Respiratory Therapist, ECMO Spec

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About Duke University Hospital

 

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States and is the number one hospital in North Carolina, according to U.S. News and World Report for 2023-2024. Duke University Hospital is the largest of Duke Health's three hospitals and features 1048 patient beds, 65 operating rooms, as well as comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

******$15,000 Commitment Bonus eligible if qualified

****** Up to $8,000 Relocation Assistance eligible if qualified

Job Responsibilities

The Respiratory Therapist Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Specialist (RT ECMO Specialist) is a licensed advanced respiratory care practitioner with advanced training in extracorporeal life support, responsible for the operation and management of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) devices and care of patients being supported with ECMO based on established policies and procedures and physician/advanced practice provider (APP) order.

 

Duties and Responsibilities of this Level

 

Operates the ECMO device and manages ECMO-related care for neonatal, pediatric, and adult ECMO including, but not limited to: ECMO circuit set up, priming, and initiation of ECMO support; adjustment of ECMO flow, gases, and temperature; accessing the ECMO circuit for laboratory studies, drug, fluid, and blood administration, ultrafiltration, dialysis, and apheresis; continuous ECMO and patient data monitoring and interpretation including hemodynamics, ECMO parameters, labs, and imaging; patient and circuit assessments, care, and maintenance; emergency interventions to any part of the ECMO circuitry including ECMO catheters.

Demonstrates expertise in caring for patients with multiple or complex conditions in which ECMO may be indicated; ECMO physiology including effects of congenital anatomical defects and palliations, various cannulation strategies and support modalities and impact of additional cardiopulmonary support devices.

Ensures appropriate ECMO patient care, anticipating, identifying and correcting problems associated with any ECMO procedures or technology and collaborates with the care team to deliver superior patient care including the knowledge, clinical and communication skills to direct and deliver critical troubleshooting and emergency response for patients on ECMO support; functions independently following standing orders and ECMO policies, procedures, and protocols.

Coordinates activities such as turns, baths, dressing changes, diagnostic testing, procedures, and patient mobility with the care team to directly support and maintain patency of the cannulae as well as stability of cardiopulmonary support while patient is undergoing ECMO.

Actively participates in ECMO patient rounds to share information and determine appropriateness of patient care plans; maintains communication with ECMO Leadership Team regarding concerns and variances as well as any ECMO patient complications; utilizes the ECMO electronic record to maintain ongoing complete and detailed documentation of patient and ECMO parameters; provides family/parental education and reinforces medical counseling initiated by the physician and advanced practice provider team; provides a clear and concise end of shift report for oncoming ECMO Specialist regarding ECMO settings, patient status, and patient care plans; provide orientation, education and training for Duke residents and fellows, interdisciplinary partners in assigned units, new hires, and students. Supports ECMO team quality improvement initiatives and research through the collection of ECMO-related data, preparation, and presentation of research abstracts and/or other documentation. Contributes to the maintenance of the environment of care including cleanliness and stocking.

Maintains all competencies and continuing education requirements as set forth by the Department of Respiratory Care Services, the Duke ECMO Program, Duke University Hospital, and the State of North Carolina including competence in all responsibilities of the Respiratory Care Practitioner Advanced as RT ECMO Specialists will be floated to assist respiratory care practitioners as assig