ECMO Respiratory Specialist Per Diem

Trinity Health•Hartford, CT

About The Position

The ECLS Specialist provides extracorporeal life support to adult patients who are in cardiac or respiratory failure despite maximum medical therapy. The ECLS Specialist, under the supervision of the Chief Perfusionist (and ECMO physicians) is responsible for all aspects of monitoring and troubleshooting the ECMO circuit and related equipment during the treatment period. The ECLS Specialist is also responsible for collaborating with bedside RNs, physicians, respiratory therapists, and other members of the health care team to coordinate care for these very complex patients.

Requirements

Associate degree in respiratory therapy, Bachelor’s preferred
Minimum of three (3) years of experience in respiratory care and one (1) year in critical care
NBRC certification as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is required. Licensed as a Respiratory Care provider by the State of Connecticut. Current BLS and NRP (or obtained within 90 days of hire date). ACLS preferred

Nice To Haves

ACLS preferred
Bachelor’s preferred

Responsibilities

Operate and manage ECMO circuits and their components during ECMO procedures
Monitor the functional integrity of all ECMO circuit components
Troubleshoot the ECMO circuit and assist with repairs/replacement of ECMO circuit components under normal and emergency conditions
Continually assess vital signs, hemodynamics, arterial blood gases (ABG), SvO2, and other factors related to systemic oxygen supply/demand, and adjust accordingly
Continually evaluate ECMO circuit function to optimize oxygen delivery, CO2 removal, and obtain optimal hemodynamic stability
Operate point-of-care laboratory equipment to evaluate changes in ABGs and electrolytes
Collaborate with the bedside RN and medical team to correct abnormal laboratory values
Effectively manage planned and emergent disruptions of ECMO, such as circuit repairs and trials of ECMO (with perfusion back-up as needed)
Assist team members with initiation of ECMO support, discontinuation of ECMO support, and other procedures while on ECMO (including intra-facility transport)