ECMO Specialist - Galveston (Days)

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor degree from a CoARC accredited School for Respiratory Therapy or equivalent, and ten (10) years of directly related critical care experience in adult or neonatal and/or pediatric care including patient assessment, technical skills and psychosocial aspects of care OR
• Bachelor degree in Nursing or equivalent, and five (5) years directly related critical care experience in adult or neonatal and/or pediatric care including patient assessment, technical skills and psychosocial aspects of care. 
  
  

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS OR CERTIFICATIONS
Required:

• Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the State of Texas or compact state OR
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
• BLS

Preferred: 

• ACCS or NPS certification
• ACLS

JOB DESCRIPTION
The ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Specialist is responsible for ensuring appropriate patient care of adults, pediatrics and neonates through the continuous monitoring of the ECMO circuit, related technology, and patient status. Through assessment of patient status and the ECMO circuit, the incumbent identifies and corrects problems associated with the ECMO procedure and initiates and evaluates interventions consistent with protocol.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• The ECMO Specialist consults with the ECMO manager and physician when patient condition and/or protocol limits or directives are in question.
• Technical Skills: The ECMO Specialist performs his/her job demonstrating technical ability, understanding of job expectations and compliance with organizational policies and procedures. The ECMO Specialist performs the following job responsibilities:

  • In collaboration with the ECMO physician, evaluates chest x-rays for endotracheal tube placement, cannula position, and status of the lung fields in determining patient status and weaning guidelines; supports and maintains patency of the cannula while patient is undergoing ECMO.

  • Assesses the cardiovascular (hemodynamic) status of the patient through test results (e.g. ABG’s, CBC, etc.) and physical assessment findings.
  • Performs patient assessment to anticipate and prevent potential problems (e.g., variances in blood pressure, perfusion, and heart rate).
  • Works with bedside nurse to provide care to patient.
  • Monitors the ECMO circuit for air or clots.
  • Infuses blood products, fluids, and/or medications per ECMO protocol.
  • Verifies and implements physician’s orders pertaining to drug dosages and monitors potential drug interactions pertaining to the ECMO patient.
  • Monitors and manages fluids according to ECMO protocol and maintains accurate intake and output records to ensure appropriate fluid levels.
  • Assesses oxygenator function by comparing pre and post oxygenator blood gases
  • Under the direction of a trained ECMO physician ensures lab values are within ordered parameters.
  • Maintains anticoagulation status for the patient based on ordered parameters for aPTT and adjusts Heparin infusion to maintain aPTT within ordered range.
  • Maintains arterial blood gas parameters by adjusting pump flow or oxygenator sweep.
  • Troubleshoots and replaces malfunctioning components of the ECMO circuit.
• Communication & Collaboration: The ECMO Specialist will participate as a member of ECMO Team working with the health care providers in providing quality care for the patient and their family. The ECMO Specialist will demonstrate respect and cooperation in fulfilling the goals and
  mission of UTMB and the ECMO program.
  • Initiates multidisciplinary collaboration to positively impact the outcomes of care provided.
  • Collaborates with the health care team in the provision of patient care.
  • Recommends modifications in patient management to the ECMO physician based on the relationship between patient diagnosis and ECMO circuit and/or lab parameters.
  • Communicates effectively with the health care team and patients and their families.
  • Initiates steps to support and enhance the patient’s responsibility and selfdetermination in decision-making concerning health, treatment and well-being.
  • Develops, maintains, and terminates therapeutic relationships with patients and families.
  • Demonstrates good interpersonal communication skills with the health care provider and the patient and their family. All communications, verbal and written, should demonstrate a commitment to customer service and excellence.
  • Improvement: The ECMO Specialists will accurately identify and diagnose an issue, identify alternatives, implement a plan, evaluate and communicate results.
  • Follows protocol to maintain hematocrit or hemoglobin within the ordered parameter
  • Follows protocol to maintain platelet count within the ordered parameter