Electromyography (EMG) Technologist

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Under general supervision of a physician, and following established policies and procedures, provides assistance to patients in the EMG Lab and performs nerve conduction studies and other neurophysiologic studies as requested by physicians. The Electromyography Technologist provides technical and ancillary support to the department through demonstrated clinical competency.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: * Performs a full range of nerve conduction studies (NCS). Documents tests in an accurate, complete and timely manner.

• Updates patient demographics in electronic medical chart; obtains accurate patient history and assesses the age-specific needs of each patient. Prepares patient for exams as required and ensures patient safety, comfort and modesty at all times. Outlines the nature of the procedures and tests with the patient; answers any concerns or refers the patient to a nurse or physician if necessary.
• Determines the electrodiagnostic studies to perform based on the requisition. Ensures that exams requested match patient condition and/or history and communicates with nurses and physicians regarding any questions or specific clinical aspects of the tests.
• Sets up equipment as necessary and performs techniques. Understands the interface between NCS equipment and other electrophysiological devices and procedures. Works through physician’s requirements to provide appropriate testing and provides additional variations of techniques as requested. Removes, discards or cleans Nerve Conduction electrodes in accordance with universal precautions.
• Prepares a summary report of the electrophysiological data and compiles representative original recordings.
• Monitors patient’s conditions and if it is determined assistance may be required, the employee takes action to facilitate the best course of care to include nurse involvement, further monitoring and/or other patient-focused solutions. Ensures that inpatients are ready to be transported back to the unit promptly and safely when tests are completed.
• Maintains a high standard of cleanliness in the testing rooms. Prepares testing rooms with clean linen and all necessary equipment and supplies. Ensures the proper care and sterilization of reusable electrodes, testing rooms and associated areas.
• Ensures sufficient and appropriate inventory of EMG-related supplies. Orders electrodes and other EMG laboratory supplies. Conducts quality control testing of equipment as necessary. Ensures the proper maintenance and function of the equipment through interaction with both internal and service vendors to maximize equipment up-time, patient care, and in order minimize dollar impact to the hospital.
• Assists with the scheduling of EMG procedures or follow-ups. Provides patients with any documentation as required relating to their EMG/Nerve conduction study (NCS) testing. Performs related clerical duties as needed, such as filing, faxing, mailing, etc.
• Participates in continuing education programs and workshops; reviews and keeps abreast of field standards via subject-related publications and articles. May research articles for lecture presentations for the physicians. Attends neuromuscular rounds and resident rounds as requested.

ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS: * Creates a positive, professional, service-oriented work environment for staff, patients and family members by supporting the mission and values of both IHA and Trinity Health.

• Must be able to work effectively as a member of the patient care team.
• Successfully completes IHA’s “The Customer” training and adheres to IHA’s standard of promptly providing a high level of service and respect to internal or external customers.
• Maintains knowledge of and complies with IHA standards, policies and procedures.
• Maintains complete knowledge of office services and in the use of all relevant office equipment, computer and manual systems.
• Maintains strict patient and employee confidentiality in compliance with IHA and HIPAA guidelines.
• Serves as a role model by demonstrating exceptional ability and willingness to take on new and additional responsibilities. Embraces new ideas and respects cultural differences.
• Uses resources efficiently.
• If applicable, responsible for ongoing professional development — maintains appropriate licensure/certification and continuing education credentials, participates in available learning opportunities.

MEASURED BY:Performance that meets or exceeds IHA CARES Values expectation as outlined in IHA Performance Review document, relative to position.ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION: High School diploma or GED. Graduate of a Neurodiagnostic Technology program or have at least one year on-the-job training in a similar role.CREDENTIALS/LICENSURE: CPR required. Board Eligible or Board Certified by the American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine (CNCT) or the American Association of Electrodiagnostic Technologists Board (R.NCS.T) required.MINIMUM EXPERIENCE: Minimum one year work experience in customer service.POSITION REQUIREMENTS (ABILITIES & SKILLS): * Sufficient knowledge of mathematics.

• Sufficient knowledge of medical terminology to perform responsibilities.
• Proficient in operating a standard desktop and Windows-based computer system, including but not limited to, Electronic Medical Records, Microsoft Word and Excel, intranet and computer navigation. Ability to use other software as required while performing the essential functions of the job.
• Must be organized and detail-oriented.
• Excellent communication skills in both written and verbal forms, including proper phone etiquette.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment; displays courteous and friendly demeanor.
• Ability to work effectively with various levels of organizational members and diverse populations including IHA staff, providers, patients, family members, insurance carriers, and vendors.
• Must be enthusiastic about specialty patient care.
• Ability to cross-train in other areas of practice in order to achieve smooth flow of all operations.
• Good organizational, time management and project management skills to effectively juggle multiple priorities and time constraints.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking ability along with superior problem solving ability. Ability to exercise sound judgement.
• Ability to handle patient and organizational information in a confidential manner.
• Ability to travel to Trinity Health-Oakland Hospital in Pontiac.
• Successful completion of IHA competency-based program within introductory and training period.

MINIMUM PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS: * Physical activity that often requires keyboarding, filing and phone work.

• Physical activity that often requires extensive time working on a computer.
• Physical activity that sometimes requires walking, standing, bending, stooping, reaching, and/or twisting.
• Physical activity that sometimes requires lifting, pushing and/or pulling under 30 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, depth perception, peripheral vision and the ability to adjust and focus.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, photocopier, telephone, calculator and other office equipment.
• Must hear and speak well enough to conduct business over the telephone or face to face for long periods of time in English.

MINIMUM ENVIRONMENTAL EXPECTATIONS: This job operates in a medical facility and requires regular walking to various locations around the hospital/clinic. Employees will be working where there is patient care equipment. Hazardous materials, including bloodborne pathogens and bodily fluids are also present. Exposure to sharps, x-rays, patients’ conditions and some unpleasant sights, smells and contagious diseases are possible. This position requires significant interaction with people (many of whom are scared, hurt and/or ill) which can be stressful and result in competing priorities.

IHA Health Services Corp