Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Specialist

Parkland Health

About The Position

The Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS)/Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Specialist ensures appropriate patient care through continuous monitoring of the ECMO circuit, related technology, and patient status. The specialist monitors and troubleshoots mechanical circulatory support devices, identifies and corrects problems associated with ECMO, and initiates and evaluates interventions consistent with protocol. The specialist consults with physicians when the patient’s condition or protocol limits or directives are in question. As a member of the MCS-ECMO team, the specialist works closely with team members and other healthcare providers to deliver care in accordance with each patient’s individualized care plan. The position applies scientific knowledge and specialized training to clinical problems involving mechanical circulatory support devices.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
At least 3 years of critical care experience.
Current, valid RN license or temporary RN license from the Texas Board of Nursing, a valid Compact RN license, licensed perfusionist status, or licensed respiratory therapist status.
Current healthcare provider BLS for Healthcare Providers certification from the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or Military Training Network.
Current ALS or ACLS certification on hire or placement in the role, from the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or Military Training Network.

Nice To Haves

More than 6 years of critical care experience is preferred.
Prior ECMO, Impella, and IABP training and education are preferred; training will be provided.

Responsibilities

Systematically and continuously collect and assess patient and family data in collaboration with the team to provide therapeutic care.
Monitor and adjust ECMO circuit settings, including heat exchanger temperature, pump flow, and sweep gas, to maintain parameters established by the ECMO physician.
Monitor and troubleshoot mechanical circulatory support devices.
Provide ongoing oversight and maintenance of mechanical circulatory support devices, evaluate therapy effectiveness with the bedside nursing team, and support deployment of the devices.
Assess cardiovascular and hemodynamic status using test results, such as ABGs and CBCs, and physical assessment findings.
Assess patients to anticipate and prevent potential problems, including variations in blood pressure, perfusion, and heart rate.
Verify and implement physician orders relating to drug dosages and monitor potential drug interactions in collaboration with the bedside nurse.
Monitor fluid balance according to defined goals and work with bedside staff and the team to maintain accurate intake and output records.
Use Activated Clotting Time (ACT) values to assess clotting status and collaborate with the physician team and bedside staff on anticoagulation adjustments as appropriate and per physician orders.
Collaborate with physicians to evaluate chest x-rays for endotracheal tube placement, device position, and lung-field status when determining patient status and weaning guidelines; support and maintain cannula patency during ECMO.
Support MCS team research by collecting related data and preparing and presenting research abstracts or other documentation.
Assist with and provide resource capabilities for all mechanical circulatory devices.
Identify and troubleshoot issues, identify alternatives, implement a plan, evaluate results, and communicate with appropriate care-team members, including physician and nursing partners.
Demonstrate commitment to quality and excellence.
Solve problems through critical evaluation of data-based information and continuous improvement efforts that lead to effective quality-based outcomes.