Pediatric ECMO Specialist

At Memorial Hermann, we pursue a common goal of delivering high quality, efficient care while creating exceptional experiences for every member of our community. When we say every member of our community, that includes our employees. We know that when our employees feel cared for, heard and valued, they are inspired to create moments that exceed expectations, while prioritizing safety, compassion, personalization and efficiency. If you want to advance your career and contribute to our vision of creating healthier communities, now and for generations to come, we want you to be a part of our team.

Job Summary

The Extracorporeal Life Support (ECMO) Specialist utilizes validated skills acquired through specialized training and certification to assess and manage any patient on ECMO as well as the ECMO pump. The ECMO Specialist provides safe, effective care for the patient utilizing the ECMO MPP orders with assistance and supervision being provided by the ECMO Coordinator, Primer and ECMO trained Physicians.

Job Description

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduate of an accredited School of Professional Nursing or a CoArc accredited School of Respiratory Care required; Bachelors preferred

Licenses/Certifications:

• Current Texas RN or RRT or CCP license

• BLS required

• PALS or NRP required

Experience / Knowledge / Skills:

• Minimum two (2) years of Pediatric or Neonatal critical care experience required.

• Ability to foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment

• Ability to accomplish multiple tasks and prioritize activities

• Ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively with an interdisciplinary team

• Effective communication skills

• Effective interpersonal skills

• Ability to adapt to multiple and changing priorities in a high stress environment

• Exceptional critical thinking skills

• Ability to work flexible hours to meet patient care needs required

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Maintains ECMO pump and assists in patient care while patient is on ECMO

• Demonstrates knowledge of ECMO physiology

• Completes circuit assessment hourly as evidenced by documentation on the patient record

• Assesses the clinical status of the patient, lab data, and vital signs to make appropriate changes in patient care while utilizing the patient parameters and the ECMO orders.

• Demonstrates the ability to communicate plan of the day, patient status, laboratory data and vital signs to the ECMO attending, ECMO Primer and Leadership team.

• Executes medical orders within a time frame appropriate to the order.

• Administers medications, IV therapy and blood products as ordered

• Performs scheduled and PRN bedside anticoagulation lab work, utilizing correct procedure and correlates results with patients’ status and relevant coagulation studies, making appropriate changes in anticoagulation therapy as evidenced by documentation in the patient record.

• Implements appropriate interventions for emergency situations

• Evaluates patient for desired or adverse effects of medications, treatments and procedures

• Provides accurate and concise verbal report to health care team members

• Ensures that patient family members are aware of current status by relaying appropriate information

• Documents ECMO and patient care according to policy in eMHR

• Utilizes available communication tools to remain informed.

• Utilizes ECMO Physicians, experienced Specialists, Primers, and the coordinator in decision-making and management of the ECMO patient

• Attends monthly ECMO Simulation Labs

• Successfully passes annual written ECMO Specialist exam with a passing score of 85%

• Follows all Pediatric and Neonatal unit performance guidelines

• Ensures safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adheres to all Memorial Hermann policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity and quality of service.

• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as a resource to less experienced staff.

• Demonstrates commitment to caring for every member of our community by creating compassionate and personalized experiences. Models Memorial Hermann’s service standards of providing safe, caring, personalized and efficient experiences to patients and our workforce.

• Other duties as assigned.