VAD Technician (Mechanical Circulatory Support)

At Houston Methodist, the Mechanical Circulatory Support Technician is responsible for assisting with Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) equipment management, which includes operation, distribution and tracking of mechanical circulatory support systems. This position provides expert technical support for mechanical circulatory support systems managed by the Center for Circulatory Support, i.e., HeartMate II and III, VAS, HeartWare VAS, Syncardia TAH and IABP. The Mechanical Circulatory Support Technician position will lend technical expertise in the area of complex VAD equipment and supplies and help resolve problems based on clinical and technical observations. This position would interface with VAD Coordinators, Mechanical Circulatory Support Specialists, Perfusionists, nursing and patients in the use, monitoring, and troubleshooting of the multiple mechanical circulatory support systems that are available at Houston Methodist (HM). This position will assist in transportation of VAD patients to diagnostic testing and procedures and provides support in staying with patients during inpatient and outpatient procedures as a trained MCS healthcare provider and monitor VAD parameters.

Join our surgical patient care team as a VAD Technician (Mechanical Circulatory Support, MCS) supporting advanced heart failure patients. Provide hands-on technical support for ventricular assist devices (VAD, LVAD) and cardiac circulatory support systems including HeartMate II/III, Syncardia TAH, and IABP. Assist with OR/procedural patient transport, monitor device parameters, and troubleshoot complex equipment. Ideal for candidates with experience in surgical tech, anesthesia tech, biomedical equipment (BMET), perfusion support, or cardiac/critical care environments.

FLSA STATUS
Non-exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• • Must have one of the following:
  ◦ Associates degree in Biomedical Technology with four years of experience OR
  ◦ Two years of related Military BMET training/experience in lieu of degree OR
  ◦ Completion of an intra-operative blood salvage training program or anesthesia technologist, with two years of college (60 hours) including courses such as biology, physiology, anatomy, or related scientific fields AND two years of related experience

EXPERIENCE

• One year of related experience

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Basic understanding of cardiovascular physiology and anatomy
• Ability to organize, prioritize and schedule work assignments
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in an interprofessional team
• Demonstrated organizational, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills
• Ability to function as a team member
• Ability to manage a varied and busy work environment
• Must reflect a professional appearance and demeanor
• Must possess excellent customer service skills

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides VAD patient transport services, coordinates with team, units, and diagnostic areas to facilitate coordinated care.
• Collaborates with patient care units, ancillary departments who participate in the care or support of VAD patients/program.
• Participates in daily rounds on all VAD in-patients. Applies knowledge and policies to resolve a variety of issues.
• Fosters a teamwork approach in all interactions with peers and team members to promote individual staff member accountability and responsibility. Contributes towards improvement of department score for employee engagement.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Consults with VAD patients in the Outpatient Clinic and in-patient settings to evaluate, analyze, and ensures VAD equipment is properly working. Communicates any findings or analysis that are of concern to the appropriate experts and clinicians.
• Records patient data and prepares documentation as required by the FDA and/or device manufacturer. Coordinates with VAD vendors regarding all equipment issues.
• Assists with distribution and tracking of equipment, new and hospital owned per protocol.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Communicates with Manager or Coordinator all critical department activities to allow for the proper coordination of research activities and personnel resources.
• Assists in transportation of durable and temporary VAD support patients to diagnostic testing and procedures. Provides support for patients during inpatient and outpatient procedures as a trained MCS healthcare provider and monitor VAD parameters.
• In collaboration with operating room, pathology and VAD Team, tracks and returns removed pumps per policy to vendor for evaluation. Monitors problem analysis reports and disseminates information to appropriate staff.
• Reports equipment problems and completes patient safety report as necessary. Evaluates and assists with education for proper use and training when needed.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Good steward of hospital owned equipment and appropriately manages par levels for new and hospital owned equipment. Maintains tracking of hospital owned equipment.
• Submits charges in timely manner of patient issued equipment.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Coordinates special projects and performs specialized technical tasks to improve patient throughput and efficiency of care.
• Maintains current knowledge of regulations, laws, and standards, which apply to medical instrumentation. Stays abreast of current applications of technology through personal study, and/or professional organizations, and attending biomedical workshops for new equipment training. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• WORK ATTIRE
  • Uniform: No
  • Scrubs: Yes
  • Business professional: Yes
  • Other (department approved): No
  ON-CALL*
  *Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
  • On Call* No
  TRAVEL**
  **Travel specifications may vary by department**
  • May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
  • May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• • Must have one of the following:
  ◦ Associates degree in Biomedical Technology with four years of experience OR
  ◦ Two years of related Military BMET training/experience in lieu of degree OR
  ◦ Completion of an intra-operative blood salvage training program or anesthesia technologist, with two years of college (60 hours) including courses such as biology, physiology, anatomy, or related scientific fields AND two years of related experience

EXPERIENCE

• One year of related experience

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association