Advanced Critical Care Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation Respiratory Therapist, ECMO RRT, Full Time, 7p - 7:30a at Emory in Atlanta, Georgia

Job Description:

Description

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a modified cardiopulmonary bypass technique used for the treatment of life threatening cardiac or respiratory failure.


• An ECMO specialist is the technical specialist educated to manage the ECMO system including blood pump, tubing, artificial oxygenator, and related equipment.


• The ECMO specialist, under qualified medical direction and supervision, is also educated to be responsible for the clinical needs of the patient on ECMO which can include: (1) maintenance of normal acid-base balance, oxygenation and ventilation, (2) administration of blood products and blood by-products, (3) medication delivery, and (4) maintenance of appropriate anticoagulation.


• The Advanced Critical Care ECMO Therapist specializing in ECMO functions as an advanced Respiratory Care Practitioner providing specialized expertise pertaining to Extra Corporeal Life Support (ECLS) to all members of the health care team.


• The Advanced Critical Care ECMO Therapist Participates in the education, orientation, and training programs of the multi-disciplinary team to correspond care services pertaining to ECMO.


• Participates as a team member in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive patient care services to ECMO.


• The ECMO specialist is familiar with and operates advanced ECMO support equipment and performs ECMO therapy according to physician orders.


• The ECMO specialist has the ability to communicate professionally with confidence to others in the role of educator, preceptor, or ECMO specialist including appropriate discussions with families.


• The ECMO specialist has the ability to adapt quickly to new ideas and concepts and determine which ideas are valid to allow for safe care of the ECMO patient.


• Participates in providing for the needs of the staff in keeping with their skills and proficiencies which are required to perform ECLS.


• Participates in performance improvement monitoring activities within the division and interdepartmentally.


• Proficient in all assigned duties required and will act as a clinical resource for ECLS.


• Detailed oriented and highly motivated while caring for an extremely diverse patient population often under stressful situations.


• Assist the ECMO coordinator in organizing and implementing policy and procedure.


• Provide expertise for ECLS internal transport as necessary.


• Perform other related duties as directed by the ECMO leadership.


• Monitors pump function throughout patient therapy and maintains pump integrity.


• Monitors circuit volume and administers products, medications, and/or volumes as ordered.


• Monitors anticoagulation, electrolyte, acid-base balance, and blood-gas composition values and adjusts the ECMO circuit to maintain physician orders.


• Ability to calibrate Hemochron machine, obtain the ACT blood sample, and run ACT test. Generates and compiles appropriate clinical documentation and charges related to ECMO.


• Precepts new ECMO team members.


• Interprets and acts on clinical test results based on physician orders.


• Sets up and primes ECMO circuits, initiates and maintains extracorporeal life support according to protocols.


• Assists with discontinuation of extracorporeal life support.


• Assist with the logistics of cannulation, decannulation, and in-house transport of patients on ECMO.


• Manages planned and emergent disruption of ECMO. Replaces circuit components under normal and emergent conditions.
  
  

• Successful completion of a C.O.A.R.C. accredited Respiratory Care Program.


• Successful completion of ELSO training program.


• Minimum of two years of documented critical care experience.


• Minimum of one year documented ECMO experience.


• Registered as a Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by the National Board for Respiratory Care.


• Current Respiratory Care Professional License (RCP) issued by the State of Georgia.


• Advanced Cardiac Life Support Program Certificate (ACLS) from the American Heart Association.


• Adult Critical Care Specialist Program Certificate (ACCS) from the National Board for Respiratory Care.


• Active membership in American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC).


• Active membership in National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).


• Successful completion of the EHC Blood Products Training and Testing module.
  
  

(Medium) 20-50 lbs; 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 50 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.