RN Program Coordinator ECMO

The RN Program Coordinator ECMO at Mission Health is a specialized registered nurse responsible for coordinating and advancing the Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) program within the Healthcare & Medical Services department. Based in Asheville, NC, this role supports Mission Health’s purpose of improving the health and wellness of the community through advanced, compassionate care.

The RN Program Coordinator ECMO provides expert, bedside clinical nursing care to critically ill patients requiring ECMO support while also overseeing program operations, quality, and education. The nurse functions as a clinical leader and subject-matter resource for ECMO therapy, working in close collaboration with intensivists, perfusionists, respiratory therapists, bedside nurses, and other members of the multidisciplinary team. Responsibilities include assisting with patient selection for ECMO, coordinating cannulation and decannulation processes, monitoring and managing ECMO circuits in alignment with established protocols, and ensuring consistent, evidence-based practice across the program.

In this role, the RN Program Coordinator ECMO participates in developing and updating ECMO policies, procedures, and clinical guidelines, incorporating current research, regulatory standards, and recommendations from organizations such as ELSO. The coordinator collects and analyzes program data, tracks key quality indicators, and supports reporting, benchmarking, and performance-improvement initiatives to optimize patient outcomes and program safety. This nurse will help lead morbidity and mortality reviews, debriefs after complex cases, and program audits, fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

Education and staff development are central to this position. The RN Program Coordinator ECMO plans and delivers ECMO-related education, skills validation, and ongoing competency assessments for nursing staff and other clinical team members. The coordinator organizes simulation sessions, orientation for new ECMO practitioners, and annual recertification activities, ensuring all team members maintain the skills and confidence required to manage high-acuity ECMO patients. The nurse also serves as a key contact for on-shift ECMO questions, troubleshooting issues, and supporting bedside teams in real time.

Mission Health fosters a collaborative environment that emphasizes teamwork, respect, and professional growth, and the RN Program Coordinator ECMO is expected to model these values. The nurse works closely with leadership to identify program needs, supports scheduling and resource planning for ECMO cases, and participates in strategic discussions related to service-line development and growth. The position offers the opportunity to act as a mentor and coach to other nurses, contribute to shared governance, and participate in committees or workgroups focused on critical care and advanced therapies.

On a day-to-day basis, the RN Program Coordinator ECMO balances direct patient care with coordination responsibilities. Bedside duties include comprehensive assessment, hemodynamic and ventilator management in collaboration with the care team, medication administration, meticulous documentation, and family education and support. Coordination duties may include maintaining ECMO equipment readiness, collaborating with supply chain and biomedical engineering, monitoring compliance with infection-prevention practices, and supporting readiness for regulatory surveys.

This full-time position is ideal for an experienced critical care RN with ECMO experience who is passionate about advanced life support therapies, education, and program development. Mission Health offers the opportunity to practice in a patient-centered environment with clear pathways for professional advancement, allowing the RN Program Coordinator ECMO to expand both clinical expertise and leadership skills while contributing to a high-performing, mission-driven healthcare organization.