Part two of a series introducing you to the providers and patients who are part of our acute care pediatrics family as we prepare for our latest expansion
As we prepare to add 24 acute care beds to the Children’s Tower, our epilepsy monitoring unit is getting ready for a big move. The six-bed EMU will move to the soon-to-be-open 11th floor, complete with the expert care our patients expect and a specially designated playroom.
Inside the epilepsy monitoring unit
Among many team members and providers anticipating the new unit is Justin Gallahan. While his title may be a mouthful (he’s an electroneurodiagnostic technician), his goal is simple: to make patients as comfortable as possible as our providers work to figure out what’s causing their seizures. He performs EEG studies, or electroencephalogram studies, which are tests that record the electrical activity of the brain, using small metal discs attached to the scalp. While it’s completely safe and pain-free, all those wires can look scary. So, how does Justin put their minds and nerves at ease?
“Patient comfort is one of my biggest priorities,” Justin explained. “I always make sure to explain each step to kids right before doing that step in a way they would understand. Some patients like to touch or play with my supplies and making them feel like they are part of the process can really help a lot.”
But that doesn’t work for everybody.
“If they aren’t a fan of my supplies, a favorite toy or blanket from home can make a big difference instead,” Justin said, especially when kids can be admitted to the unit for anywhere from one to seven days.
He also knows comforting kiddos is only half of it, because parents are nervous too.
“Just like I do with my patients, I explain everything I do to parents first,” Justin explained. “I often get questions about what I’m doing and what the lines on the computer screen mean. I love getting the chance to teach families and my patients about EEG and neurophysiology.”
Justin’s road to the EMU
“I began my journey in healthcare working as a transporter, then later became a CT tech assistant. That’s where I learned about the human body and the brain and also learned the importance of having a good bedside manner,” Justin explained. “While working in CT, I learned about EEG and found an opportunity to work as an EEG tech here at VCU. It was here that my passion for neurodiagnostics began along with my drive to serve those with epilepsy. I could talk about the science and principles behind EEG and the brain all day!”
But patients and patience are what he cares about most.
“I really enjoy working with children and they deserve an EEG tech who has patience,” he said. “That’s something I know I can provide.”
Learn about the nurse manager hired to oversee our new acute care pediatrics unit and how she knew patient care was her calling.