By David Scott
It seems like this time of year is when a lot of hospitals get new medical equipment. It either comes at the end of the year or the beginning of the next year. Whenever we get new equipment at the hospital where I work I like to be involved to a point. If it is going to be equipment that is widespread across the hospital system, then I what to be involved for sure. If it is not in an area I normally work I might not be able to be involved, but I can at least find out what it is and maybe how it works.
For me, the arrival of new equipment is a learning opportunity. Most everyone I work with knows little about the equipment unless they had the same stuff at a prior job. So, it is an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of this new equipment. What is the best way to learn?
Sometimes time at a training school is purchased with the new equipment. Someone, or maybe more than one person, will go to a manufacturer training school at some point after the equipment is installed. This is usually for bigger and more complex items. You can’t always count on getting time at a manufacturer school with every new piece of equipment.
A practice that I have resorted to is getting involved on the installation of the new equipment. In the past I have learned the most about monitoring systems by being part of the install and asking questions. This goes for other systems like X-ray systems, down to smart infusion pumps. Knowing how something is put together is always helpful later. It lets you know how the system is tied together and what the components are that make up the system. Sometimes during the install, you can learn tricks to working on the system from the techs doing the install. They work with the new equipment more often and sometimes are willing to share tips and tricks.
Another tip is looking at the service manual. It seems like a lot of the time the manual comes with the equipment and is put aside while you unpack and start assembling whatever is needed. I always refer to the service manual to see if there is an installation or assembly process to follow – especially if it is something I have never worked with before. It’s funny because since this is such a part of my work life I do the same thing at home when we get something new. My wife thought it was funny when she first saw me reading the directions to assemble something. She said “I didn’t think anyone used those.” I told her in the work I do I use this type of instruction all the time. I don’t ever try to guess how something goes together. People’s lives depend on me doing my job correctly and that kind of attention rolls over to everyday life outside of work.
One more tip is the user or operator manual. I know, I know, it says “user” or “operator” on the manual, but that doesn’t mean it is just for the user. The user manual tells how the equipment is operated. You need to know this to be able to efficiently troubleshoot problems. You can also usually find great information in this manual relating to equipment performance specifications, cleaning directions, setting time and date, and more. These items will help you do your job as a tech at a higher level. I was recently arguing with another tech about setting time and date. His argument was if it is in the user manual it should be done by the users. As we all know that is not always the case. You shouldn’t draw lines on whose job it is, but rather become the go-to person for all equipment related issues, even something as small as setting the time and date.
Next time your workplace gets new equipment take some time and go through the equipment. This might even involve taking home a copy of the manual and going through it. The best thing about all of this is you can claim recertification points for doing this under the new 2017 standard category called “Professional Development.”