Registered Respiratory Therapist-ECMO Specialist-Full-Time

About the Role

This position reports to the Team Leader and requires advanced expertise in critical care, ECMO, and general floor care within an environment of continuous quality improvement. The RRT/ECMO Specialist is responsible for managing equipment necessary for providing ECMO support, ensuring appropriate patient care through continuous monitoring of the patient and related equipment, and making corrections to maintain the ECMO Attending Physicians' orders.

The individual must demonstrate knowledge of growth and development principles across the life span, interpret patient data to meet age-specific needs, and provide care as described in departmental guidelines. The role involves working in a high-stress environment, understanding organizational functions, policies, and regulations, and staying updated on healthcare trends and developments.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain equipment necessary for ECMO support.
• Ensure appropriate patient care through continuous monitoring of patients and related equipment.
• Identify and correct equipment issues to maintain ECMO Attending Physicians' orders.
• Assess and interpret patient data to meet age-specific care requirements.
• Work effectively in high-stress, critical care environments.
• Understand and apply principles of respiratory therapy and bronchopulmonary physiology to assist physicians with therapeutic procedures.
• Utilize computer skills, analytical abilities, decision-making, and communication skills in daily tasks.
• Maintain staffing margins within workload and budgetary constraints.
• Organize and facilitate orientation for new hires.

Requirements

• Associate of Science in Respiratory Care (required).
• Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Care or related field (preferred).
• Five (5) years of critical care experience as a registered therapist (required).

Qualifications

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by the National Board of Respiratory Care.
• Current license to practice in the state of Tennessee.
• BLS certification (completed prior to starting and maintained).
• Current ACLS certification.
• Successful completion of a formal training program sponsored by ELSO (Extra Corporeal Life Support Organization) or the Erlanger Health System.
• High level of initiative, self-direction, and accountability.
• Ability to maintain composure and function effectively in stressful situations.

Location: Erlanger Baroness Hospital, Chattanooga, TN