Biomedical Technologist - Main Healthcare Tech Mgmt - Full Time - Days

The BMET II position is responsible for maintaining and repairing general and more advanced biomedical equipment throughout TCH Enterprise. Is expected to work independently and perform complex troubleshooting and repairs on designated equipment to the most basic level possible and with minimum call-in of the device manufacturer. This may include providing system configurations, programming, interfacing to EPIC or other IT systems and installations. This position is expected to provide guidance and training to other BMETs or clinical users as needed. Acts as a team leader in small groups with BMET I or with others that have less technical knowledge, experience, or training. This position will have primary roles in life-support or priority one systems or high cost systems in the general biomed area. May also backup Specialist I or II positions during vacations, sick time, or training.

The BMET II position coordinates activities that improve the overall proficiency level in various departments throughout the organization such as, but not limited to, defining training objectives and providing specialized training for clinical staff. In this role, the BMET II is expected to have knowledge on most of the general biomedical and some of the specialized systems, and be able to diagnosis new technologies or systems when necessary.

The BMET II position serves as the primary point of contact and acts as a liaison between the TCH Enterprise and the manufacturer; shall assist with quality problems, as well as the resolution and escalation of technical or clinical issues; and ensures preventive maintenance/repairs are performed in accordance with the manufacturer guidelines and requirement for accreditation. The BMET II will work at a more critical technical level with manufacturer, vendor, and clinical users, and act as an oversight or lead for the BMET I or Co-Op positions, as they learn new systems.

The BMET II position is knowledgeable of medical terminology and clinical workflow combined with proactive customer service that will contribute to the improvement of TCH’s clinical outcomes. Extensive knowledge of network, TCP/IP, HIPAA, HL-7, or the ability to learn how to interface or program devices to the EMR is required, and expected to train BMET I or Co-ops when needed.

Responsibilities

Assists in equipment operational issues and documents operator error problems. Provides additional clinical training to minimize unnecessary equipment downtime.

Performs diagnosis, installation/upgrade, and service/repair on assigned systems. Understands various diagnostic techniques, including but not limited to root cause analysis to solve technical or clinical issues.

Acts as a coordinator and conduit of information between vendors, other technical providers (e.g. IT and facilities), supervisors, other clinical engineering teams, and Director of Clinical Engineering. Maintains communications with customers (RNs, various clinical specialties, and clinical managers), IT team and departmental management to ensure resolution and proper follow-up. Keeps clinical engineering management or other clinical engineering teams informed of issues and requirements.

Is able to implement and document devices used to test medical devices or medical device setups or software prior to use on procedures. Has the ability to understand design theory, including electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, biomedical, and software.

Creates and provides training classes for various biomedical systems or setups for other biomedical staff and clinical staff.

Utilizes root cause analysis techniques for effective problem solving while overseeing escalation of technical or clinical issues. Maintains communications with customers to ensure resolution and proper follow-up.

Performs initial equipment inspection and setup on new devices and systems prior to use in procedures. Ensures setup meets all safety, manufacturer, and clinical engineering standards for medical equipment policies and procedures.

Performs or ensures preventative maintenance, QA, and functional inspections are performed in accordance with the manufacturer guidelines and requirements and documents in accordance with clinical engineering medical equipment management program to meet Joint Commission, CMS, or other regulatory or accreditation agencies.

Provides project management, attends meetings regarding new procedures or techniques, and is able to meet milestones or deadlines. Conducts training classes or events for other techs and clinical users as needed.

Documents all work in Clinical Engineering medical systems management system in accordance with CE policies.

On-call responsibility systems maintained by this position or other critical areas as deemed necessary by the manager, director, and administration.

Other job duties as needed.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Please describe any specialized knowledge or skills, which are REQUIRED to perform the position duties. Do not personalize the job description, credentials, or knowledge and skills based on the current associate. List any special education required for this position.

EDUCATION:

Minimum: Associate Degree in Biomedical Engineering Technology; Preferred: Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering or Biomedical Engineering. Typical course topics may include:

• Electronics – Analog, Digital and Microprocessor

• Pneumatics/Pressure Systems

• Biomedical Engineering Technology (Man-Machine Interface)

• Anatomy and Physiology

• Chemistry / Organic Chemistry / Light/Optics Physics

• NFPA 99 codes and NEC 70 – JCAHO Requirements, Gas Safety, and Electrical Safety

• Anesthesia System Training (by vendor and model)

• TCP/IP and Networking (wired and wireless)

• HL-7 and other interfaces providing communicating to EMR systems

• Other operating room devices or systems as needed.

• Windows Operating Systems, MS Office and other PC applications as required.

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: Minimum 2 years experience as a BMET I (or equivalent position) with AAMI BMET certification, or 6 years experience as a BMET I (or equivalent position) without the certification. Certification is highly recommended. Documented training in two or more advanced medical systems (specific OEM training: e.g. ICU monitoring, telemetry, EKG, fetal monitoring, etc.) with proven ability and history in successfully assuming new responsibilities. Also dependent on capabilities and skill sets.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE: This position requires the ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair complex hardware and software biomedical, mechanical, computer, hydraulic and network systems to the most basic level, and is expected to be the “expert” on a variety of designated advanced systems, as well as general systems. Strong training skills with the ability to apply clinical workflow knowledge to enhance adoption and usage of system to improve patient safety and clinical outcomes is required. Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with the clinical end-users in a variety of clinical settings. The BMET II is expected to work independently and at a very high level of performance on the majority of advanced or general biomed systems in the hospital. Should be a team player and be able to build relationships intra department as well as inter department. Able to work with BMET I, Co-ops and Specialists, as well as the clinical users. BMET II must have advanced knowledge of test equipment,, software tools, and network systems. Advanced troubleshooting or diagnostic skills is also required. Based on experience, advanced training in two or more biomedical areas, and successful history of supporting systems are all required.

Requires knowledge of anatomy, physiology, electronics, computer design/operation, hydraulics, electro-mechanical, JCAHO and other regulations or requirements, software skills and biomedical systems knowledge.

Knowledge of JCAHO, OSHA, HIPAA, and SMDA policies and regulations; and experience in incident investigation and quality assurance inspections is preferred.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:

Certification as a Biomedical Equipment Technologists, or minimum of 6 years experience as a BMET I (or equivalent position) with a track record of successfully taking on or managing new systems. Also, A+ or other computer and network certifications/training is desirable.