ECMO Specialist (6P-6A) at Parkland Health and Hospital System

Interested in a career with both meaning and growth? Whether your abilities are in direct patient care or one of the many other areas of healthcare administration and support, everyone at Parkland works together to fulfill our mission: the health and well-being of individuals and communities entrusted to our care. By joining Parkland, you become part of a diverse healthcare legacy that’s served our community for more than 125 years. Put your skills to work with us, seek opportunities to learn and join a talented team where patient care is more than a job. It’s our passion.

Primary Purpose

The Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS)/Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Specialist (ES) is responsible for ensuring appropriate patient care through the continuous monitoring of the ECMO circuit, related technology, and patient status. The MCS/ECMO Specialist will monitor and troubleshoot all mechanical circulatory support devices. Through assessment of patient status and the ECMO circuit, the incumbent identifies and corrects problems associated with the ECMO procedure and initiates and evaluates interventions consistent with protocol. The MCS/ECMO Specialist consults with the physician when patient condition and/or protocol limits or directives are in question. As a member of the MCS-ECMO team, this position works closely with other team members and health care providers to provide patient care in accordance with the patient's individualized care plan. The MCS/ECMO Specialist applies scientific knowledge, specialized training to practical clinical problems related to all mechanical circulatory support devices.

Minimum Specifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree

Experience

• Must have 3 years of critical care experience.
• Preference is greater than 6 year of critical care experience.
• Preference for prior ECMO, Impella, IABP training and education.  Required training will be provided.

Equivalent Education and/or Experience

• None

Certification/Registration/Licensure

• Must have current, valid RN license or temporary RN license from the Texas Board of Nursing; or, valid Compact RN license OR/Licensed Perfusionist OR/Licensed Respiratory Therapist.
• Must have current healthcare provider CPR course completion card from one of the following:
  • American Heart Association
  • American Red Cross
  • Military Training Network
• Must have current Advanced Life Support (ALS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification on hire or placement in role. Certification must be from one of the following:
  • American Heart Association
  • American Red Cross

Skills or Special Abilities

• Must be capable of serving as a clinical resource for staff.
• Must be an expert in their field of study.

Responsibilities

• The MCS/ECMO Specialist systematically and continuously collects and assesses data in collaboration with the team to provide therapeutic care for the patient and family.
• Monitors and adjusts ECMO circuit settings, (e.g. heat exchanger temperature, pump flow, sweep gas) to maintain parameters established by the ECMO physician.
• Monitors and troubleshoots all mechanical circulatory support devices.
• Provides ongoing oversight and maintenance of mechanical circulatory support devices and evaluates the effectiveness of the therapy in collaboration with the bedside nursing team. Provides support in the deployment of all mechanical circulatory support devices
• Assesses the cardiovascular (hemodynamic) status of the patient through test results (e.g. ABG's, CBC, etc.) and physical assessment findings.
• Performs patient assessment to anticipate and prevent potential problems (e.g., variances in blood pressure, perfusion, and heart rate).
• Verifies and implements physicians orders pertaining to drug dosages and monitors potential drug interactions pertaining to the patient on MCS devices, in collaboration with the bedside nurse.
• Monitors fluid balance according to defined fluid balance goals. Works with the bedside staff and team to ensure accurate intake and output records are maintained to ensure appropriate fluid levels.
• Utilizes Activated Clotting Time (ACT) values to assess clotting status; works with the physician team and bedside staff to adjust anticoagulation for the patient(s) as appropriate and per physician orders.
• In collaboration with the physician, evaluates chest x-rays for endotracheal tube placement, device position, and status of the lung fields in determining patient status and weaning guidelines; supports and maintains patency of the cannulae while patient is undergoing ECMO.
• Supports all MCS team research through the collection of MCS- related data, preparation, and presentation of research abstracts and/or other documentation.
• Assist and provide resource capabilities for all mechanical circulatory devices
• The MCS/ECMO Specialist will accurately identify and troubleshoot an issue, identify alternatives, implement a plan, evaluate, and communicate results to the appropriate members of the care team to include the physician and nursing partners.
• Demonstrates commitment to quality and excellence.
• Problems are solved through critical evaluation of databased information and continuous improvement efforts that lead to effective quality-based outcomes.

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Parkland Health and Hospital System prohibits discrimination based on age (40 or over), race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, disability, national origin, marital status, political belief, or veteran status. As part of our commitment to our patients and employees’ wellness, Parkland Health is a tobacco and smoke-free campus.