Here you can find important information about the Level III IONM Specialist Role Description.

 

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The primary responsibility of an Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) Specialist Level III is to collect and analyze, or to oversee the collection and analysis of multiple types of recordings and measurements of the electrical activity of the central and/or peripheral nervous system. This information allows intraoperative interventions that may reverse or minimize neurological morbidity, such as complete paralysis or loss of normal motor function. The IONM Specialist provides monitoring data effective in localizing anatomical structures and nervous system tissues, including sensorimotor cortex, mapping techniques, peripheral nerves and non-tumor tissue. The IONM Specialist is a valuable member of the IONM team along with the surgeon, anesthesiologist/anesthetist and IONM interpreting physician/neurophysiologist. The IONM Specialist’s responsibilities extend to review and appropriate application of current developments in neurophysiological monitoring techniques and standards of practice.

The IONM specialist is a practitioner with a minimum of a certification in neurophysiological intraoperative monitoring (CNIM) by the American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic & Evoked Potential Technologists (ABRET), with at least 5 years experience specifically in intraoperative neuromonitoring, and proof of competency in all performed modalities in IONM and other specialized procedures as appropriate to hospital practice.  Examples of these procedures include but are not limited to monitoring of the placement of deep brain stimulating electrodes, brain function mapping, intracranial grid implantation, trans-cranial Doppler, trans-cranial motor evoked potentials, somatosensory evoked potentials, spontaneous and evoked electromyography, electroencephalography, and direct stimulation of neural structures (brain, spinal cord, cranial and peripheral nerves) to determine identity and functionality intraoperatively. 

 

     • CNIM certification    

     • Minimum of 5 years varied experience in all modalities of monitoring practiced

     • Electroencephalography (R.EEG T.)

     • Evoked potentials (R.EP T.)

     • Nerve conductions (R. NCS T.)

     • Bachelor’s degree or higher

Experience in training and guiding (mentoring) other levels of IONM Specialists in intraoperative neuromonitoring is also desirable.

1.     Application of extensive knowledge in neuroanesthesia and its effect on neuromonitoring

2.     Application of extensive knowledge in anatomy and neurophysiology relative to the monitoring being performed.

3.     Knowledge and application of current practices in neuromonitoring, maintained through extensive reading of published literature and practice standards.

4.     Performance of all duties and responsibilities required for multi-modality monitoring

5.     Maintenance of continuing education requirements by ABRET to retain the CNIM credential.

6.     Knowledge and practice of electrical safety relevant to equipment and type of monitoring performed. 

7.     Establishment of practice policies and protocols consistent with current standards of care established by professional healthcare organizations, and appropriate regulatory bodies and government.

8.     Assessment of intraoperative procedure relative to orders for monitoring, taking action to address deviation from established practice protocols. 

9.     Performance of duties according to established lab protocols for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative procedures

10.   Responsibilities may include but are not limited to managerial duties associated with the performance of intraoperative neuromonitoring.

 

1.     Demonstrates knowledge of current standards of care established by professional allied health organizations and appropriate regulatory bodies and government.

2.     Reviews current literature, as appropriate for modalities of monitoring performed, and integrates relevant findings into current practices.

3.     Establishes and maintains quality control methods for all monitoring performed.