Biomedical Engineering Technologist P1

Providence Health Care•Powell River, BC

13h•CA$40 - CA$50

About The Position

Within the context of a client and family centred model of care, and in accordance with the Mission, Vision, Values and strategic directions of Providence Health Care, the position promotes a safe, respectful, and civil working environment for patients, residents, families, visitors, and staff. Reporting to the Supervisor, the Biomedical Engineering Technologist is part of an integrated team, which provides a full range of biomedical engineering services in support of the safe, efficient, and effective utilization of medical technology across Fraser Health, Providence Health Care, Provincial Health Services Authority and Vancouver Coastal Health (collectively, the ’Organizations’). Duties include troubleshooting, repairing, calibrating, testing, inspecting, and maintaining a wide variety of biomedical and electronic equipment, devices and ancillary products used for patient diagnosis and treatment; participating in incident investigations and hazard follow-up involving medical technology; and providing input related to device modification and capital and non-capital purchasing including the development of specifications and review of tenders as requested. Also, provides orientation and/or technical support to clinical staff on matters related to medical technology such as appropriate equipment practices and operation of equipment, devices, and ancillary products in the clinical environment.

Requirements

Graduation of a recognized program in Biomedical Engineering Technology or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Valid BC Drivers License and access to a vehicle to travel with tools and equipment for work purposes.
Comprehensive knowledge of the operating and maintenance practices for medical devices, including adherence to manufacturer’s specifications and standard operating procedures.
Demonstrated ability to organize and document work in accordance with standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements.
Current computer troubleshooting and networking knowledge, as well as understanding of cybersecurity and interfaces with electronic medical records.
Demonstrated ability to operate electronic test equipment, hand tools, power tools, and other related equipment.
Demonstrated ability to perform factory-level repairs, performance verification, and quality control checks of medical equipment.
Demonstrated ability to address issues with critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and advanced troubleshooting skills.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with vendors, colleagues, clinical staff, and equipment users, especially in high-stress environments.
Demonstrated ability to make sound judgments and decisions in high-pressure environments such as Operating Rooms and patient care areas.
Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate professionally in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position, including walking/standing for long periods, lifting equipment (up to 25 kg), working with delicate instrumentation requiring manual dexterity, and normal vision, with or without correction.

Responsibilities

Performs demand maintenance on a wide variety of biomedical and electronic equipment, devices, and ancillary products such as patient monitors, defibrillators, ventilators, incubators, centrifuges, hemodialysis machines, anaesthetic machines, electrosurgical units, heart-lung perfusion equipment, and point-of-care ultrasound systems by testing, calibrating, troubleshooting, repairing, and upgrading performance. Ensures equipment, devices and ancillary products are operating safely, effectively, and efficiently in the most cost-effective manner in compliance with the manufacturer’s specifications. Exercises independent judgement in critical situations, such as when equipment malfunctions in patient care areas, to ensure timely resolution while minimizing risks to patients and staff.
Carries out planned maintenance routines, inspections, and evaluations using a variety of test equipment and tools such as safety analyzers, oscilloscopes, multimeters, and defibrillator testers to ensure that medical equipment operates in proper working order. Maintains and calibrates test equipment.
Documents activities and maintains complete and accurate records by preparing service files on existing and new equipment, maintaining detailed records on equipment service histories, recording all demand and planned maintenance, and tracking warranty programs. Informs clinical staff on the status of their medical equipment inventory and prepares schedules regarding planned maintenance and operating procedures for equipment. Ensures that all records reflect adherence to quality control standards by documenting safety checks, performance verifications, and compliance with manufacturer specifications and regulatory requirements.
Provides orientation and technical support to clinical staff, other hospital staff, and patients on matters related to medical technology. This includes identifying user and patient needs, reviewing and evaluating technical material, and compiling information such as appropriate equipment practices. Technical procedures for the operation of equipment, devices, and ancillary products in the clinical environment are written and provided. Training materials are prepared, procedures are demonstrated, and related information and advice are offered as required to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Participates in the implementation and maintenance of medical device networks and interfaces between medical devices and electronic medical record systems, including software configuration, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards. Collaborates with clinical and information technology service staff to develop and implement protocols for data management and sharing, ensuring patient data privacy and confidentiality.
Participates in the selection, evaluation, and installation of medical equipment by interpreting clinical needs, developing technical specifications, liaising with vendors, reviewing vendor submissions, evaluating equipment for technical acceptance and safety prior to selection, and making recommendations for purchase. Works in conjunction with the vendor, the clinical area, and other departments to plan and implement the installation of equipment.
Performs incoming safety and performance inspections to ensure conformance with manufacturer’s specifications and other safety standards and regulations. Determines tool, instrumentation and spare part requirements for equipment maintenance and assists clinical areas in ordering accessories and supplies by identifying suitable sources, evaluating products for clinical and cost effectiveness, and completing purchase requisitions as required.
Participates in a variety of risk management and quality improvement activities to enhance and ensure the safety of patients and staff. This includes responding to incidents involving medical technology, inspecting the equipment involved, collecting information, and documenting all aspects of the investigation. Input is provided into the development and implementation of recommendations to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. Hazards are identified, and hazard reports are submitted as required when deficiencies are observed.
Participates in the development of policies and procedures, including planned maintenance procedures and standard operating procedures, ensuring they are regularly updated to incorporate new safety requirements and technological advancements.
Researches and provides input into the modification, redesign and/or development of biomedical devices and technology to improve the quality of patient care or to reduce costs.
Provides consultation at point-of-care to clinical areas such as operating rooms and the intensive care bedside while biomedical devices are in use by performing duties such as setting up and operating various biomedical devices such as lasers, hyperbaric chambers, and emerging technologies.
Participates in the orientation and training of new staff and students by demonstrating technical procedures, usage of equipment, and interpretation of inspection tests, monitoring progress, providing feedback, and ensuring policies and procedures are followed. Provides input to the Supervisor as requested on individual's progress in achieving established standards of practice.
Maintains an understanding of clinical procedures and practices involving medical devices and related technology such as sterile techniques, networking, and cybersecurity to ensure the ability to interpret customer needs. Stays up to date on emerging trends and technologies by participating in professional development activities, reviewing journals and literature, and attending training courses and seminars. Interacts with vendors, manufacturers, and regulatory agencies on technology related issues.
Oversees the end-of-life process for medical devices, ensuring decommissioning complies with organizational policies. Responsibilities include obtaining necessary approvals, ensuring secure data destruction, and coordinating decommissioning actions across departments. Maintains thorough records for compliance and audit purposes.
Performs all work in accordance with established standards of practice, organizational policies, and patient safety guidelines.
Performs other related duties as assigned.