An apparatus for monitoring neurological and/or neurophysiological signals of a patient has a signal conductor, an electrode, and a safety cover. The signal conductor has a first end portion and a second end portion. The electrode has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is a skin piercing portion of the electrode and the second end portion is electrically connected to the first end portion of the signal conductor. The safety cover has an electrode shrouding space therein. The electrode shrouding space is configured in a manner allowing the first end portion of the electrode to be positioned within the electrode shrouding space as a result of the safety cover being moved along a length of the signal conductor toward the first end portion of the electrode.