You-Tube Videos to Promote Career Opportunities in Neurodiagnostics

I have heard many formal discussions and informal conversations about the problem we face in recruiting new technologists, finding potential students to choose this career, and enter our formal training programs. Every week, an H.R. person calls me and says “People in your specialty are impossible to find!  I cannot fill open positions!”   We have all experienced a situation where someone casually asks us “What do you do for a living?”  So, you launch into an explanation of your job title, and what you do every day.  You observe a puzzled look on your listener’s face.  Most people have never even HEARD of our work! 

We all agree that we need publicity!  If we had major funding, we could get a real T.V. ad out there about our profession, but since we don’t have finances to cover that level of expense,  we have put together what we can, for free!

Did you know that there is a free, downloadable Public Service Video about a career in neurodiagnostics right on the ASET website??  This is available to anyone, and is a great resource for anyone who is putting together materials for a career fair.  To access this file, please go to www.aset.org and click on the “On-line Education” button.  On the first page that comes up, you will see a list of free downloads.  There are four options for viewing or downloading the Career Video.  Please look for “ASET PSA” and choose the file you wish to download.

And now, even more exciting, there are a series of You-Tube videos to provide information about various career options in our field!  Dr. Kit, a college professor, has been organizing and collecting a series of short video presentations about all kinds of careers, which he posts on You Tube.  He offered us the opportunity to create informational videos to send to him.  Sara Batson, CNIM R. EEG/EP T. RPSGT; Chief Technologist of the Neurodiagnostics Lab at the Illinois Neurological Institute in Peoria, IL, graciously offered to use her facility, equipment and staff to record these videos.  She has videos on EPs and IONM under production, but some are ready now!  They are posted on You Tube and you can check them out at http://www.drkit.org/health-care-careers/   Please share this link with your friends, and tell everyone you know that Neurodiagnostics is now on You Tube! Way to go, Sara, Thank You!

Brain Games – Educational Series on the National Geographic Channel

On October 9^th, the National Geographic Channel broadcast a series of three documentaries about brain function, and the ways in which the brain can be fooled by its own sensory perception.  The information was fascinating, and the demonstrations and examples were really great!  There were many “tests” that viewers could take, while watching the show, that will prove exactly how the brain does not always process information correctly.  How could I miss a giant rabbit in the back of a crowd?? But I did!  In addition, they included some great graphics of Neuroanatomy, to explain various cognitive functions.  I would highly recommend this series just for general interest, but especially to Program Directors, who are looking for fascinating assignments for their students, to keep their interest!  The series is available for viewing via the National Geographic Channel website, and probably on-demand, depending upon your cable provider.  At the website, you can also find some interactive programs, to test memory, and show where various functions are controlled within the brain.  The three episodes covered visual and auditory processing; focus and attention; and memory.  Great stuff!  http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/brain-games/  The picture below is on the National Geographic website, an example of  artistic visual representation of the brain.

ABRET and ASET: Exams and Education: Who does what?

I get many calls and e-mail messages from technologists who ask me for information about taking the ABRET exams, and the re-certification process for the R. EEG T., R. EP T., CLTM and CNIM credentials.  I know that there is some confusion out there regarding who does what, and a common misconception that ASET administers the exam, or sets the policies regarding these credentials.  So, this week, I am going to try to provide some clarification.

ASET does not administer the exam, although I try to keep up with current information regarding the exam process, and I try to provide basic information to those who contact me with questions.   If you wish to read about the exam content, eligibility criteria, exam dates, locations, deadlines and fees, please visit the ABRET website at www.abret.org.  ASET does not have the authority to determine which educational content will be accepted for re-certification of the ABRET credentials.  If you have concerns that some of the continuing education you have attended may not be acceptable for re-certification, please contact ABRET directly for clarification.

It is also important to note that ASET does not automatically send your ACE credit transcript to ABRET.  So, as your recertification date approaches, you must go to the ABRET website, and select the appropriate recertification form, fill it out, and send it in by Dec. 31, of the year in which your registry expires.

So, what does ASET do for you?  ASET provides educational resources to help you prepare for various credentials and to accrue the hours of continuing education you need to re-certify.  We have a full on-line EEG curriculum, which is designed to serve as continuing education for entry level technologists who may be preparing to take the EEG registry exam.  The last course in this curriculum, EEG112, is a Board Prep Resource course that includes a large data base of practice exam questions. To visit our on-line learning portal, click here.

Every year, we also host two classroom seminars on EEG topics.  These two-day courses have workshops to help you build confidence by learning technical skills in a small group setting, with opportunities to ask questions and customize your education.

For those renewing a credential, you may take the Journal quizzes on-line, sign up for ASET webinars, and attend our Annual Conference or Seminar courses.

Please contact me at faye@aset.org if you would like more information about ASET and our educational resources.

I couldn’t be happier with the 2011 ASET Annual Conference!

I just finished tallying all the participant evaluation scores for the 2011 conference in Atlanta.  I am just thrilled with all the glowing comments and positive scores that all the speakers on our program received.  While at the conference, many attendees took a moment to come up to me with a compliment, and this is what makes my job so rewarding!  There was so much positive energy around this event, and everyone seemed eager to be involved and enjoy the program.

In the general session, the Keynote Address, given by a DARPA researcher, gave us an amazing overview of futuristic military projects that use advanced EEG applications.  We had over 100 people in attendance at some course sessions, especially IONM, LTM and EEG lectures.  The outstanding favorite was the lecture on EEG patterns seen in the ICU, given by Dr. Suzette LaRoche, from Emory in Atlanta.  She drew 135 people to hear her presentation and got a 5.0 score from her audience!  Our first ever Synapse Bowl was a big success!  Three teams competed:  the "Dixie Dendrites" from the Southern Society, the "Education-ators" from our training programs and the "Rock the BOT" team, from the ASET Board of Trustees.  There was a great deal of laughter and fun, as “Judge Judy” ruled on the answers.  Our M.Cs, Scott Blodgett and Pat Trudeau, kept up a lively banter.  Based on the overwhelming positive response, we will bring the Synapse Bowl to our 2012 Annual Conference in Saint Paul, MN for sure!

The Exhibit Hall reception was populated by aliens from various planets in the universe.  The picture to the right shows Lucy, as E.T. with me, as a “Gastronaut” with attendee Liliana Petrova.

As soon as I returned from Atlanta, it was on to finalizing details for the ASET Fall Seminars in Seattle, scheduled for Sept. 24 & 25.  We are offering an intermediate EEG course and an intermediate to advanced LTM course.  ASET is trying to expand our audience with these courses.  The EEG course is approved by the BRPT for continuing education toward recertification of the RPSGT credential.  The LTM course has nursing breakout sessions and we have applied for nursing CEUs as well.  This makes sense to me, as I hear from nurses who need an in-depth course in LTM when they work closely with us to care for epilepsy patients.  You can still register to attend!  Please click here for additional attendee information and to register.

On another note, ASET has recently submitted an application to have some of our on-line EEG courses approved for continuing education for EEG Biofeedback providers.  We’ll keep you posted when we do get approval.

To all of you who attended the conference in Atlanta:  Thank You SO Much!  I really appreciate your input and suggestions!  I am working on our next annual conference already, so please be thinking of an abstract you might like to present, and if you would like to serve as faculty, please contact me!

See you in Atlanta at the 2011 ASET Annual Conference!

I am all packed and ready to go!  On Monday, July 25^th, I have a 7:00 a.m. flight from Portland, Maine to Atlanta, where I will be managing our 2011 annual conference for the next week.  So, my office will be closed and I will have limited opportunities to check my e-mail!  I will be back in my office on August 3^rd, and I know I will be tired but exhilarated and motivated by the experience of seeing all the wonderful people at the ASET meeting, and hearing all those inspirational talks!  I am particularly looking forward to hearing our Keynote speaker from DARPA and our Ellen Grass Lecturer, from the Center for Disease Control!  All fascinating stuff!

We begin the week with two and a half days of Board meetings, followed by four days of conference events.  We have two social events planned for evenings this year, so will have lots of opportunities to visit with folks that we only get to see once a year!  Our “E.T. Phone Home” Exhibit Hall reception promises to be lots of fun, with Sci Fi costumes!  I will add pictures to my next post.  I have my costume packed, but can’t release my “secret identity” yet!

I hope to see you all there!  Take care and safe travels to all, and MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!

Why you should come to Atlanta for the ASET 2011 Annual Conference!

Five reasons to come to Atlanta for the ASET Annual Conference:

1)     To be inspired by our Keynote address on the futuristic inventions the military is developing using EEG and enhancing brain function.

2)    To hear our Ellen Grass Lecturer, from the CDC, discuss neurological diseases that are emerging globally.

3)    To hear our Kathy Mears Lecturer, Elizabeth Mullikin, explain how the upcoming health care reform will affect YOU!

4)    To hear about the wonderful work of the canine assistant, the seizure response dog.

5)    To listen to a variety of short abstracts about many new discoveries and practices in neurodiagnostics, and view posters filled with information that will intrigue you. 

Six great lectures from our course program:

1)    Safety Standards in the EMU – we are fortunate to have Jan Buelow, Ph.D., R.N. on the program, as she is nationally recognized for her work with epilepsy.  Patient safety and quality of care are our highest priorities, and this talk will ensure that your patients will be safer while on your monitoring unit!

2)    Interactive Workshop, Trouble-shooting in the O.R.  -  Kimberly Ellis and Brett Netherton will keep you on your toes with this dynamic workshop.  You will learn a lot and love every minute of it!

3)    The Vestibular System and VNG testing – Emily Murphy works in the most advanced vestibular lab in the world!  See how high tech this testing has become!

4)    Infection control for Neurodiagnostic Technologists – With the epidemic of hospital-based infections, it is important to stay current on infection control recommendations! Robyn Selawski has the latest information to share with you!

5)    First contact with Leadership Skills – Dorothy Gaiter and T.J. Amdurs will tell you why you need to build your leadership skills now, to ensure that you will be essential to your department as health care form changes our work environment.

6)    Panel Discussion – IONM Oversight and Supervision Issues – This lively discussion may not provide all the answers but you can bet it pose all the questions!  What are our roles??  Who should provide supervision, and from how far away?? What should we do when we encounter a problem during an O.R. case??  How can we best keep our patients from injury?

View the entire meeting schedule!

Get your CEUs in the most informative and interesting way possible!  Register now!

Reserve your hotel room and the Hilton Atlanta!  Our room block expires on July 1 and rooms are going fast!

Last Day to Register for the ASET Annual Conference at the Early Bird Rate!

Please note!  Wednesday, June 1 is the last day that you can register for the ASET annual conference at the early bird registration rate!   Please go to the ASET website and register today to get the best possible price on the meeting registration fee! 

Message from the Mother Ship to ALL Aliens:  You have a new mission quest in the learning portal!  Clue: Check the articles on TCD in the Journal Archives

We have put together a really stellar program for the 2011 ASET annual conference in Atlanta!  You can view the entire schedule of events at our website.  We will be applying to AAST for CECs for the PSG course that we are holding on Saturday, July 30^th, so sleep technologists seeking recertification, please take note!  Our General Session includes exciting presentations!  We have a Symposium on “out-of-the-box” opportunities for technologists, and our Keynote Speaker is a member of an exclusive research team of the military, who invent devices for soldiers to use that are very “Sci_Fi”!

In Atlanta we also have our first ever “Synapse Bowl” on July 30th, and this will be a fun-filled way to learn!  This is a quiz bowl, with a Jeopardy game format.  We need teams of four to compete!  There will be very worthwhile prizes for the winning team!  We have a sign-up sheet for anyone who wishes to compete, on our website.

It is with great sadness that I must share with you, the passing of a great member of ASET, Gary March.  He was a wonderful colleague, a talented teacher, and brought humor to ASET meetings, always willing to do a skit!  Gary worked at Albany Medical Center for many years, and started his own END business.  He was only 56,  and was ill for a very short time. His loss is tragic, and I will miss him as a personal friend, and an ASET supporter!