Respiratory Therapist/ECMO Specialist

Job Description Nemours is seeking a Cardiac Center Respiratory Therapist/ECMO Specialist to join our Nemours Children's Health team in Orlando, FL. This is a part‑time position. Responsibilities The Cardiac Center Respiratory Therapist/ECMO Specialist serves in a dual function role to: Provides all routine and emergency respiratory care in patients admitted to the Comprehensive Cardiac Care Unit under the direction of the Cardiac Critical Care attending physician. The therapist/ECMO specialist provides clinical direction for respiratory care trainees. The therapist/ECMO specialist provides consultation and education to other healthcare professionals. The therapist/ECMO specialist is in routine contact with patients during the provision of hands‑on care and in frequent contact with patients’ families. The therapist/ECMO specialist may need to work in other areas of the hospital based on patient census and acuity. Ensures appropriate patient care through continuous monitoring and assessment of the patient, ECMO circuit and related technology. Identifies and corrects problems associated with ECMO processes and initiates and evaluates interventions consistent with protocol. Consults with the ECMO physician when patient condition or protocol limits are in question. Collaborates closely with other team members and health care providers to provide patient care in accordance with the patient’s individualized care plan. Requires flexibility with schedule changes; shifts scheduled and number of hours are variable due to the emergency nature of ECMO. Respiratory Therapist Essential Functions Provide all functions of mechanical ventilation, including high frequency, critical care and home care equipment. Provide all functions of airway clearance and respiratory medication administration. Provide advanced medical gas delivery with appropriate equipment, including but not limited to nitric oxide, Helium oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and diagnostic gases (5% carbon dioxide). Perform intra‑hospital transport of critically ill patients, including patients with artificial airways. Perform point‑of‑care blood testing, including arterial blood gas testing and clotting time. Contribute to multidisciplinary care rounding with the care team. ECMO Specialist Essential Functions Maintain ECMO competencies with annual training and simulation as well as ongoing education as best practice changes. Monitor and adjust ECMO circuit settings (e.g., heat exchanger temperature, pump flow, sweep gas) to maintain parameters established by the ECMO physician. Recommend administration of blood products, fluids, and/or medications as warranted by ECMO status. Assess the cardiopulmonary status of the patient through test results (e.g., ABGs, CBC, etc.) and physical assessment findings. Perform patient assessment to anticipate and prevent potential problems (e.g., variances in blood pressure, perfusion, ventilation, and heart rate). Monitor and manage intake and output records to ensure appropriate fluid levels. Monitor coagulation results to assess clotting status; adjust heparin infusion per ECMO heparin protocol. Evaluate chest X‑rays for endotracheal tube placement, cannulae position, and status of the lung fields to determine patient status and weaning guidelines; support and maintain patency of the cannulae while patient is undergoing ECMO in collaboration with the ECMO physician. Support ECMO team research through the collection of ECMO‑related data, preparation, and presentation of research abstracts and/or other documentation. Demonstrate expertise in neonatal and/or pediatric care, including patient assessment, technical skills, and psychosocial aspects of care. Actively participate in the evaluation of new equipment, effectively identify and troubleshoot equipment problems. Quality Provide a clear and concise end‑of‑shift report for the incoming Respiratory Therapist/ECMO Specialist. Participate in interdisciplinary case reviews and in‑service training to share information and determine appropriateness of patient care plans. Problem‑solve through critical evaluation of clinical and database information and continuous improvement efforts that lead to effective quality‑based outcomes. Provide family/parental education and reinforce medical counseling initiated by the physician care team. Utilize Epic to document flow sheets and other clinical information to ensure accurate information is available to the care team. Qualifications Graduate of a Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) accredited school for respiratory care (required). Associate's degree required; Baccalaureate degree preferred. Holds the Certified Respiratory Therapist or Registered Respiratory Therapist credential issued by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), or an equivalent credential acceptable to the Board; or The applicant holds certification, or the equivalent, to deliver respiratory care in another state and such certification was granted pursuant to requirements determined to be equivalent to, or more stringent than, the requirements in Florida. Clear and active Florida license. American Heart Association: Basic Life Support (BLS) required; PALS required within the first six months; ACLS required within the first six months. One to three years of experience required. #J-18808-Ljbffr