Dialysis Technician

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:

Under general supervision, performs moderate scope semi-routine tasks in nature requiring full knowledge of general aspects of the job, including but not limited to the following:

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. Coordinates and completes 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 ( 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:

Must maintain water treatment equipment qualification by completing Annual Water Training. Supports clinical education by administering return demonstrations during Annual Water Training. Must maintain current required certifications. Monitors and reviews 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. Other related duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employees are required to take the Ishihara's Color Blindness test as a condition of employment. Note that, failing the Ishihara Test for Color Blindness does not preclude employment. The Company will consider whether reasonable accommodations can be made. Position involves 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.  There is 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 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) Valid Driver's License issued in the employee’s state of residence required.

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.

 EO/AA Employer: Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Fresenius Medical Care North America maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

Career with a purposeWe offer an opportunity to create and deliver treatments that save and change lives for the better. We’ll support your ongoing development. And you’ll be part of a dedicated team of people who inspire each other to create the best possible healthcare outcomes each and every day. Inclusion and diversityJoining Fresenius Medical Care means becoming part of a team that values diversity. We embrace the wealth of different backgrounds, cultures, experiences and opinions that make up our workforce and strive to create an inclusive atmosphere in which all our employees feel valued. StabilityDeveloping innovative products and continuously improving our renal therapies made us the clear market leader in the production of hemodialysis machines, with sustainable, profitable growth . This position provides our 125000 employees with the stability and security they need to help improve the lives of our patients. Learning and developmentWe offer participation in programs at world-class business schools, leadership development, regular training for our nurses, health care professionals and manufacturing staff and digital access to high-quality educational content for all employees worldwide 24/7. Local benefitsOur employees enjoy both local and global opportunities for growth and personal fulfilment. We offer local benefits designed to suit the requirements of the respective country and place of work to create ideal conditions everywhere. Work-life balanceWe want to empower people to deliver better care. Therefore, we promote a better work-life balance through flexible working hours, part-time models, the possibility to work from home, and more.

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