Multi-Modality Functions: Will work as a Registered Respiratory Therapist when not actively involved in an ECMO Case
Work Areas: CTICU, ER, OR.  Sometimes NICU PICU
Location(s) :  Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, Temple, Texas.
Schedule: FT Night Position ( 12 hour shifts) 7:00 pm-7:00 am

JOB SUMMARY

The Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Specialist is an experienced critical care clinician who works effectively with members of the healthcare team to provide extracorporeal life support to patients in the intensive care setting. Ensures appropriate patient care through the continuous monitoring, troubleshooting, and management of the ECMO circuit and related equipment during the treatment period. Partners with bedside RNs, physicians and other members of the healthcare team to coordinate complex patient care. Accountable for assisting the daily operations of the ECMO program under the supervision of the ECMO Manager or Coordinator.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE ROLE

• Assembles, prepares, primes and evaluates the ECMO circuit for safe application to the ECMO patient. Monitors and adjusts ECMO circuit settings (e.g., pump flow, sweep gas, blender FdO2, heat exchanger temperature) to maintain parameters established by the ECMO physician and ECMO practice guidelines. Ensures backup ECMO circuit is prepared for emergent use at all times.
• Assesses the physiologic status of the patient through bedside patient monitors, lab results, and physical assessment findings to evaluate ECMO therapy effectiveness. Partners with ECMO physician and other healthcare professionals involved in management of the ECMO patient to develop and implement an effective plan of care. Recommends modifications in patient management to the ECMO physician in daily rounds based on assessment of physiologic status of the patient and the relationship between the patient and the ECMO circuit and/or lab parameters.
• Participates in ECMO program education, outreach and research activities as delegated by the ECMO Program Manager, including: certification training, routine in-services, didactic, and simulation competencies. Maintains knowledge and participates in current research related to ECMO.
• Performs ECMO routine circuit assessment and safety checks throughout entirety of shift to anticipate and prevent potential problems or emergencies. Utilizes ECMO flowsheet to maintain ongoing, complete, and detailed documentation.
• Monitors and manages anticoagulation levels and fluid status according to facility ECMO practice guidelines to ensure appropriate levels maintained for optimal ECMO therapy. Reports current status as ordered to providers and ensures care is delivered as ordered.
• Participates in the development of quality initiatives to audit outcomes and patient follow-up.
• Provides family/patient education and creates an attentive, helpful, safe and therapeutic environment.
• Partners in the development, implementation, and maintenance of ECMO program policies, procedures and clinical standards of care related to the ECMO program. Assists in the collection and maintenance of data as required by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization and BSWH System.
• Ensures overall safety of the patient receiving ECMO therapy and helps technical components of circuitry including CRRT, plasmapheresis, blood sampling, volume administration and related therapies. Maintains scheduled pre- and post-oxygenator gases to ensure circuit integrity.
• Assist ECMO providers with cannulation and initiation of therapy. Autonomously performs circuit exchanges and emergent interventions. Responds to ECPR hospital calls in a timely manner. Performs intra/inter hospital transport as part of the interdisciplinary Rapid ECMO Deployment (RED) Team. On Call participation may be required

KEY SUCCESS FACTORS

• Proficient in the knowledge, beliefs, techniques and operation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation equipment components and systems (e.g., Rotaflow, Centrimag, Cardiohelp, LifeSparc, Protek Duo, Quadrox, Nautilus, AMG)
• Detailed knowledge of extracorporeal help physiology, membrane gas exchange physics and physiology, critical care disease pathologies, cardiothoracic postoperative management, acute respiratory distress syndrome physiology and mechanical circulatory help physiologies.
• Proficient in mechanical circulatory help device operations and management strategies (e.g., percutaneous ventricular assist devices, implantable ventricular assist devices, IABP)
• Advanced knowledge of health care modalities, therapies, equipment, invasive hemodynamic monitoring and medications encountered in the cardiac intensive care setting. Proficient in solid organ transplant patient management.
• Ability to follow established safety, infection control and isolation procedures at all times. Uses critical thinking skills and clinical judgement to work autonomously.
• Must be able to work under stressful conditions while utilizing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Social communication skills necessary to work with employees, physicians, patients, and family members. Position requires advanced troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of ECMO therapy by assessing the physiologic status of the patient through bedside patient monitors, invasive hemodynamic monitoring, lab results and physical assessment findings.
• Advanced knowledge of ECLS physiology and ECMO modalities not limited to Veno arterial, Veno venous, Veno pulmonary and eCPR.
• Completion of a two-year AMA approved respiratory care program required.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Experience in Clinical Respiratory Therapy in Intensive Care Unit required; Cardiothoracic or Transplant ICU experience preferred.
• At least 1 year of direct ECMO patient care required.
• Completion of an Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) endorsed training course or other ECMO Training Program based on ELSO Guidelines at a registered ECMO center required.
• Adult Critical Care Specialty RRT preferred.

BENEFITS

Our benefits are designed to help you live well no matter where you are on your journey. For full details on coverage and eligibility, visit the Baylor Scott & White Benefits Hub to explore our offerings, which may include: 

• Immediate eligibility for health and welfare benefits
• 401(k) savings plan with dollar-for-dollar match up to 5%
• Tuition Reimbursement
• PTO accrual beginning Day 1

Note: Benefits may vary based upon position type and/or level

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About Baylor Scott & White Health

Baylor Scott & White Health (BSWH) is the largest not-for-profit health care system in Texas and one of the largest in the United States. With a commitment to and a track record of innovation, collaboration, integrity and compassion for the patient, BSWH stands to be one of the nation’s exemplary health care organizations. Our mission is to serve all people by providing personalized health and wellness through exemplary care, education and research as a Christian ministry of healing. Joining our team is not just accepting a job, it’s accepting a calling!

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