Job Description
The Respiratory Specialist is responsible for Respiratory systems and related devices used in respiratory therapy. This position is considered the technology expert on Respiratory systems, including (but not limited to): proper use; identifying and correcting improper use; safety features/procedures; proper equipment operation and capabilities (limits); diagnosis and problem solving; resolution; and communication with respiratory technologists, respiratory management, and nurses. Works with the CE-IT (CIS) and IT analysts to provide data communication from Respiratory systems to the EMR (EPIC). Respiratory Specialist is responsible for keeping CE management and other technology users informed on performance and issues on-going in the Respiratory Therapy department. Works at a very high level of independence, self-actuation, and judgment. Scheduling and performing preventive and scheduled maintenance on Respiratory systems and related medical equipment throughout TCH Enterprise to provide safe and properly operating equipment within the manufacturer and regulatory or standards based protocols. The Respiratory Specialist coordinates activities that improve the overall proficiency level of Respiratory and OR operations such as, but not limited to, defining training objectives and providing specialized training for clinical staff. In this role, the Respiratory Specialist is expected to be a deep subject matter expert on the technical functions of respiratory machines. The Respiratory Specialist 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 Respiratory Specialist should have knowledge of medical terminology and clinical workflow combined with the proactive customer service that will contribute to the improvement of TCH's clinical outcomes. The Respiratory Specialist will provide backup support for anesthesia ventilators and various biomedical systems in the TCH enterprise. The Respiratory Specialist must have knowledge on device interfacing of ventilators to the EMR and be able to respond as first tier support on ventilator communication issues with the EMR.
Responsibilities
Assist equipment operational issues and document operator error problems. Provide additional clinical training to minimize unnecessary equipment downtime.
Performs advanced 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 the respiratory staff, vendors, and other technical providers (e.g. IT, other CE teams, and facilities). Maintain communications with customers (RNs and RTs), vendors, IT team and Respiratory management to ensure resolution and proper follow-up. Keeps clinical engineering management or other clinical engineering teams informed of issues and requirements.
Assure Quality of the Clinical Engineering Computer Maintenance Management System Perform QA audits which includes, verification of adds / deletes, validation of information missing from equipment onboarding, identification of inventory duplications, consistency of equipment inventory status ( ie; deletes, removed from service, storage, trade in sales, scrap).
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 medical equipment procedures or policies. Knowledge of ventilator safety, alarms, and QA/QC.
Performs or ensures preventative maintenance, QA, and functional inspections are performed in accordance with the manufacturer guidelines and requirements and documented in accordance with clinical engineering medical equipment management program to meet Joint Commission, CMS or other regulatory or accreditation agencies.
Provides mini training sessions for customers and team members as required. Works with management to document procedures used to test equipment software and networks to ensure that training sessions are designed to assist in generating cost savings, improving quality and integrating medical devices to EPIC.
Provides project management, attends meetings regarding new procedures, techniques or new respiratory systems, and is able to meet milestones or deadlines.
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 duties as required by Christ Hospital Management.
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. Preference is also given to previous training/education in respiratory systems or monitoring systems, clinical documentation systems and device integration.
• Electronics - Analog, Digital and Microprocessor
• Pneumatics/Pressure System
• Biomedical Engineering Technology (Man-Machine Interface)
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Chemistry / Organic Chemistry / Light/Optics Physic
• 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 system
• Other operating room devices or systems as needed.
• Windows Operating Systems, MS Office and other PC applications as required.
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:
Minimum is 5 years (with unique skill sets), but is also dependent on abilities and capabilities.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:
Respiratory and physiological monitoring systems knowledge (i.e. gas monitoring, pneumatics, ventilators, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, SvO2, ECG monitoring, temperature, respiration, etc.). Knowledge of other biomed equipment helpful.
Computer system, networking and communication protocols knowledge and skills. This includes operating systems (OS), Ethernet, serial communication, database, HL-7, DICOM, and server/workstation hardware. Ability to learn new systems quickly. Intermediate to advanced experience with MS Office.
This position requires independent thought and ability to make accurate judgments quickly. Works independently with little direction and must be self-starting, highly motivated, and willing/ability to continuously learn.
This position requires the ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair complex hardware and software 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 end-users and across cultures.
Knowledge of JCAHO, OSHA, HIPAA, and SMDA policies and regulations; and experience in incident investigation.
LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:
Certification in Biomedical Engineering Technology (CBET), Certified Clinical Engineer, or completion of advanced training and certification from Respiratory and Monitoring systems vendors, Also certification or training for HL-7, clinical computer systems, operating and network systems will be considered.