Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation… at Parkland Health · New…

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Specialist

Location: New Parkland Hospital

**NIGHT SHIFT**

6pm-6am

Full Time Position

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

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 BLS for Healthcare Providers certification 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
  • Military Training Network

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.