ECMO Specialist - Mechanical Circulatory Support - Sharp Memorial Hospital - FT/12H Nights

The Role

The Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Specialist (ES) is responsible for ensuring appropriate patient care through the continuous monitoring and assessment of the ECMO circuit, related technology, and patient status.

Responsibilities

• Identifies and corrects problems associated with the ECMO procedure and initiates and evaluates interventions consistent with protocol.
• Consults with the ECMO physician when patient condition and/or protocol limits or directives are in question.
• Works closely with other team members and health care providers to provide care in accordance with the patient's individualized care plan.
• Sysmatically and continuously collects and assesses data in collaboration with the ECMO team to provide therapeutic care for the patient and family.
• Maintains and adjusts ECMO circuit settings to maintain parameters established by the physician.
• Assesses the cardiopulmonary status of the patient through test results and physical assessment findings.
• Monitors and manages intake and output records to ensure appropriate fluid levels.
• Monitors coagulation results to assess clotting status; adjusts anticoagulation infusion per ECMO protocol.
• Evaluates chest x-rays for endotracheal tube placement, cannulae position, and status of the lung fields in determining patient status and weaning guidelines.
• Participates in monthly interdisciplinary ECMO case reviews and in-services to share information and determine appropriateness of patient care plans.
• Provides family/parental education and reinforces medical counseling initiated by the ECMO physician.
• Provides a clear and concise end of shift report for oncoming ECMO Specialist/Perfusionist and RN regarding machine settings, patient status, and patient care plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing
• 3 Years Critical Care experience
• Experience teaching patients and families
• California Registered Nurse (RN) - CA Board of Registered Nursing - REQUIRED
• AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Professional (AHA BLS Healthcare) - REQUIRED
• ACLS Certification (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) - REQUIRED