ECMO Specialist

ECMO Specialist

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Summary: Under the direction of the Respiratory Therapy management and according to UNCH and departmental policies and procedures, the Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Specialist is responsible for all aspects of monitoring and troubleshooting the ECMO circuit and related equipment during the treatment period. The ECMO Specialist is also responsible for collaborating with bedside RNs, physicians, and other members of the health care team to coordinate care for these very complex patients.

Responsibilities: 1. Planning and Managing Care - According to UNCH and department standards, and utilizing unique knowledge regarding extracorporeal circulation and its effects on the body, independently uses and documents effective planning, deliverance and evaluation of goal focused, individualized safe age and culture-specific care for all patients. Works in conjunction with the bedside nurse to ensure that the patient on ECMO has adequate end organ perfusion, maintains acid base balance and hemodynamic stability within ordered parameters, has adequate oxygenation and ventilation, along with maintaining other parameters as ordered by the ECMO service. 2. Continuum of Care Planning - Consistently role models the coordination of comprehensive, age and culture specific continuum of care planning for all patients and families. Using available internal resources and systems, consults with healthcare team providing complete and appropriate information for complex continuum of care planning. 3. Patient and Family Education – Independently develops, evaluates and revises individualized, age and culture-specific teaching plans for all patients and families. 4. Problem Solving - Identifies problems and utilizes problem solving skills to participate in finding solutions to resolve problems, following through to implement solutions. Role models the use of the problem solving process. 5. Communication and Collaboration - Clearly and efficiently communicates significant information from one level or location of care and/or from one caregiver to another. Independently collaborates with multidisciplinary team members. Role models effective communication/collaboration and directly manages conflict resolution. 6. Continuous Learning - Assumes responsibility for continuous learning, engaging in educational activities annually or pursuing advanced academic education. Develops and achieves personal and professional goals. Is proactively involved in quality improvement by the identification of issues, planning and evaluation of quality improvement projects.

Education Requirements: Associate's degree from an accredited Respiratory Therapy program or Nursing. Licensure/Certification Requirements: If a Respiratory Therapist: Licensed as a Respiratory Therapist by the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board and registry eligible by the National Board of Respiratory Care. If a RN: Licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse n the state of North Carolina. Professional Experience Requirements: Two (2) years of experience as a Registered Nurse or Respiratory Therapist. Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities Requirements: Advanced knowledge of principles and techniques of extracorporeal support. Interpersonal communication skills necessary to work with hospital employees, physicians, patients, family members and community professionals. Must possess exceptional critical thinking skills and deal with extreme pressure and stress. Ability to rotate shifts and/or work flexible hours to meet patient care needs.