Registered Respiratory Therapist -ECMO Specialist- (Day, 7am-7pm)

Boston Medical Center; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 61,206 - 82,380; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

403(b) savings matches

Job summary

Boston Medical Center is looking for a Registered Respiratory Therapist-ECMO Specialist to provide respiratory care services. This full-time position includes responsibilities like operating ECMO devices, administering respiratory therapies, and ensuring patient safety and quality care.

The ideal candidate will have an Associate’s Degree, a minimum of two years' experience, and must hold relevant certifications. BMC offers comprehensive benefits, including competitive compensation and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years as a Respiratory Therapist.
• Current certification as an ECMO specialist (preferred).
• Ability to read and communicate in English.

Responsibilities

• Provide respiratory care services according to department policies.
• Administer all ordered respiratory therapies and document interventions.
• Operate ECMO devices and maintain equipment readiness.

Skills

Knowledge of basic medical terminology

Effective communication skills

Teamwork skills

Basic computer proficiency

Education

Associate’s Degree from a CoARC-approved Respiratory Therapy Program

Completed a BMC-approved ECMO Specialist training course

Job description

Position: Registered Respiratory Therapist-ECMO Specialist

Registered Respiratory Therapist-ECMO Specialist (RRT-ES) provides respiratory care services in accordance with department policies, administers, monitors, controls, and evaluates complex life support systems that ventilate acute or chronically ill patients. The RRT-ES is the technical specialist educated and trained to manage the ECMO system including blood pump, tubing, artificial oxygenator, and related equipment. Under qualified medical direction and supervision, the RRT-ES is responsible for the clinical needs of the patient on ECMO, which can include maintenance of normal acid‑base balance, oxygenation, and ventilation; administration of blood and blood by‑products; medication delivery; and maintenance of appropriate anticoagulation.

Department

Respiratory Therapy

Schedule

Full Time, 36 Hours, Days

Essential Responsibilities / Duties

• Conduct Respiratory Care services according to department policy and procedure, ensuring quality of care for patients.
• Review patient charts and accurately interpret physician orders.
• Set up appropriate equipment and medications for each therapy and document tests, treatments, and outcomes.
• Administer all ordered respiratory therapies, including oxygen, humidity therapy, airway management, resuscitation, and mechanical ventilation, documenting each intervention.
• Operate mechanical ventilators and monitors patients receiving mechanical ventilation; perform endotracheal suctioning and tracheal suctioning as needed.
• Make patient rounds per department schedules, observing patient condition, checking equipment, and making adjustments or discontinuing therapy as ordered.
• Remove equipment from patient rooms and disassemble equipment following department policies.
• Recognize medical problems, discontinue treatment if indicated, and notify physician promptly.
• Apply emergency protocols, alert Lead Respiratory Therapist, and assist physicians with airway establishment during cardiac arrest.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills to provide care for all age groups served (neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, geriatric), and seek assistance for unserved age groups.
• Perform advanced Respiratory Therapy assignments and participate in clinical committees as directed.
• Assist in developing and implementing protocols, clinical pathways, policies, and procedures.
• Provide in‑service education to the healthcare team.
• Assist in development of quality improvement indicators, collecting data, analyzing results, and suggesting corrective action.
• Perform advanced clinical and technical assignments with critical‑care patients.
• Attend and complete Advanced Cardiac Life Support training and assist with bronchoscopy following department policy.
• Perform pulmonary function testing, tracheotomy tube changes, arterial blood gas punctures or arterial line sampling, and analyze blood gas samples.
• Perform endotracheal intubation per department policy.
• Maintain clinical competency in Respiratory Care to use up‑to‑date methods; self‑audit, documentation, and supervisory review will be used to evaluate competency.
• Maintain current Massachusetts license as a Respiratory Therapist and registration with the National Board of Respiratory Care.
• Attend all mandatory continuous education classes and non‑assigned service‑related education to ensure professional development and license requirements.
• Assume Lead RRT responsibilities when directed by department Manager.
• Participate in staff meetings and read minutes when absent.
• Accept membership in all assigned department or hospital committees or task forces.
• Demonstrate knowledge of patient clinical needs and contact appropriate personnel to meet identified needs; document through problem reporting and QI system.
• Manage work time productively and reliably.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area daily.
• Operate assigned equipment and perform procedures safely and as instructed.
• Use proper body mechanics in all functions.
• Conform to hospital standards of conduct to provide best possible patient care.
• Conduct courteous, professional, and friendly relationships with patients, visitors, physicians, and employees.
• Maintain confidentiality of all personal/health‑sensitive information.
• Utilize hospital’s cultural beliefs to support the mission and goals.
• Follow infection control and safety procedures.

ECMO Specialist Duties

• Coordinate activity needs of clinical resources for ECMO use with emphasis on safety.
• Operate ECMO devices, participate in device support from implantation through removal, and maintain equipment readiness and calibrations.
• Act as consultant/resource for physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other team members on ECMO devices.
• Train clinical staff on operation and troubleshooting of ECMO devices.
• Assist with transport of patients with ECMO devices.
• Support nursing staff with bedside care and crisis interventions.
• Record, collect, and prepare documentation required by FDA, manufacturers, and ELSO registry.
• Contact vendors regarding equipment‑related issues.
• Serve as consultant on new product evaluation and purchases.
• Maintain current knowledge of regulations, laws, and standards applicable to ECMO instrumentation.
• Provide 24/7 coverage to support ECMO patients in the hospital.
• Follow safety rules and report accidents or patient safety incidents promptly and accurately.
• Perform moderately complex ACT testing and interpretation; must hold a minimum A.S. Degree in Respiratory Therapy and an ELSO‑approved ECMO specialist course.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Education

• Associate’s Degree from a CoARC‑approved Respiratory Therapy Program (Bachelor’s preferred).
• Completed a BMC‑approved ECMO Specialist training course with ongoing continuing education and competency.
• Maintain active license, credentials, and certifications by meeting minimum CEU requirements.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Required

• Licensed Respiratory Therapist by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health or ability to obtain MA license prior to starting.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist by start date.
• Current certification as an ECMO specialist (preferred).
• Active membership in the American Association of Respiratory Care.
• Basic Life Support by start date.

Experience

Requires a minimum of two years as a Respiratory Therapist.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of basic medical terminology.
• Demonstrated knowledge of anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pulmonary physics, pulmonary pathophysiology, advanced respiratory care, mathematics, blood‑gas chemistry, and pharmacology at a level generally acquired through a two‑year AMA‑approved program.
• Ability to read and communicate in English.
• Prioritize tasks effectively and work in a team environment; strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Caring and sympathetic attitude; ability to explain therapy and goals to patients and families.
• Basic computer proficiency for data entry and information access.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all personal/health‑sensitive information.
• Physical ability to meet core job requirements in the practice setting.

Compensation Range

$44.43 - $59.80 per hour.

This range is an estimate based on minimum qualifications. Compensation may vary according to education, experience, licensure, and certification. BMC also offers comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, pharmacy, contract increases, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) savings matches, earned time cash out, paid time off, career advancement opportunities, and resources to support employee and family wellbeing.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disabled / Veterans

Boston Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from disabled individuals and veterans.

Application Process

All applications are submitted exclusively through the BMC website. We do not request or require any downloads, app submissions, or purchases for employment.