ECMO Specialist

Part Time (16 hours/pay period)

While professional experience and qualifications are key for this role, make sure to check you have the preferable soft skills before applying if required.

Days

2- 12 hour shifts every 2 weeks

General Summary

Manages the ECMO system and the clinical needs of patients on ECMO. Responsible for all aspects of monitoring and troubleshooting the ECMO circuit and related equipment for patients receiving Extracorporeal Life Support. Adheres to established clinical guidelines set forth by the organization and alignment with Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) standards of care.
Duties and Responsibilities

Operates and manages ECMO circuits and their components during ECMO procedures.
Monitors functional integrity of all ECMO circuit components.
Troubleshoots the ECMO circuit and assists with repairs/replacement of ECMO circuit components under normal and emergent conditions.
Continually assesses vital signs, hemodynamics, arterial blood gases, SvO2, and other factors related to systemic oxygen supply/demand, and adjust support accordingly
Continually evaluates ECMO circuit function to optimize oxygen delivery, CO2 removal, and obtain optimal hemodynamic stability.
Operates point-of-care laboratory requirement to evaluate changes in ABGs, CBC, and electrolytes. Collaborates with bedside RN to correct abnormal lab values.
Effectively manages planned and emergent disruptions of ECMO, such as circuit repairs and trials off ECMO (with perfusion supervision as needed).
Manages Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in conjunction with the ECMO circuit.
Maintains knowledge of ECMO and critical care research, including new developments/technologies (via review of literature, news reports, conference attendance, formal and informal continuing education class etc.).
Assists team members with cannulation, initiation of ECMO support, decannulation, and other procedures/operations while on ECMO.
Assists team members with the preparation, set-up and priming of the ECMO circuit and its replacement components.
Adheres to managing physicians daily ECMO protocols/parameters.
Maintains record of required ECMO competency, continuing education, and bedside ECMO hours.
Provides patient, family, staff and community education. Serves as a resource to the multidisciplinary team caring for ECMO patients, providing expertise in device operation, and troubleshooting.
Maintains ECMO services at the Center of Excellence performance levels as established by ESLO.
Assists with new equipment evaluation and purchase and maintaining supplies for the ECMO program.

Required for All Jobs:

Performs other related duties as identified.
WellSpan Health has adopted and implemented a compliance program to support WellSpan's values and standards for professionalism, integrity, and ethics. Expected to support and meet the values and standards of the organization and the performance expectations of the job, the department, and the compliance program.
WellSpan Health has adopted and implemented a privacy program to safeguard the patient information and the business and operational information of the organization. Expected to support and meet the values and standards of the organization to safeguard patient and business/operational information.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Qualifications

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED Required
Bachelors Degree In nursing, respiratory care, or perfusion technology from an accredited training program. Preferred

Work Experience:

1 year Experience in providing bedside ECMO support and/or completion of ECMO Specialist training program. Required and
Advanced knowledge of principles and techniques of extracorporeal support. Required and
3 years Cardiothoracic ICU experience. Required

Licenses:

Licensed Registered Nurse Upon Hire Required or
Registered Nurse Multi State License Upon Hire Required or
Registered Respiratory Therapist - NBRC Upon Hire Required and
Basic Life Support Upon Hire Required
Critical Care Registered Nurse - AACN Upon Hire Preferred and
Advanced Cardiac Life Support Upon Hire Preferred

Courses and Training:

Annual re-certification: Meeting attendance, Wet lab simulation, written exam, Pump time requirements, professional conference attendance, competency/skill assessment. Upon Hire Required

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