ECMO Specialist

General Summary

Under general supervision, encompasses clinical responsibilities along with shared administrative duties. Practices at the level of an expert practitioner in nursing, respiratory care or perfusion. Demonstrates expertise in caring for patients with multiple and complex problems by monitoring the ECMO circuit and patient status. Identifies and corrects problems associated with ECMO procedures. Serves as a resource and consultant to staff and participates in endeavors to increase ECMO knowledge. Administrative duties include scheduling, timekeeping, clinical training and simulation development for all staff.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all job duties performed.

1. Manages ECMO therapy. Competently transports ECMO patients as needed and facilitates or maintains care throughout procedures performed in other units (such as OR, Cath Lab, etc.). Safely pulls blood samples from the circuit for routine labs. Documents all required information into patient charts on an hourly basis, and as needed when changes are made, etc.

2. Maintains and adjusts ECMO settings and can perform or facilitate required tasks when routine change or emergency needs arise. Assures the upkeep of ECMO pump and all associated equipment and supplies. 

3. Performs patient assessment and monitors the ECMO circuit to anticipate and prevent potential problems. Makes recommendations to appropriate personnel.

4. Monitors and manages fluids according to protocol and maintains accurate intake and output records with bedside nurse.

5. Abides by all protocols and procedures governing the care of any patient.

6. Works with members of the health care team to develop and implement an effective plan of care. Maintains daily ordered clinical parameters.

7. Keeps abreast of new developments/technologies in critical care. Considers these when developing care plans in order to achieve best clinical outcome.

8. Ensures organizational requirements, competencies, certifications, and licensures are current. Assists in the training and maintenance of competencies for other specialists. 

9. Completion of annual proficiency/clinical competency testing or any training/learning objectives set forth by department leadership.

10. Mastery of critical care and respiratory care as evidenced by intuitive response to complex clinical situations.

11. Aids in maintaining quality initiatives, participates in any ongoing research responsibilities, and data collection required within the department.

12. Meets department PRN required minimum of signing up for 2 shifts/month.

13. Any other duties or requirements as indicated by department leadership and team needs/standards.

Education and Experience

Depending on current licensure, must possess one of the following:

• Licensure as a Registered Nurse in the state of Maryland, or eligible to practice due to Compact state agreements outlined through the MD Board of Nursing. With completion of an ELSO approved ECMO training program preferred; or
• Licensure as a Respiratory Therapist in the state of Maryland. Registration by the National Board of Respiratory Care as a Respiratory Therapist. With completion of an ELSO approved ECMO training program preferred; or 
• Certification eligible by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion. Certification within 2-years from date of hire.
• Current CPR certification is required