Clinical Engineer Support Aurora St Luke's 1St

Major Responsibilities:
Provides technical and clinical direction and support to nursing staff and physicians on medical equipment operation, application, and safety. Relates hemodynamics, ECG tracings and pathophysiology of the patient to the equipment and makes suggestions for changes based on both clinical picture and critical thinking skills.
Responsible for sharing on-call with other engineers to provide 24-hour support for VAD/TAH implants, explants or malfunctions, pacemaker/ICD interrogations or deactivations, as well as troubleshooting other critical care technology. Position requires flexibility in hours and occasional overtime as staffing and clinical needs dictate.
Provides training to staff, physicians, patients and families in the safe and proper use of medical equipment. Training is done in large classes, small classes or one-on-one, with repetition as needed. Provides training to community hospitals, Emergency Medical Systems (EMS), fire departments, skilled nursing facilities (SNF) and long-term acute care hospitals (LTAC) regarding the care of the VAD patient.
Performs Pacewatch duties, including: Evaluates, manages and provides support in the delivery of quality clinical care of patients with cardiac pacemakers and automatic internal cardiac defibrillator systems. Demonstrates knowledge of devices, the effects of devices and utilizes critical thinking skills. Very specialized in health care procedures and how electrical medical devices function. Able to interpret arrhythmias, troubleshoot and reprogram settings of pacemaker / defibrillator according to patient’s need. Performs an independent daily review of the devices implanted within patients. Correlates information with the clinical condition of patients to assist in the management of arrhythmias.
Responsible for performing all interrogations, necessary reprogramming of devices and deactivation in patients who are scheduled in the hospital, including OR and MRI, according to type of device and patient needs. Reports abnormal findings, patient complaints, or concerns, to physician. Provides consistent and accurate documentation of patient information, care and concerns in the EMR according to the guidelines provided in the Documentation Policy and as otherwise instructed. Reviews and recommends changes in departmental policies; revises procedures in conjunction with new or changing theories, standards of practice, and current technology
Responsible for being aware of company recalls and taking appropriate measures for any further changes in the device that may be necessary. Serves as an advocate and liaison between patients, staff, physicians and external customers by sharing necessary information to ensure continuity of care. Collaborates with other professional disciplines to ensure effective, efficient and safe patient care: Electrophysiologists, Cardiologists, Surgeons, Cardiac Nurses and Device Nurses and device staff in other departments. Provides implant support (clinical/technology). Serves as a consultant to staff in the management of the patient undergoing a cardiovascular implant procedure. Collaborates with physicians and supports demand matching of implants.
Calibrates and maintains all applicable equipment. Troubleshoots equipment problems and reports any defective equipment to the appropriate personnel.
Assists nursing staff with basic patient care responsibilities at the bedside, including assisting with patient ambulation, turning patients and assisting with crisis intervention.
Communicates effectively with the team by disseminating information by participating in staff meetings, and by using the report sheets
Conducts patient visits in clinic in conjunction with clinical team. Sees all VAD patients that come to the Emergency Room Communicates patient and device status with providers, team members and nursing supervisors, both during regular hours and while on-call and collaborates on care plan.
Able to discontinue device therapy during end-of-life situations. Works with the Palliative Care team to ensure patient and family wishes are followed. Support the patient and family during this difficult time.
Develops procedures and guidelines to assist staff in proper utilization of medical equipment.
Maintains records on VAD/TAH patients and enters information into national databases. Collects necessary data for various studies as requested. Performs cognitive testing on the patient for the transplant and VAD evaluation process.
Consults with management in the purchase of new equipment. Assists with new product evaluations by assessing clinical needs. Collaborates with various departments to control equipment and supply costs. Manages the contents of the VAD Driveline Dressing Change kits and ensures hospital, patient, SNFs and LTACs have access to the correct kits.
Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards. Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:
Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months unless department leader has determined it is not required.
ACLS needs be obtained after the first year of employment.
Education Required:
Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Engineering .
Experience Required:
No experience required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
Excellent communication and human relation skills.
Ability to work under stressful situations
Demonstrated proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office or similar products (primarily Word and Excel). Demonstrated proficiency and knowledge of networking technology.
Demonstrated ability to multi- task.
Excellent patient service skills to work effectively with physicians, patients and other staff members.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
Must have ability to interact effectively and have excellent human relations and communication skills.
Must be able to:

• lift up to 25 lbs. from floor to waist and up to 30 lbs. overhead.
• lift and carry up to 40 lbs. at waist height a reasonable distance.

Must be able to:

• push with 50 lbs. of force.
• pull with 40 lbs. of force.

Must be able to maneuver in limited spaces, that is lift, bend, twist as needed
Must be able to operate all equipment that is essential to performing the job.
This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.