HCSS Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) RN

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).

Clinical Level Responsibilities

The ES is trained to independently prime, operate, troubleshoot & manage ECLS & MCS devices. The ES can independently initiate support & manage advanced ECLS & MCS care plans. The ES can independently troubleshoot clinical scenarios. The ES is trained to independently manage ECLS & MCS emergencies and coordinate the allied health care team to implement major interventions. The ES is a clinical preceptor and resource for level I & II specialists. The ES has an increased responsibility for departmental needs & will assist leadership to train ES I & II specialists, balance staffing gaps, cover primer call, collect patient data & assist with supply management tasks.

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.