Q: What are the test equipment devices every Biomed should have to be able to perform his/her duties? What are your suggestions?
A: I would start with electrical safety, defib, esu, and nibp testers.
A: Also include a patient simulator.
A: Our basic test kit includes: Pronk kit with NIBP, Slimsim and Spo2 simulator. This allows testing of most monitoring equipment and the NIBP also has a manometer mode for pressure testing of BP accuracy. A defib analyzer. A safety analyzer. An ESU analyzer – be sure that the loads available match up to the equipment you are testing. A pressure meter, scale and stopwatch. We use these for IV pump testing as the most cost-effective way to equip multiple techs. If in a single facility some of the new IV analyzers have acceptable accuracy. A digital scale for some PT equipment (traction units), also use stopwatch. A tachometer for centrifuges, treadmills, etc. We are an ISO servicing multiple accounts so most of our techs carry these items.
A: I particularly like the multi function test equipment such as “The Cube” which is a small multifunction unit with NIBP, IVB, ECG. It’s battery operated, easy to use and portable. I also like the Fluke 175 Safety Analyzer. It is very compact and easy to use. Let’s face it, most shops have a PM cart that has large test equipment hanging all over the cart and we look like mad scientist plugging and unplugging equipment and test equipment when doing PMs. White lab coat, thick glasses, frizzy hair, you get the picture! A lot of times we just need to check something in before a case or run to an off-site location. Portable test equipment sure fits the bill in these situations while still being able to handle the heavy PM days. Some basic test equipment we use here are: ECG, NIBP, IBP, electrical safety analyzer, defibb analyzer, multi-meter, flow analyzer for vents, fetal simulators, dedicated pressure gauges for IV pumps, temperature meters for infant warmers and fluid warmers, water flow meters for fluid warmers, temperature air meters for Bear Huggers, light meters for light sources and billi meters. ESU analyzers, photo tachometer for centrifuges, test weights for infant scales, oscilloscope, graduated cylinders for fluid output and of course the best test equipment of all … Biomeds.
Q: How important are certifications (CBET, CRES, etc) when it comes to career advancement? Is it worth the time to get the certification?
A: When an individual becomes certified it shows that the individual is determined to be the best they can be in that field by taking the effort to go beyond the normal knowledge level. Certification is important for advancement in any career. It demonstrates your willingness to go the extra mile in your position. Managers will look at individuals with certification as a better candidate because the certification demonstrates a thorough understanding of the field. The certification will make an individual more likely to be able to mentor another tech in the field. In my opinion, the certification is well worth the time and expense.
A: It depends on the hospital (or group of hospitals). Some place a lot of weight on being certified, others not so much, some not at all. I’m glad I became certified, although keeping up with it is a PITA and if you don’t earn enough points to get recertified, you might not get it. But that is another subject.
A: None of the places I have worked has paid any extra for certification. Two of my technicians here have earned their CBET, but it was for their own satisfaction.
A: To tell you the truth, I believe that personally it is important. But, that being said, I don’t think that means that companies care. Everyone still thinks that we are just maintenance people.
A: When I’m looking to hire, I always look for someone who is either certified or in the process of certification. The reason; I want someone who is dedicated to their trade and willing to go the extra mile to get certified, this speaks about their character and work ethic, just my opinion. I see several states contemplating making it mandatory to be able to work on medical devices. California, North Carolina, Florida and South Carolina are considering such.
A: We value certification for our staff. Over 10 years ago we updated our job description for all Senior BMETs to be certified. We also pay for the certification test and the recertification costs.
A: Certification matters. As our industry continues to change, we must examine our place and the perception of those with whom we interact. All too often I hear the age-old argument that a corresponding increase in salary did not come with certification. Many of the same people who make that statement also make the statement that we aren’t treated as professionals. We as an industry do not require a four-year or, in many cases, even a two-year degree. We do not require certification. We cannot, it seems, agree on something as simple as a name for the position at the technician level. Through the efforts of AAMI we have agreed upon a name for the department though there is resistance to even that change. The only thing that we all agree upon is that there is a certification that we all recognize. If we wish to be perceived as professionals we need some method of proving that we have earned that perception. We are one of the few career fields in health care that does not require formalized training and certification or licensure. When hiring, I will always seek out the certified BMET. That shows a minimal knowledge base and a commitment to ones self and profession. Certification does not mean a given individual will be a good BMET but it does draw a baseline of knowledge. With the continued integration of HTM and IT this is the time that we as industry professionals can make a lasting and important change for our industry. If we can use this time to show our value, to put ourselves on equal or higher footing as our degreed and certified IT counterparts, then we can be seen as the highly skilled professionals we are and earn the respect and the pay that all agree we deserve.
A: Where I work you get a pay raise and I think the test cost paid if you pass.
A: When I talk to friends in IT they say that their certifications do not make them better at what they do, but good luck getting a job or promotion without them. You may say the certifications weed out some and gives their “profession” a more professional appearance. It seems to impress the C-suite.
A: Where I work you have to have 8 years in the company to even be considered to be a Tech III. If you are certified it is only 5 years and a difference of $4 and hour in your base pay from Tech II to Tech III. We will only be valued as we value ourselves.
A: Where I work, certification is a personal choice. Personally, I am working towards it, but by no means does it make someone a better technician than another. There are way too many tangibles that must be considered. A multiple guess test is not a reliable indicator of problem-solving capabilities, accountability or soft skills. Most of those who are truly great and successful are not compelled by paper certificates, but by the desire and enthusiasm to fail and learn from it.
A: I think there is a misconception about the actual test. Though it has been a while for me, my recollection was there were parts of the test which specifically involved problem solving as well as safety, physiology and practical applications. I also believe that paper certificates mean a lot when choosing a professional such as a doctor, lawyer or contractor or co-worker. I agree with what Dan said in such as how do we as professionals want to be perceived by the general industry. Certification aids in perception but as you say, does not always define a technician. But I will say this, if my loved one needed a balloon pump and knowing what I know today, I would have a better feeling knowing a certified tech did the last PM. As you say, it does not make one tech better than another but it is an industry benchmark.
A: I have been in this field since 1977 – one of the old school techs – and I have considered taking the CBET and CRES – currently studying for the latter, because I want to. I have been selected over CBETs because of my experience and time in the field. Will certification make me a better Biomed? I do not think so, but if the C-suite sees that you are certified there is some knowledge for them to know that you are an expert – although I am an expert, it just seems that the C-suite sees it differently. I personally will be taking the CRES test next year for my own benefit and not the benefit of others. My choice no one else’s. As a choice for hiring – I feel the best qualified person and team orientation is a better fit than someone who is not team oriented but certified.
A: I just believe real-world situations make or break a person. Then add in political correctness and office politics; no paper test can prepare you for these. But I do strongly believe in aptitude/competency tests, whether they be internal or from an outside organization and documented.
A: Agreed, there are many variables when considering someone to hire and certainly and importantly one is being a team player. I think the gentlemen that started the thread was kinda fishing if being certified was a product that would help him stick out from the crowd and I say yes. I think he was a young person looking for experienced advice from folks who have been in the field a while. Aramark, Sodexo, my organization, Tenet Health Systems (which is an awesome place to work), all look for someone other than ordinary. They don’t really know Pat, Dan, Chris or John but as a Biomed Manager since 1984, 9 years military prior to that, I can say with a good degree of confidence that the ones that are certified will likely be the ones that will get a more in-depth look if you will, considering equal years of work and experience among the candidates. Just a moment ago, I was looking at the Social Security retirement calculator, no joke, and I look at publications and how this field is merging with IT and the strong desire to change our name to Healthcare Technology Management. I oppose the name change. The field is under staffed with an estimated 30 percent shortage by 2020. Newsweek magazine calls it one of the top 5 jobs in the U.S. you don’t know about. My point is, I think all of us should be certified and set the example for those getting in the field. As others mentioned, it’s one of the only professions in the clinical environment that does not require some type of certification. Being in an IT position with no certifications is not likely to happen.
A: The University of Maryland Medical Center and Johns Hopkins requires it for higher level jobs.
A: I too am an old school tech (1977). I worked for a couple of companies (shared service companies) until 1987 and they encouraged you to become certified. They did not offer any pay increases or assistance if you passed the test, but they did love to promote that they had certified techs doing the work. I was offered a $2,000 pay raise and all expenses covered if I passed the test in 1991. I took the test and passed. Does being certified make a better technician? I don’t believe it does. Some people are great at taking tests but cannot get it from their head to their hands. I have seen this a lot in my career. There are a lot of things that you need to know that are not covered in any test. Only experience and dealing with issues that arise make you a better technician. I do believe that if you want to move up in this field you do need to become certified. A lot of the C-suite look at what’s after the name in the medical field. We do need to promote that we are professionals in our field.
A: If a member of the C-suite sets two people down and they both explain to him technical operations in words he doesn’t understand he will use certifications as a measurement of competence. That is just their world.
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