Description
Provide real-time neurophysiological monitoring during surgery to protect neural function by setting up, operating, and interpreting multimodal IONM (SSEP, TcMEP, EMG, EEG, BAEP), communicating significant changes, and documenting findings while maintaining OR safety and sterile technique.
- • Review surgical plan, patient history, and anesthesia plan to select appropriate IONM modalities.
- • Measure and mark sites; prep skin; apply scalp electrodes and sterile subdermal needle electrodes.
- • Configure, calibrate, and test stimulators, amplifiers, and recording systems; verify impedances and baselines.
- • Conduct multimodal monitoring including SSEP, TcMEP, spontaneous and triggered EMG, EEG, and BAEP.
- • Program and adjust stimulation and recording parameters to optimize signal quality and patient safety.
- • Continuously monitor waveforms and trends and detect clinically significant changes.
- • Differentiate artifacts and confounders (e.g., electrocautery, movement, anesthesia effects) from true neural change.
- • Communicate alerts and recommended actions to surgeon and anesthesiologist in real time.
- • Document baselines, events, interventions, and outcomes; generate intraoperative logs and post-case reports.
- • Collaborate with supervising neurophysiologist/neurologist and escalate concerns per protocol.
- • Perform pedicle screw stimulation, cranial nerve mapping, and other integrity checks as requested.
- • Troubleshoot equipment, leads, and software; resolve interference and poor signal quality promptly.
- • Maintain sterile technique and OR safety, including secure cable management and sharps handling.
- • Coordinate with anesthesia on factors affecting signals, such as neuromuscular blockade and bite block use.
- • Monitor for positioning-related nerve risk and provide feedback to the surgical team.
- • Assist in training staff and participate in quality assurance, case reviews, and professional development.
Related specializations
Interview options
Interview options
Interviewee gender
Interviewee accent
Interview time
Related Pathways
Healthcare & Human Services
View
Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
Learn more
Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
