HCSS Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) RN **Galveston, Texas, United States** **New** 1 additional location United States Nursing & Care Management HealthCare System Staffing Requisition # 2405847 JOB SUMMARY: Per diem position. Competent Clinician. Possesses knowledge and skill to meet standards for competent professional nursing practice as specified in the Texas Nurse Practice Act. Experienced, knowledgeable, and skilled in specialty area. Competently functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team. Practice is characterized by predominantly interdependent decision-making. Practice is problem focused and patient centered in the manner care is provided. Able to manage unexpected or emergency situations that are commonly seen in assigned specialty population. Serves as a resource for Nurse Clinician I or II. Can manage commonly seen contingency situations that arise on the clinical unit. Provides patient care through nursing practices based upon the American Nurses Association Standards of Professional Practice, and Professional Performance. Values specialty unit, nursing, and institutional strategic initiatives and health system goals. **JOB DESCRIPTION** The term "ECMO Specialist" is defined for the purpose of these guidelines as "the technical specialist trained to manage the ECMO system and the clinical needs of the patient on ECMO under the direction and supervision of a licensed ECMO trained physician.The individual functioning as the ECMO Specialist should have a strong critical care background in neonatal,pediatricand/or adult critical care. The Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Specialist (ES)is responsible forensuringappropriate patientcare through the continuous monitoring and assessment of the ECMO circuit, related technology, and patient status. The incumbentidentifiesand corrects problems associated with the ECMO procedure andinitiatesand evaluates interventions consistent withprotocol. The ES consults with the ECMO physician when patient condition and/or protocol limits or directives are in question. As a member of the ECMO team, this position works closely with other team members and health care providers to provide patient carein accordance withthe patient’s individualized care plan. **ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS** The ES systematically and continuously collects and assesses data in collaboration with the ECMO team to provide therapeutic care for the patient and family. + Monitors and adjusts ECMO circuit settings (e.g.heat exchanger temperature, pump flow, sweep gas) tomaintainparameters established by the ECMO physician. + Recommends administration of blood products, fluids, and/or medications aswarrantedby ECMO status. + Assesses the cardiopulmonary status of the patient through test results (e.g.ABGs, CBC, etc.) and physical assessment findings. + Performs patient assessment toanticipateand prevent potential problems (e.g.variancesin blood pressure, perfusion, ventilation, and heart rate). + Monitors and manages intake and output records to ensureappropriate fluidlevels. + Monitors coagulation results to assess clotting status; adjusts heparin infusion per ECMO Heparin protocol. + Evaluates chest x-rays for endotracheal tube placement,cannulaeposition, and status of the lung fields indeterminingpatient status and weaning guidelines; supports andmaintainspatency of thecannulaewhile patient is undergoing ECMO in collaboration with the ECMO physician. + Supports ECMO team research through the collection of ECMO-related data, preparation, and presentation of research abstracts and/or other documentation. + Demonstratesexpertisein adult, neonatal, and/or pediatriccareincluding patient assessment, technical skills, and psychosocial aspects of care. + Activelyparticipatesin the evaluation of new equipment. Effectivelyidentifiesand troubleshoots equipment problems. The ES willparticipateas a member of the ECMO Team, working with the health care providers in providing quality care for the patient and theirfamily. + Initiates multidisciplinary collaboration to positivelyimpactthe outcomes of care provided. + Collaborates with the ECMO physician and other health care providers involved in the management of the patient to coordinate all tests and evaluations (e.g.head and cardiac ultrasounds and EEGs) and provide carein accordance withthe patient’s individualized care plan. + Recommends modifications in patient management to the ECMO physician based on the relationship between patient diagnosis and ECMO circuit and/or lab parameters. + Initiates steps to support and enhance the patient’s responsibility and self-determination in decision-making concerning health, treatment, and well-being. + Evaluates effectiveness of teaching interventions and patient/family level of understanding and adjusts teaching and plan of care Communication + Participates in monthly interdisciplinary ECMO case reviews and in-services to share information anddetermineappropriateness of patient care plans. + Utilizes the ECMO flow sheet tomaintainongoing complete and detailed documentation of patient history and the amount of blood and other fluids administered and any complications that may occur. + Provides family/parental education and reinforces medical counselinginitiatedby the ECMO physician. + Provides a clear and concise end of shift report for oncoming ECMO Specialistregardingmachine settings, patient status, and patient care plans. KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES · Satisfactory maintenance of clinical competencies: Attendance to quarterly water drills · Satisfactory completion of the annual ECMO didactic program, satisfactory score of 90% and above on annual ECMO exam · Satisfactory completion of required special procedure classes (e.g. blood administration) · Knowledge regarding quality improvement and standards of care within practice area · Experience teaching patients and families · Excellent communication skills · Knowledge of and ability to evaluate and assess arterial blood gas measurements. · Ability to respond to emergent or stressful situations appropriately, calmly, and in a timely manner · Will respond to ECMO activation within 45-60 minutes. REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE: **·** **Licensed as Registered Nurse in the state of Texas** + Degree in Nursing Preferred Baccalaureate degree and certification in care specific area + Two (2) years directly related critical care experience in adult or neonatal and/or pediatric care including patient assessment, technical skills, and psychosocial aspects of care. + Must have current ACLS and BLS obtained through American Heart Association (AHA). **WORKING ENVIRONMENT/EQUIPMENT** + May be required to travel in ambulance with patient. + Ability to lift up to 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting/and or carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require the prior approval of the Executive Director of Human Resources. Compensation + **Hiring Range: 70.00**