HCSS Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) specialist/RRT

JOB SUMMARY:

The ECMO Specialist (ES) is a licensed allied health care professional with a strong

clinical background in neonatal, pediatric and/or adult critical care and advanced

cardiopulmonary support. The ES has ≥ 2 years ICU experience or completion of an

accredited cardiovascular perfusion training program. The ES is responsible for the

coordination of clinical care for patients requiring the support of extracorporeal life

support (ECLS) & mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices under the direction &

supervision of credentialed ECMO and advanced heart failure physicians. The ES has

successfully completed advanced training to operate ECLS & MCS devices, in

accordance with guidelines established by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization

(ELSO) & the American Society of ExtraCorporeal Technology (AmSECT). The ES

adheres to the policies, guidelines & best practices set forth by the director, manager &

coordinator of the ECMO department. The ES plays a key role in device management,

patient monitoring, emergency response, and quality improvement initiatives.

Clinical Level Detail

The ECMO Specialist (ES) is a competent technical specialist, preceptor & ECMO

primer. The ES is a proficient clinician in two high acuity clinical environments where

care of an ECLS or MCS patient is provided (2 ICU's or Any ICU + OR, CVL, Transport

etc.) & in two patient populations (Adult, Pediatric &/or Neonatal).

Clinical Level Minimal Experience

The required experience to qualify as an ES is ≥ 2 years’ experience as an ES; or

completion of an accredited program in cardiovascular perfusion, advanced practice

registered nurse, physician assistant or medical school. Completed the annually

required ELSO & AmSECT based didactic education, hands on drills, simulations &

passed annual competency examination(s) for an ES. Completed clinical ECMO

orientations in two patient populations (Adult, Pediatric &/or Neonatal).

MAJOR DUTIES / CRITICAL TASKS:

Communication

· Participates in monthly interdisciplinary ECMO case reviews and in-services to

share information and determine appropriateness of patient care plans.

· Supports ECMO team research through the collection of ECMO-related data,

preparation, and presentation of research abstracts and/or other documentation.

· Utilizes the ECMO flow sheet to maintain ongoing complete and detailed

documentation of patient history and the amount of blood and other fluids

administered and any complications that may occur.

· Provides family/parental education and reinforces medical counseling initiated by

the ECMO physician.

· Provides a clear and concise end of shift report for the oncoming ECMO Specialist

regarding machine settings, patient status, and patient care plans.

Technical Specialist

· Patient Identification: Collaborates with multidisciplinary physician teams to

identify patients indicated for ECLS or MCS therapies and guides care team to

adhere to indications and contraindications as found in hospital guidelines and

policies.

· Initiation of Support: Coordinates & collaborates with multidisciplinary care team to prepare patient and environment for the timely and safe initiation of ECLS or MCS support. · Patient Management & Monitoring on Support: Assess and manage patient clinical needs, including but not limited to patient assessment, hemodynamic monitoring, NIRS, blood gas interpretation, laboratory results, fluid balance, nutrition, respiratory support, neurologic status, infection control, sedation, pain management, hematology, and cardiac function. · Communication: Collaborates with the ECMO physician and other health care providers involved in the management of the patient to coordinate all tests and evaluations (e.g. head and cardiac ultrasounds and EEGs) and provide care in accordance with the patient’s individualized care plan. Recommends modifications in patient management to the ECMO physician based on the relation