Washington Hospital Careers

Division: Operations and Support

Job Title:  Senior Lead Biomedical Electronics Technician

Job Code: 611

Position Summary

In addition to performing the essential functions listed below, may also be assigned other duties as required.

Under the direction of the Director of Biomedical Engineering or Designee; performs all duties outlined in the Lead Biomedical Electronics Technician Job description, assists with coordinating Preventive Maintenance, repairs, staff scheduling, and other assignments for Biomedical staff as well as outside vendor activities relating to medical equipment.  Ensures data is accurate and performs quality audits in CMMS program.  Assists with various other duties as needed, including, (but not limited to) recalls, PM completions, Purchase Orders, reports, etc. Fills in for the Director of Biomedical Engineering during his/her absence.

Statement of Accountability

Reports to:  Director of Biomedical Engineering

Supervises:  Biomedical Technicians and Contract Service Employees

Qualifications

• Education
• Licensure
• Work Experience
• Skills/computer/ specific technical

• Other qualifications, miscellaneous

Specify if qualifications are Required or Preferred

1. EDUCATION
   Associate Degree or certification equivalent in electronics. 
   Remains qualified to assume the duties of the Manager of Biomedical Engineering during his/her absence.
2. LICENSURE
   CBET Certification within 3 years of hire and maintained.
3. WORK EXPERIENCE
   Previous experience as a Biomedical Engineering Technician.  Three years experience in a hospital setting preferred.
   Three years experience as a biomedical technician in a service or hospital environment.
4. SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of medical equipment used, service repair, troubleshooting and maintenance. 
• Ability to communicate with staff and management. 
• Computer skills, knowledge of Windows programs, computerized maintenance programs and use.
• Ability to analyze situations accurately and take prompt action during emergencies.
• Excellent people skills.  Works with Administration, caregivers, department managers, outside contractors, vendors and other biomedical technicians.  Uses initiative to prioritize repairs, within guidelines of hospital, and department policies.

Achieving Results

Key Components: assess, plan, evaluate, demonstrate initiative, quality of work, productivity

1. Is able to work independently with minimal supervision
2. Is able to assess problems, and plan resolution
3. Maintains high quality of work
4. Keeps productivity high
5. Demonstrates ability to take initiative on issues based on department and hospital mission.
6. Performs all tasks and assignments according to established guidelines.
7. May attend committee meetings and present medical equipment reports and program status as assigned.

Demonstrates Skill

Key Components: competency, job knowledge, organizational skills, analytical skill, management of information, employee & patient safety

1. Performs all tasks and assignments according to established guidelines.
2. Keeps Director of Biomedical Engineering informed of status of work, and of any issues.
3. Administers preventive maintenance program for medical equipment.
4. Supervises the Biomedical Technicians assigned to him/her.
5. Insures compliance of all regulations.
6. Handles special projects as assigned.
7. Observes universal precautions.
8. Services equipment in the Medical Equipment Management Plan.
9. Completes preventive maintenance inspections and service on medical equipment.
10. Performs various daily assignments
11. Responds to calls for emergency service from hospital departments.
12. Assists with equipment installation and evaluation as requested.
13. Assists with clinical equipment usage training when requested.
14. Troubleshoots and repairs equipment as per established policy and procedure.
15. Assists with maintaining an accurate inventory
16. Keeps accurate records of repairs to equipment and systems
17. Demonstrates high degree of organizational skills when working on projects
18. Always watchful for employee and patient safety issues.

Planning & Coordinating

Key Components: delegates, decision making, problem solving, management of resources

1. Plans, schedules and coordinates the activities of the department as assigned.
2. Monitors work output from Biomedical Technicians.
3. Oversees Preventive Maintenance program.
4. Assigns work to other Biomedical Technicians, and vendors as needed.
5. Good at problem solving with minimal guidance
6. Demonstrates good decision making abilities
7. Manages available resources
8. Delegates or seeks assistance as appropriate
9. Oversees outside contractors as needed

Professionalism

Key Components: dependability, interpersonal skills, teamwork, patient first ethic, customer service, communication skills, punctuality/attendance, receptiveness to criticism, judgment, confidentiality

1. Excellent people skills, works with Administration, caregivers, department managers, outside contractors, vendors and other biomedical technicians.
2. Demonstrate “Guest Relations” skills when interfacing with patient’s family and visitors.
3. Maintains confidentiality as appropriate.
4. Provides advance notice for absence or tardiness.
5. Keeps work area neat and orderly.
6. Maintains good working relationship with Biomedical Engineering staff.
7. Demonstrates good interpersonal skills
8. Practices "careful listening"
9. Understands the sensitivity of patient vicinity work habits.
10. Understands the need for dependability and teamwork within the department.
11. Takes constructive criticism as a means to improve
12. Shows good judgment
13. Does not violate hospital policies on confidentiality
14. Informs D of possible problems.

Improving the Organization

Key Components: performance improvement, quality initiatives

1. Supports departmental quality efforts by using CQI techniques in monitoring and improving departmental operations.
2. Monitor contractor's activities relating to medical equipment.

Self-Development

Key Components: maintain license/certification, education and training

1. Seeks to improve performance by participating in self-development activities, in-service, and continuing education that is appropriate to the area of practice.
2. Maintains CBET Certification if earned.  Shows study towards earning CBET if not already certified.
3. Active involvement in industry professional groups is highly encouraged.

Regulatory Compliance

Key Components: TJC, CA Title 22, OIG, HIPAA, State/Federal laws, hospital policies

1. Demonstrates knowledge of and complies with departmental and hospital policies and procedures.
2. Completes work within established hospital and industry standards.
3. Demonstrates knowledge of and complies with hospital-wide TJC mandatory events (i.e., disaster preparedness, infection control, fire and electrical safety, etc).
4. Understands and complies with TJC, CA Title 22, HIPAA, NFPA, AAMI, State/Federal laws, regarding medical equipment, and patient safety.
5. Maintains confidentiality as appropriate.
6. Observes universal precautions 100% of the time.

Prepared by:

Paul Kelley

Title:

Biomedical Eng. Dir.

Date:

1/15/21

Approved by:

Ed Fayen 

Title:

Executive VP and Chief Operating Officer

Date:

Personnel Office Review:

Date:

Revised Date:

1/15/21

Lifting Objects and or Moving Patients

Back Injuries, Hernias

Understand anatomy of back, causes of back pain, preventive approaches, use of aids when lifting. Proper lifting and moving of patients and objects. Exercises to strengthen back. Preventive measures when lifting and use of aids when lifting. Exercises to strengthen back.

Slip/Trip/Falls/Use of Ladders

Contusions, Sprains, Strains

Avoid undue speed. Use handrails. Clean up spills immediately. Pick up dropped items. Keep walkways clear of clutter. Correct tripping hazards. If using ladders, use ladder in good repair. Follow department safety guidelines for use of ladders.

Fires & Natural Disasters

Burns & All Types of Injuries

Recognize possible causes of fires: smoking materials, faulty equipment, etc. and educate patients.  Workers need to be familiar with disaster plans and know exit routes.

Electrical Hazards

Shocks & Burns

Report and remove from use, unsafe equipment and appliances.  Unplug equipment by pulling on plugs not cords. Complete electrical safety education and seek assistance if any unsafe conditions are noted.

Assaults

Minor Injury to Death

Employees need to be aware of potential dangers to ensure safety.  Awareness of existing security measures and defensive behavior can protect employee from assaults.

Needle and Sharp Injuries

Cuts, Punctures, Lacerations

Sharps should be discarded in designated containers as soon after use as possible.  Employees should exam & handle soiled linens & similar items as if they contained sharp items.

Obstacles & Broken Objects

Abrasions, Contusions, Lacerations, and Falls

Arrange furniture to allow free movement about rooms and hallways.  Keep doors & drawers closed when not in use.  Clean/discard broken objects properly (i.e. broken glass should be swept up - not picked up with fingers). Remove all broken items from service.

Exposure to Communicable and Other Diseases

Infection – minor to death

Use Infection Control procedures as defined in Infection Control manual for specific diseases.  These include handwashing, personal protective equipment, knowing the risks.  Label linens and wastes properly. Use Standard Precautions with all patients. Keep environment clean.

Exposure to Chemical Agents

Burns, inhalation injuries, etc. See individual MSDS.

Employees should be familiar with chemicals in their departments. Employees should follow procedures as outlined in their department Hazardous Material training and refer to MSDS's before using/handling any chemical.  Do not use any chemical without proper labeling. Wear personal protective equipment as required by department and manufacturer’s directions.

Possible exposure to radiation

Sterility, Cancer, Shortened Life Expectancy

When appropriate, employees should wear film badges (they are monitored routinely) and use shielding, lead aprons, and/or gloves.  Identify and appropriately manage radiation therapy patients and their secretions.

Latex

Dermatitis to death

Alert manager if you feel that you are allergic to latex materials. Use non-latex gloves for all procedures requiring gloves. Read labels to check for latex content.

Soaps, Detergents, Cleaning Solutions

Dermatitis

Follow departmental procedures.  Personal protective equipment is available if department is unable to substitute agents that do not cause dermatitis. Read and follow manufacturer’s directions for use.

Ergonomic Problems

Wide Variety of Musculoskeletal or nerve disorders

Follow safe body mechanics and ergonomic practices as described in hospital education.  Maintain a safe, neat, uncluttered environment. Practices include keeping file drawers closed, walkways clear, not reaching overhead and twisting, etc.  Seek assistance from department manager if a task is causing physical problems.  If work site evaluation is desired, discuss with department manager.             

Possible Exposure to Chemotherapeutic Agents

Burns, reproductive harm, other injuries

Employees who administer chemotherapy must undergo training in: preparation, use, and spill cleanup of chemotherapeutic agents, disposal of equipment and supplies in proper containers, and care of patients receiving chemotherapy according to procedure.

Exposure to Video Display Terminals

Eye strain & stress in addition to ergonomic complaints

It is unknown if significant visual dysfunction results from long-term use of VDT's.  Problems may be reduced with control of lighting, glare, and color contrast. Workers should have adequately corrected vision.  If a VDT evaluation is desired discuss with department manager.             

Possible exposure to patient medications during administration. 

Allergy, adverse drug reaction, other unknown injury

Refer to specific drug information for proper handling to avoid unintended exposure.

Exposure Microwave Radiation

Radiation Effects

Ensure regular maintenance of machine.  Clean all spills. Report and remove from use, unsafe appliances.  Unplug equipment by pulling on plugs not cords.

Injury from Compressed Gas and/or Cylinders

All types of injuries

Compressed gasses are flammable & under pressure so must be handled with care. All compressed gas cylinders must be secured in storage or during use. Use proper connections for tanks. Know how to change connectors. Complete safety education on unit.

Possible exposure to Waste Anesthetic Gases

Health Effects per drug/gas information

Use scavenger systems in anesthetizing locations. Be cognizant of hazards of anesthetic gases and follow procedures as outlined in department training. Acute exposure is in the immediate post-op period. Avoid close proximity to exhaled breath of patient who received anesthetic gases.

Sterilization Equipment, Steam and Chemical

Burns, Chemical Exposure

Complete training and orientation for steam and chemical sterilization equipment. Use appropriate heat resistant materials to handle hot trays or instruments. Be aware of sources of steam. Use appropriate personal protective equipment as described by manufacturer.