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 provides 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 well-being of our community.
Responsibilities
- The ECMO Specialist (ES) is responsible for the initiation, maintenance, monitoring, and discontinuation of 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, contributes to education, training, and continuous quality improvement efforts within the ECMO program.
- 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.
- Actively participate in multidisciplinary team rounds and patient care discussions
- Coordinate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with ECMO physicians and allied health 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 family regarding ECMO care
- Participate in monthly ECMO team reviews and continuing education
- Maintain detailed, accurate documentation using ECMO flow sheets and/or EMR
- Provide education and support to families
- Reinforce information shared by physicians
- Deliver comprehensive end of shift hand offs to ensure continuity of care
- 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
- Be able to operate ECMO circuit and pump system, mechanical ventilators, monitoring equipment, EMR system, Point of care devices (e.g. ACT, ISTAT), standard ICU equipment
- Completion of internal ECMO training and maintenance of ECMO competencies
- Familiarity with standards of care and quality improvement principles
- Proficient patient and family education skills
- Proficient in interpreting ABG results and lab data
- Ability to respond calmly and effectively in high stress situations
- Completes all mandatory department, educational and hospital requirements
- Adheres to current Infection Control and Safety Standards
- Regular and prompt attendance
- Ability to work schedule as defined and overtime as required
- Related duties as assigned
Additional Information
Employees must be in a regular position, working 20 hours or more per week (.50 FTE or greater) to qualify for benefits.
Qualifications
- Degree and licensure in the area of clinical focus (see below) and 1 year of related critical care experience Required
- RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure in accordance with the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) for Alabama Required or
- Alabama Board of Respiratory Care licensure and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Required or
- Alabama Board of Medical Examiners licensure as a Perfusionist and Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP) as recognized by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) Required
- ACLS, CCRN, ACCS, E-AEC, and CES-A certifications are Preferred
- Comparable combination of education and experience may substitute for the above requirements.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
The University of South Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable legally protected basis. EO Employer – minorities/females/veterans/disabilities/sexual orientation/gender identity.