What are the responsibilities and job description for the ECMO Specialist - Providence Hospital position at University of South Alabama Health System?
Overview
USA Health is Transforming Medicine along the Gulf Coast to care for the unique needs of our community.
USA Health is changing how medical care, education and research impact the health of people who live in Mobile and the surrounding area. Our team of doctors, advanced care providers, nurses, therapists and researchers provide the region's most advanced medicine at multiple facilities, campuses, clinics and classrooms. We offer patients convenient access to innovative treatments and advancements that improve the health and overall wellbeing of our community.
Responsibilities
The ECMO Specialist (ES) is responsible for the initiation, maintenance, monitoring, and discontinuation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support in adult patients with severe cardiac and/or pulmonary failure. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the ES ensures safe and effective operation of ECMO equipment, supports clinical decision-making. and contributes to education, training, and continuous quality improvement efforts within the ECMO program.
Clinical Practice / Quality of Care: Monitor and adjust ECMO circuit parameters (e.g., flow rates, sweep gas, temperature) according to clinical orders; Collaborate with physicians on fluid. blood products, and medication management related to ECMO; Perform continuous assessments of patient status. including lab values and physical findings. to identity changes; Prevent and troubleshoot complications such as hypotension, inadequate perfusion, and clot formation; Maintain accurate intake/output records and monitor coagulation profiles per protocol; Evaluate radiologic and laboratory findings to inform care and ensure cannula patency and positioning; Collect and record ECMO related data to support research and quality initiatives; Participate in equipment evaluation and resolve technical issues under pressure and during emergencies.
Collaboration: Actively participate in multidisciplinary team rounds and patient care discussions; Coordinate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with ECMO physicians and allied professionals; Recommend patient care adjustments based on ECMO and clinical status; promote patient and family autonomy in decision-making: Assess and tailor education for patients and families regarding ECMO care.
Communication: Participate in monthly ECMO team reviews and continuing education; Maintain detailed, accurate documentation using ECMO flowsheets and/or EMR; Provide education and support to families, reinforcing information shared by physicians; Deliver comprehensive end-of-shift handoffs to ensure continuity of care.
Quality Improvement: Use data-driven decision-making to evaluate ECMO care and contribute to performance improvement efforts; Identify system issues and support implementation of evidence-based practice changes to improve outcomes.
Equipment, Tools, or Machines Operated: ECMO circuit and pump system, mechanical ventilators, monitoring equipment, EMR system, Point-of-care devices (e.g. ACT), standard ICU equipment.Completion of internal ECMO training and maintenance of ECMO competencies; Familiarity with standards of care and quality improvement principles; Strong patient and family education skills; Proficiency in interpreting ABG results and lab data; Ability to respond calmly and effectively in high-stress clinical situations; Flexibility to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call coverage; Regular and prompt attendance; Ability to work schedule as defined and overtime as required; Related duties as required.
Qualifications
Degree and licensure in the area of clinical focus, see below, one year of related critical care experience, and Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification are required. Bachelor's degree is preferred. Direct ECMO-related experience is preferred. ACLS, CCRN, ACCS, E-AEC, and CES-A certifications are preferred.
Registered Nurse- Alabama RN or Multi-State RN licensure in accordance with Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) for Alabama
Respiratory Therapist - Alabama Board of Respiratory Care licensure and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
Perfusionist - Alabama Board of Medical Examiners licensure as a Perfusionist and Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP) as recognized by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP).
