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.

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVED
Refer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

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 individual development plan (IDP) on an on-going basis, including the development of advanced skills

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

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

WORK EXPERIENCE

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

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) AND
• Must complete Houston Methodist Neurodiagnostic Training Program within 1 year AND
• Must pass Houston Methodist Neurodiagnostic Competency Checklist within 1 year AND
• CNCT - Certified Nerve Conduction Technologist (ABEM) within 5 years OR
• RNCST - Registed Nerve Conduction Technologist (AAET) within 5 years

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going 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

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

Since its founding in 1919, Houston Methodist Hospital has earned worldwide recognition. Houston Methodist Hospital is affiliated with the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, one of the nation's leading centers for medical education and research.  In 2020, U.S. News & World Report named Houston Methodist Hospital to its top ranked Honor Roll for the fourth time and second consecutive year. 2020 also marked the ninth year in a row Houston Methodist Hospital has been named the No. 1 hospital in Texas. Houston Methodist Hospital directs millions of research dollars into patient care and offers the latest innovations in medical, surgical and diagnostic techniques. With 952 operating beds, 85 operating rooms and over 8,000 employees, Houston Methodist offers complete care for patients from around the world.

 

The same high-quality care for which Houston Methodist is known is available at several Emergency Care Centers in Houston and the surrounding areas.  These Emergency Care Centers house exam rooms, full digital radiography suite, low radiation dose 16-slice CT scan, ultrasound and a full on-site stat chemistry lab.