
• Documents for physician review: waveform latencies in milliseconds, waveform amplitudes in microvolts or millivolts (as applicable), conduction velocities in meters/second, limb temperature, and any unusual waveform characteristics
• Performs routine NCS/EMG procedures according to facility policy and procedures
• Successfully completes all pertinent electrodiagnostic competencies

• Responsible for maintaining a productive schedule, with an average of 6.5 out of 8 hours per day scheduled for direct clinical care
• Performs other duties such as billing for all services rendered on the day delivered, distributing mail, maintaining a clean work environment, ordering supplies, filing, and serving on departmental committees
• Participates in continuous improvement of the quality of services delivered through the department by measuring critical functions and participating in teams to improve work processes
• Promotes patient safety by reporting issues through established channels and participating in safety initiatives
• Follows appropriate safety and infection control measures pertaining to patient care
• Participates in departmental meetings, in-services and continuing education programs
• Complies with organization and departmental patient satisfaction initiatives and serves as a role model for meeting the needs and expectations of patients and families
• Ensures the laboratory and testing site adheres to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards

• Ensures that the examination room is properly prepared for the patient
• Prepares a data sheet that includes patient demographics, procedure details, clinician names, reason for referral, medications, and results or references to other relevant studies
• Explains the procedure to the patient and/or family, addressing any concerns regarding the test
• Prepares the patient by assisting in removal of clothing or braces, or patient transfers to the examination table
• Assists the electromyographer in preparing for the procedure by properly positioning the patient, applying surface electrodes as directed, and labeling and organizing electromyographic printouts
• Maintains rooms with an adequate level of supplies

• Calibrates equipment according to departmental policy to ensure proper working order
• Assists in maintaining equipment in safe working order
• Completes all competency assessments related to equipment use and calibration
• Notifies physicians or supervisor promptly of suspected problems with equipment
• Maintains floor stock medications, if applicable

• Records basic patient information in the medical record
• Records accurate results/data from electrodiagnostic procedures
• Completes all written documentation according to departmental policy
• Notifies physicians or supervisor promptly of suspected problems with equipment
• Ensures standard precautions are followed, and that filter, sensitivity, and time base are accurate according to facility policy and procedures

• High School education or equivalent with emphasis on physical or biological sciences
• Minimum 1-2 years EMG technician experience required, with formal training under the direction of a physician (usually 6 months)
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  
  Required:
  
  Good interpersonal skills and communication
• Basic computer knowledge required
• BCLS Certified in CPR

• Lifts 50 to 100 pounds occasionally and/or 25 to 50 pounds frequently and/or 10 to 20 pounds constantly; ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance
• For patient lifts over 35 pounds or when the patient cannot assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is used with at least one other associate, when available
• Unique patient lifting/movement situations are assessed on a case-by-case basis