A new position has been created to bridge the communication gap between nursing and biomedical technology. Michael Dumais, RN, has been named the bedside technologist specialist in Biomedical Engineering. The position is a first for BWH. Previously, this role was covered by a combination of clinical engineers and nurses.
“We know of very few hospitals that have pursued this model,” said Dumais, who most recently served as faculty model preceptor, in Nursing Professional Development. “But this makes a great deal of sense. I know nurse speak, and I have experience working with technology on the floors, as well as training and education.”
Partners Biomedical Engineering experienced success with this model at MGH, said Michael Fraai, director of BWH Biomedical Engineering. “Having a nurse to act as a liaison between the two departments makes sense,” he explained. “We are deploying more and more patient care technology, and the nursing staff is depending on this for safe, efficient and efficacious care. Michael will be able to facilitate the introduction of new and core technologies to the staff.”
While Dumais continues to define this new role, his primary goal is to ensure that new technology is deployed safely, effectively and that training is appropriate.
“The most important thing is knowing what nurses need to know,” he said. “We want to be able to use technology to its fullest capability. I can help ensure that nurses are trained appropriately and supported in their use of new technology.”
As faculty model preceptor of Nursing Professional Development, Dumais taught the faculty model to newly hired nurses, helping to orient them to BWH systems, including telecommunications and automated medications, among other things. Prior to that position, Dumais worked in the Surgical ICU on 8D and in the Operating Room, two areas involving a great deal of patient care technology.