ECMO Specialist, PRN

University of Maryland Medical System; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Maryland Medical System is seeking an experienced clinician to oversee ECMO therapy and provide expert care for patients with complex cardiac and respiratory needs. The role involves monitoring the ECMO circuit, coordinating care with the health team, and ensuring accurate documentation and protocol adherence.

The position emphasizes advanced critical care expertise and active involvement in staff training and quality initiatives within an on-site setting in Maryland.

Qualifications

• MD or compact state RN licensure or equivalent in Maryland.
• Respiratory Therapist licensure in Maryland acceptable with ELSO ECMO training.
• Perfusion certification eligible or current perfusion licensure preferred.
• CPR certification is required.

Responsibilities

• Manages ECMO therapy and safely transports ECMO patients as needed.
• Monitors and adjusts ECMO settings and related equipment.
• Documents hourly patient data and clinical changes.
• Provides clinical training and participates in staff development.
• Ensures compliance with protocols and care plans.

Skills

ECMO management

Critical care

Patient monitoring

Team coordination

Clinical documentation

Education

RN – Maryland or compact

Respiratory Therapist MD licensure

Perfusion Certification (CPCP/ABCP)

CPR certification

Tools

ECMO equipment

CPR training equipment

Job description

General Summary

Under general supervision, encompasses clinical responsibilities along with shared administrative duties. Practices at the level of an expert practitioner in nursing, respiratory care or perfusion. Demonstrates expertise in caring for patients with multiple and complex problems by monitoring the ECMO circuit and patient status. Identifies and corrects problems associated with ECMO procedures. Serves as a resource and consultant to staff and participates in endeavors to increase ECMO knowledge. Administrative duties include scheduling, timekeeping, clinical training and simulation development for all staff.

Job Requirements

General Summary

Under general supervision, encompasses clinical responsibilities along with shared administrative duties. Practices at the level of an expert practitioner in nursing, respiratory care or perfusion. Demonstrates expertise in caring for patients with multiple and complex problems by monitoring the ECMO circuit and patient status. Identifies and corrects problems associated with ECMO procedures. Serves as a resource and consultant to staff and participates in endeavors to increase ECMO knowledge. Administrative duties include scheduling, timekeeping, clinical training and simulation development for all staff.

Principal Responsibilities And Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all job duties performed.

• Manages ECMO therapy. Competently transports ECMO patients as needed and facilitates or maintains care throughout procedures performed in other units (such as OR, Cath Lab, etc.). Safely pulls blood samples from the circuit for routine labs. Documents all required information into patient charts on an hourly basis, and as needed when changes are made, etc.
• Maintains and adjusts ECMO settings and can perform or facilitate required tasks when routine change or emergency needs arise. Assures the upkeep of ECMO pump and all associated equipment and supplies.
• Performs patient assessment and monitors the ECMO circuit to anticipate and prevent potential problems. Makes recommendations to appropriate personnel.
• Monitors and manages fluids according to protocol and maintains accurate intake and output records with bedside nurse.
• Abides by all protocols and procedures governing the care of any patient.
• Works with members of the health care team to develop and implement an effective plan of care. Maintains daily ordered clinical parameters.
• Keeps abreast of new developments/technologies in critical care. Considers these when developing care plans in order to achieve best clinical outcome.
• Ensures organizational requirements, competencies, certifications, and licensures are current. Assists in the training and maintenance of competencies for other specialists.
• Completion of annual proficiency/clinical competency testing or any training/learning objectives set forth by department leadership.
• Mastery of critical care and respiratory care as evidenced by intuitive response to complex clinical situations.
• Aids in maintaining quality initiatives, participates in any ongoing research responsibilities, and data collection required within the department.
• Meets department PRN required minimum of signing up for 2 shifts/month.
• Any other duties or requirements as indicated by department leadership and team needs/sta

Education and Experience

Depending on current licensure, must possess one of the following:

• Licensure as a Registered Nurse in the state of Maryland, or eligible to practice due to Compact state agreements outlined through the MD Board of Nursing. With completion of an ELSO approved ECMO training program preferred; or
• Licensure as a Respiratory Therapist in the state of Maryland. Registration by the National Board of Respiratory Care as a Respiratory Therapist. With completion of an ELSO approved ECMO training program preferred; or
• Certification eligible by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion. Certification within 2-years from date of hire.
• Current CPR certification is required