VAD Technician (Mechanical Circulatory Support)

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

About the Role

This position is responsible for assisting with Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) equipment management, including operation, distribution, and tracking of mechanical circulatory support systems. The role provides expert technical support for systems managed by the Center for Circulatory Support, such as HeartMate II and III, VAS, HeartWare VAS, Syncardia TAH, and IABP. The Mechanical Circulatory Support Technician lends technical expertise in complex VAD equipment and supplies, troubleshooting based on clinical and technical observations. This role interfaces with VAD Coordinators, Mechanical Circulatory Support Specialists, Perfusionists, nursing staff, and patients to support the use, monitoring, and troubleshooting of mechanical circulatory support systems. Additionally, this position assists in transporting VAD patients to diagnostic testing and procedures, providing support during inpatient and outpatient procedures as a trained MCS healthcare provider.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree, Military BMET, or completion of an Intra-operative Blood Salvage training/anesthesia technologist program
• Two years of related experience; if Bachelor's degree, one year of related experience
• Basic Life Support (BLS) or Instructor certification (AHA) - American Heart Association

Knowledge and Abilities

• Demonstrates skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English to perform essential job functions impacting patient or employee safety
• 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 and manage a varied and busy work environment
• Professional appearance and demeanor
• Excellent customer service skills

Responsibilities

People

• Provides VAD patient transport services and coordinates with teams, units, and diagnostic areas to facilitate care
• Collaborates with patient care units and ancillary departments involved in the care or support of VAD patients/program
• Participates in daily rounds on all VAD in-patients and applies knowledge to resolve issues
• Fosters a teamwork approach and promotes individual accountability and responsibility
• Contributes to improving department scores for employee engagement

Service

• Consults with VAD patients in outpatient clinics and inpatient settings to evaluate and ensure proper functioning of VAD equipment
• Communicates findings or concerns to appropriate experts and clinicians
• Records patient data and prepares documentation as required by the FDA and/or device manufacturer
• Coordinates with VAD vendors regarding equipment issues
• Assists with distribution and tracking of new and hospital-owned equipment per protocol

Quality/Safety

• Communicates critical department activities to the Manager or Coordinator for proper coordination of research and personnel resources
• Assists in transporting 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 monitors VAD parameters
• Tracks and returns removed pumps to vendors for evaluation in collaboration with the operating room, pathology, and VAD Team
• Monitors problem analysis reports and disseminates information to appropriate staff
• Reports equipment problems and completes patient safety reports as necessary
• Evaluates and assists with education for proper use and training when needed

Finance

• Acts as a good steward of hospital-owned equipment and manages par levels for new and hospital-owned equipment
• Maintains tracking of hospital-owned equipment
• Submits charges in a timely manner for patient-issued equipment

Growth/Innovation

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

Supplemental Requirements

• Work Attire: Scrubs or business professional (department approved)
• On-Call: May be required during emergencies (e.g., disaster, severe weather events)
• Travel: May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area