ECMO Specialist

GENERAL SUMMARY

The ECMO Specialist functions under the supervision of the designated physician(s) and in accordance with written policies and protocols developed and approved by the ECMO physicians, the medical executive committee and the governing board. Reports to department leadership.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Participates as a member of the multi-disciplinary team in assessing and implementing comprehensive patient care services of ECMO patients.

Monitors and troubleshoots the ECMO circuit and related equipment during the treatment period.

Collaborates with bedside RNs, physicians, and other members of the health care team to coordinate care for these very complex patients.

Performs other duties as assigned.

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

Required Licenses and/or Certifications

Must obtain and maintain ECMO specialty certifications as applicable.

CPR Training and PALS training required within 6 months of hire. ACLS and NRP preferred.

Must meet one of the following requirements:

Certified Clinical Perfusionist by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion holding a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a closely related field.

Registered Nurse holding a current Virginia State license or a valid compact state license. BSN preferred.

Respiratory Care Practitioner holding current Virginia license and current registry as a Respiratory Therapist with the National Board of Respiratory Care. NPS certification preferred.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Required Education and Experience

Must meet one of the following requirements:

Certified Clinical Perfusionist by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion holding a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a closely related field.

Registered Nurse holding a current Virginia State license or a valid compact state license. BSN preferred.

Respiratory Care Practitioner holding current Virginia license and current registry as a Respiratory Therapist with the National Board of Respiratory Care. NPS certification preferred.

Proof of prior completion of an Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO)-based ECMO training program or completion of CHKD’s in-house ELSO based training program within 3 months of hire.

Must provide record of a completed diploma (or equivalent) or academic transcript for those areas performing laboratory testing.

Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a critical care setting.

Preferred Education and Experience

Pediatric critical care experience preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong leadership, decision-making skills, and knowledge of quality improvement methods.

Ability to demonstrate high level of initiative, self-direction, and accountability. Interpersonal skills necessary for effective communication with department staff, physicians, nurses, other clinicians, patients/families, and other agencies and institutions.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Clinical patient care environment with minimal exposure to hazards such as excess noise, dust, or extremes in temperature. Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, body fluids and other conditions common to the healthcare environment. Moderate adverse working conditions due to the need to perform certain patient care activities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

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