Autonomic Technologist -… at VCU Health · Henrico

Autonomic Technologist - Electroneurodiagnostics - Short Pump - PRN

Location: Henrico, VA

The Autonomic Tech I works under the direction of an Autonomic Medicine Specialist/Autonomic Neurologist and performs a battery of tests to measure the function of the autonomic nervous system. Records physiological data, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and sweat response, while patients are exposed to specific stimuli, such as deep breathing or a tilt-table test.

Essential Job Statements

Prepares the patient for testing both prior to the appointment and at the appointment time.

Prepares and draw up syringes of acetylcholine for sweat testing in sterile environment.

Puts patient at ease by explaining each autonomic test component and assuring they understand what to expect, how to communicate during the test and why the test is being performed.

Places EKG leads and electrodes to acquire a diagnostically accurate EKG.

Places blood pressure and other recording equipment and troubleshoots.

Performs each autonomic test and records observations and test result data in real time into EPIC.

Accurately observes, records, and reports all patient concerns, symptoms, reactions in a timely manner.

Measure the heart rate and blood pressure of the patient who will be exposed to a variety of stimuli that are controlled by the tech such as deep breathing, active standing, sweat gland function testing and passive head-up tilting on a tilt-table, and other stimuli as appropriate

Notifies the appropriate health care provider when an immediate clinical response is necessary based on procedural findings, patient condition, or other relevant concerns that may impact patient safety, care, quality.

Maintains proper patient scheduling in conjunction with the scheduling department.

Answers any patient questions prior to appointment date.

Maintains proper supply levels and orders additional testing supplies as needed.

Learn new tests or new testing methods as the field evolves and apply them to the patients as trained and instructed.

Patient Population: Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide equitable care appropriate to the age of the patients served on their assigned unit. Demonstrates knowledge and related competencies of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age, specific needs and to provide the equitable care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures. Pediatrics (1-12 years), Adolescents (13-17 years), Adults (18-64 years), Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Employment Qualifications

Education Required: High School Diploma or equivalent

Education Preferred: Associate Degree from a Neurodiagnostic Technology program preferred. Associates degree in an allied health field preferred.

Licensing/ Certification

Licensure Required: Basic Life Support (BLS) required

Licensure Preferred: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) preferred. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) preferred

Certification Required: N/A

Certification Preferred: Certified Autonomic Professional (CAP) through ABRET. Hires must reach Autonomic Tech II status within 3 years of hire date.

Minimum Qualifications

Years and Type of Required Experience: 1 year patient care experience (i.e. neurodiagnostic Tech, EMT, Patient Care Tech, Nurse Aide, Medical Assistant, Medic, EKG Tech, etc.).

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: N/A

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: A basic knowledge of ECG monitoring. Experience working with pediatrics. Must have strong communication and technology skills. Spelling, basic knowledge of anatomy (muscles, nerves, patient positioning, vestibular system, visual system).

Average mathematical skills. Basic knowledge of electronics and instrumentation.

Working Conditions: Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur. General office environment. May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse. Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions. May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights. May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids. * May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials. * May have periods of constant interruptions. Prolonged periods of working alone.

Other: Involved in procedures such as sputum induction, administration of aerosolized pentamidine, bronchoscopy, caring for post bronchoscopy patients, endotracheal intubation or suctioning, autopsies, and care of patients with known or suspected of having tuberculosis. Employees with occasional patient contact or who perform diagnostic/therapeutic procedures or patients who are in airborne isolation.

* Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

Physical Requirements

Physical Demands: Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.), Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.), Push/ Pull (50-100 lbs.), Stoop, Kneel, Squat, Bending

Work Position: Sitting, Walking, Standing

Additional Physical Requirements/ Hazards

Physical Requirements: Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination), Maneuver weight of patients, Hear alarms/telephone/tape recorder, Reach above shoulder, Repetitive arm/hand movements, Finger Dexterity, Color Vision, Acuity – far, Acuity – near

Hazards: Depth perception, Use of Latex Gloves, Exposure to Toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents, Exposure to moving mechanical parts, Exposure to dust/fumes, Exposure to potential electrical shock, Exposure to high pitched noises, Gaseous risk exposure

Mental/Sensory – Emotional

Mental/Sensory: Strong Recall, Reasoning, Problem Solving, Hearing, Speak Clearly, Write Legibly, Reading, Logical Thinking

Emotional: Fast pace environment, Steady Pace, Able to Handle Multiple Priorities, Frequent and Intense Customer Interactions, Noisy Environment, Able to Adapt to Frequent Change

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran