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Job Summary: The ECMO Specialist (ES) is defined by ELSO as the technical specialist trained to manage the ECMO system and the clinical needs of the patient on ECMO under the direction and supervision of a licensed ECMO trained physician. The appropriate candidate should practice at an expert level practitioner in nursing. Specific training and ongoing assessment is crucial to ensure clinical competence and skill is maintained to the highest standards to minimize risk. The ES is responsible for management of the circuit, preventing and detecting complications, treating complications with circuit and participating on the multidisciplinary ECMO team. The ECMO Specialist will also maintain competency and participate in the monitoring and direct care of patients with temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) such as IABP and temporary ventricular-assist devices

Job Description:

Essential Responsibilities:

1. The ECMO specialist team is responsible for managing equipment and supplies, circuit preparation, troubleshooting, daily rounds, education and documentation of ECMO parameters.

2. It is the expectation of the program that the ES is required to be available at all times during their shift. If the ES leaves the unit, they must notify the team and be available by phone or page.

3. Manages ECMO therapy on maximum of 1-3 patients.

4. Works with members of health care team to develop and implement an effective plan of care.

5. Expert mastery of critical care and respiratory care as evidenced by intuitive responses to complex clinical situations.

6. Routinely obtains blood samples from arterial lines, PA catheters, PICC lines, venipuncture and ECMO circuit and monitors for results.

7. Assist in interpreting and treating any abnormal lab values.

8. Collaborates in consistently assessing patient and response to ECMO circuit   to anticipate need for change in therapy and to prevent any potential problems.

9. Monitors and manages fluids/blood products according to ECMO protocol with bedside primary RN to ensure adequate fluid balance.

10. Safely travels and assists with any procedural activities along with the appropriate health care team.

11. Routinely primes circuit and assists with initiation of ECMO at bedside and in Cath lab and will assist in the OR when able.

12. Maintains and adjusts ECMO settings based on patient’s need.

13. Participates in weaning and decannulation of circuit.

14. Monitors need and is responsible for circuit change out as needed.

15. Completion of quarterly ECMO Specialist refresher courses including wet lab and simulation to remain proficient and up to date with ELSO guidelines.

16.  Other duties as indicated by the ECMO Program Clinical Manager.

Preferred Experience and/or Qualifications:

1. Demonstrated leadership ability with strong communication, collaboration and conflict resolution skills.

2. Assumes responsibility as a self-directed professional for own continuing education with the ability to return updated knowledge to the ECMO Specialist group.

3. Maintains and evaluates own clinical practice and competencies guided by evidence-based literature and research.

Required Qualifications:

1. License Registered Nurse required, or Respiratory Therapist License required.

2. 1-3 years related work experience required, at least 1 year in an adult ICU (MICU, SICU, CCU, CVICU, TSICU)

3. Successful completion of an approved school of nursing and achievement of a passing score on the state written exam given board of nursing for that state

4. Or successful completion of an accredited school of respiratory therapy and have successfully completed the registry examination for advanced level practitioners and be recognized as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC).

5. Experience with computer systems required, including web-based applications and some Microsoft Office applications which may include Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint or Access.

Competencies:

1. Decision Making: Ability to make decisions that are guided by general instructions and practices requiring some interpretation. May make recommendations for solving problems of moderate complexity and importance.

2. Problem Solving: Ability to address problems that are varied, requiring analysis or interpretation of the situation using direct observation, knowledge and skills based