ECMO Specialist, Procirca (Pinnacle)

ECMO Specialist Opportunity at UPMC Procirca

UPMC Procirca is looking for a casual ECMO Specialist to join their dedicated team at Pinnacle Hospital in Harrisburg, PA.

As assigned, an Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenator (ECMO) Specialist performs, under the supervision of a licensed physician and according to prescribed procedures, those functions necessary for the support and treatment of the cardiopulmonary system of a patient. The ECMO Specialist performs advanced technical work in the selection, preparation, operation, and maintenance of the ECMO circuit and accessory equipment including the heater/cooler. The work areas are primarily the intensive care units and operating room, but the possibility exists to provide ECMO throughout the hospital and during critical transport internally or externally by air and ground. This individual will be required to travel between UPMC Hospitals to deliver ECMO services per institutional policy. In addition, the individual will participate in a rotating on-call schedule per institutional policy.

This is a casual status position, working flexible 12 hour shifts (at least one shift every two weeks).

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with medical staff to integrate best technologies and clinical practices.
• Support continuing education and research. Support ELSO Center of Excellence requirements. Support other Procirca initiatives determined to improve ECMO care. Support Procirca internal and external contractual obligations with various healthcare facilities per institutional policy.
• Safely conduct ECMO care scope of practice.
• Provides patient, family, staff and community education.
• Participate in on-call schedule per institutional policy. Perform documentation associated with described responsibilities. Perform duties and responsibilities according to the philosophy and standards of UPMC including conveying courtesy, respect, enthusiasm, and positive attitude in work situations with patients, peers, medical staff, and visitors. Perform equipment maintenance checklists as required.
• Operate and manage ECMO circuits and their components during ECMO procedures. Operate point-of-care laboratory requirement to evaluate changes in ABGs, CBC, and electrolytes.
• Meet compliance with Joint Commission, State Department of Health, CAP, and AABB.
• Support Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in conjunction with the ECMO circuit. Manage planned and emergent disruptions of ECMO, such as circuit repairs and trials off ECMO (with physician/perfusion supervision as needed).
• Maintain proficiency with accessory equipment and procedures. Maintain record of required ECMO competency, continuing education, and bedside ECMO hours. Make appropriate changes in therapy after consultation with the attending physician(s).
• Continually assess vital signs, hemodynamics, arterial blood gases, SvO2, optimize oxygen delivery, CO2 removal, and other factors related to systemic oxygen supply/demand, and adjust support accordingly.
• Collaborate with patient care team (attending physician, fellows, beside RN) to correct abnormal lab values.
• Attends meetings and support committee work to improve ECMO care.
• At UPMC facilities, participate with coverage and call for STAT MedEvac responsibilities per institutional policy. At UPMC facilities, serve as instructor to UPMC School of Cardiovascular Perfusion students per institutional policy.
• Assist with transportation of ECMO patients by land and air per institutional policy.
• Assist Perfusion/ECMO Director with monthly reports on clinical activity, quality improvement, patient safety, and clinical outcomes. Assist team members with cannulation, initiation of ECMO support, decannulation, and procedures. Assist with new equipment and supply evaluations. Assist with system-wide policy and procedure guidelines, performance management, clinical competency, and continuing education programs.
• Administer medications, blood components, and anesthetic agents under the supervision by the attending physicians.

Required: Registered Nurse, Certified Clinical Perfusionist, Registered Respiratory Therapist with minimum of 4 years of clinical experience, of which 2 or more years' is in ECMO care, demonstrating advanced knowledge and proficiency.

Preferred: General computer skills to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint and database management.

Demonstrated evidence of strong and effective interpersonal, written, and oral communications.

Completion of an Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) qualified program (or equivalent).

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances: Current Pennsylvania registered nurse, respiratory therapist, or perfusionist license. Current Pennsylvania driver's license. BLS

American Board Cardiovascular Perfusionist

American Board Cardiovascular Perfusionist OR Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician (CRTT) OR Registered Nurse (RN) OR Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Automotive Insurance

Basic Life Support (BLS)

Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Driver's License

Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran