Biomedical Technician

Overview

As a Clinic Manager at Fresenius Medical Care, you’ll manage the daily operations of our outpatient centers. You’ll be the key driver in carrying out our mission: To deliver superior care that improves the quality of life of every patient, every day, setting the standard by which others in the health care industry are judged.

Success Profile

Strong management skills are required and prior direct patient care experience is needed for occasions when the team needs a helping hand.

Rewards

• Improving the quality of life of every patient, every day
• Collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals
• Making a difference in the lives of patients and their families

Connect

Learn more about our company culture and opportunities to connect with our team.

Job Description

Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) at Fresenius Medical Care support and collaborate with RNs to provide dialysis treatment to several patients at a time while maintaining the functionality of the clinic. This involves prepping and testing equipment, reviewing treatment sheets, and opening the clinic at 4am for first shift. PCTs have a combination of technical skills and genuine passion needed to develop deep relationships with patients and improve their quality of life. Qualified candidates have prior customer service, healthcare and direct patient care experience, and will have the opportunity to learn the discipline of dialysis.

Success Profile

Fresenius Medical Care nurses are on the front line of patient care, improving the quality of life of every patient, every day. That means providing dialysis care to 10-12 patients at any given time, and collaborating with our multi-disciplinary team to deliver a unique care plan to each one of them. This role is all about relationships and the bond you’ll create with patients and their families. Prior dialysis nursing experience is helpful, but many successful candidates come from a background in ICU, PCU and/or surgery.

Success Profile

Inpatient RNs at Fresenius Medical Care perform dialysis treatments on an acute patient population in a hospital setting, including ICU, ER, Rehab, and Med/Surg units. What makes this role truly unique is the level of autonomy you’ll enjoy. Inpatient nurses are specifically accountable for administering and assessing each patient’s treatment plan. And because dialysis is a critical treatment for many hospital procedures and health conditions, you’ll have the opportunity to work with a wide variety of patients. Ideal candidates possess leadership skills and independence needed to make quick decisions in a fast-paced environment. Must be capable of educating patients and providing exceptional customer service to our partners. Six months to one year of dialysis experience or some form of critical care nursing experience are also required.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

Knowledgeable, developing intermediate level technician performing normal functions under general supervision. Performs scheduled and unscheduled semi-routine repair, maintenance activities and operational condition of all medical equipment, water systems and the physical plant in assigned facilities that ensure patient safety and staff operating equipment in accordance with company policies and procedures, manufacturer’s documentation, industry standards and local, state and federal regulatory requirements. Performs cost containment activities related to repair and maintenance and monthly Technical CQI/QAI duties. Functions as an equipment “trouble-shooter” to identify and ensure resolution to problems.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Repair and Maintenance:
• Performs and/or oversees timely maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair activities to water treatment equipment, dialysis equipment, ancillary equipment, test equipment, and the physical plant as required and recommended by the manufacturer and established company policy and procedures, including maintaining aesthetics of the equipment and water room.
• Covers scheduled and unscheduled repair and maintenance of physical plant by company approved vendors.
• Oversees maintenance of all ancillary devices assuring it follows manufacturer’s recommendations and in compliance with company policies and procedures, industry standards and local, state and federal regulatory requirements.
• Acts as equipment “trouble-shooter”, identifying where problems exist and recommending resolution as needed utilizing acquired knowledge of company machinery, equipment, and systems.
• Purchases and maintains an inventory of service parts using approved sources and ensures RGA and warranty parts are returned in a timely manner.
• Performs water/dialysate sample collection and processing, and reviews, evaluates, and reports quality results per applicable policies and procedures.
• Documents all daily, weekly, monthly repair and maintenance activity/repairs per applicable policies and/or procedures.
• Oversees and updates project tracking or other company tracking/documentation systems as assigned.
• Regulatory Compliance:
• Performs monthly Technical CQI/QAI duties. Analyzes, assembles, and assimilates information and data for the CQI/QAI process and leads technical discussion, including reporting outcomes and creating and implementing improvement plans.
• Collaborates with facility staff to ensure all regulatory and OSHA requirements are met.
• Reviews water system documentation to verify compliance (i.e. readings are within parameters).
• Performs daily, weekly, and monthly trend analysis on the water system, anticipating appropriate action to assure system functions as designed.
• Identifies instances where company policy and procedures are not being met including escalation of issues to next level management.
• Medical Supply Inventory:
• Manages Program’s Medical Supply Inventory by managing par values, making sure program has the correct inventory to support the patient treatments, performing physical inventory counts and generating a physical inventory report.
• Miscellaneous, Operational and Educational:
• Maintains water treatment equipment qualification by completing Annual Water Training.
• Supports clinical education by administering return demonstrations during Annual Water Training.
• Maintains current required certifications.
• Makes sure patient care staff’s technique for testing water system, assuring tests and documentation meet policy and comply with manufacturer’s specifications for the devices and test equipment used.
• Attends and successfully completes all technical training programs required by state/federal regulations and company policy. Refer to Biomedical Technician Career Pathway Department Operating Guideline for full list of training requirements.
• Transports equipment as needed.
• Escalates issues to supervisor for resolution, as deemed necessary.
• Acts as a mentor, role model and resource for technical staff by setting an example of appropriate behavior, work habits and attitudes towards patients, coworkers, and management.
• At supervisor’s discretion, assists technical staff with general tasks that require a better understanding of functions and provides mentorship and training to new technical staff.
• Works toward becoming subject matter expert in one or more areas through continued learning in professional subjects.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Active work including lifting, bending, walking and standing for considerable lengths of time.
• The use of dollies or other equipment is mandatory when moving heavy weight items. May be required to frequently lift items weighing up to 50 lbs. as high as 5 feet.
• Potential exposure to chemicals and infectious materials. Scope of work includes high voltage equipment. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is provided by the company.
• Work environment is typically air temperature controlled with moderate noise levels. May be required to work in various outdoor elements.
• Evening and weekend availability, as well as ability to take on-calls are required. Overnight travel may be required.

Supervision

None

Education and Required Credentials

• High school diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Successful completion of the Biomedical Technician Education Curriculum and Practicum.
• Associate or Bachelor Degree in electronics / biomedical technology, or equivalent a plus.
• Nephrology/Biomedical Industry Technical Certifications preferred - Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT), Certified Hemodialysis Technician (CHT), National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO), Certified Biomedical Nephrology Technician (CBNT), Water Quality Association (WQA) Water Treatment Specialist (WTS), Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET)

Experience and Required Skills

• 1 - 2 years as a Biomedical Technician level I with successful completion of all required training, education curriculum and practicum and meet all other promotion requirements as outlined in the Biomedical Technician Career Pathway Department Operating Guideline. Or 2+ years’ directly related experience working in an industrial/medical technical setting, 1+ years directly related experience with an Associate Degree in electronics/biomedical technology, or Bachelor Degree in electronics/biomedical technology with no experience - Must successfully complete all required training, education curriculum and practicum within the first 24 months from date of hire / job entry date.
• Manual dexterity required - ability to use common hand tools and small power equipment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to comprehend and communicate in the English language.
• Proficient computer skills with the ability to navigate through common operating systems, such as Microsoft Office, SAP and TMS products.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and holidays.