ECMO Specialist (RN or RT) - Atrium Health Levine Children's Hospital - FT Nights

Atrium Health; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job description

Overview

Successful candidates will hold an RN or RCP license from an accredited school and have at least three years of acute care experience in their specialty. Preference is given to candidates with Neonatal, Pediatric, or Adult Critical Care experience. Candidates must maintain ACLS, PALS, and NRP certifications. The schedule requires rotating weeknights, weekends, and call shifts.

Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital (LCH) has elevated community healthcare by providing specialized care for the growing pediatric population in our region. With 247 beds, LCH is the largest children’s hospital between Atlanta and Washington DC. It offers comprehensive services including over 125 pediatric subspecialists across more than 30 specialties, a 10-bed PICU, a 10-bed Cardiac ICU (expanding to 24 beds PICU and 20 beds CVICU by the end of 2024), an 85-bed Level IV NICU, and an inpatient pediatric rehabilitation floor. Levine Children’s Hospital is Charlotte’s only Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center. It has been recognized as a Best Children’s Hospital by U.S. News & World Report for 17 consecutive years, ranking #1 in North Carolina and tied for #1 in the southeastern U.S. Additionally, Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center and Levine Children’s Hospital have earned Magnet re-designation from the ANCC, demonstrating excellence in nursing practice and patient outcomes.

Job Summary

Operates extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) equipment and performs ECMO therapy according to physician orders. Provides care through assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation under supervision of the ECMO team manager.

Essential Functions

• Monitors pump functioning, circuit volume, anticoagulation, electrolyte and blood gas levels, adjusting ECMO as needed.
• Recommends modifications to patient management based on evolving clinical data.
• Documents and compiles ECMO-related charges and records.
• Operates point-of-care lab equipment, interpreting results per physician directives.
• Prepares and primes ECMO circuits; manages initiation and maintenance of extracorporeal support, including cannulation and decannulation logistics.
• Handles circuit disruptions and replaces components during normal and emergency situations.
• Works within a multidisciplinary team to care for ECMO patients.
• Maintains competency with ECLS/ECMO procedures, including quarterly and annual pump time requirements, through clinical practice or drills.
• Provides CRRT for neonatal and pediatric patients, and assists with adult cardiac patients on ECMO as needed.
• Uses appropriate resources to ensure safe, effective, and cost-efficient services.
• Participates in committees, governance, or decision-making activities.

Physical Requirements

Requires walking, standing, sitting, lifting (up to 35 pounds), reaching, stooping, bending, pushing, and pulling. Must have good sight, hearing, smell, touch, and finger dexterity. Ability to think critically, concentrate, and respond swiftly to patient condition changes. Additional physical requirements may be specified by the nurse leader for particular responsibilities.

Education, Experience, and Certifications

Graduate of an accredited RN or RCP program with current licensure and certifications. Must hold active, unencumbered licensure from the respective State Board. Current BLS, ACLS, PALS, and NRP certifications are required. A minimum of two years’ direct ICU patient care experience in neonatal, pediatric, or adult settings is required. RTs seeking ECMO Specialist roles must obtain State Board Endorsement within 90 days of completing ECMO orientation. A BSN/BSRT is preferred but not mandatory.