ECMO Specialist - PRN (6PM-6AM) (Dallas, TX, US) - Parkland Hospitals

Interested in a career with both meaning and growth? Whether your abilities are in direct patient care or one of the many other areas of healthcare administration and support, everyone at Parkland works together to fulfill our mission: the health and well-being of individuals and communities entrusted to our care. By joining Parkland, you become part of a diverse healthcare legacy that’s served our community for more than 125 years. Put your skills to work with us, seek opportunities to learn and join a talented team where patient care is more than a job. It’s our passion.

Primary Purpose

The Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Specialist (ES) is responsible for ensuring appropriate patient care through the continuous monitoring of the ECMO circuit, related technology, and patient status. Through assessment of patient status and the ECMO circuit, the incumbent identifies and corrects problems associated with the ECMO procedure and initiates and evaluates interventions consistent with protocol. The ES consults with the ECMO physician when the patient’s 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 healthcare providers to provide patient care in accordance with the patient’s individualized care plan.

Minimum Specifications

• Education
• Bachelor's degree in specialty.

Experience

• Must have 3 years of critical care experience.
• Preference is greater than 6 years of critical care experience.

Certification/Registration/Licensure

• Must have current, valid RN license or temporary RN license from the Texas Board of Nursing; or valid Compact RN license OR/
• Licensed Perfusionist OR/
• Licensed Respiratory Therapist
• Must have a current healthcare provider CPR course completion card from one of the following:
  • American Heart Association
  • American Red Cross
  • Military Training Network.
• Must have current Advanced Life Support (ALS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification on hire or placement in role. Certification must be from one of the following:
  • American Heart Association
  • American Red Cross
  • Military Training Network

Skills or Special Abilities

• Must be capable of serving as a clinical resource for staff.
• Must be an expert in their field of study

Responsibilities

• 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) to maintain parameters established by the ECMO physician.
• Infuses blood products, fluids, and/or medications per ECMO protocol.
• Assesses the cardiovascular (hemodynamic) status of the patient through test results (e.g. ABGs, CBC, etc.) and physical assessment findings.
• Performs patient assessment to anticipate and prevent potential problems (e.g., variances in blood pressure, perfusion, and heart rate).
• Verifies and implements physician’s orders pertaining to drug dosages and monitors potential drug interactions pertaining to the ECMO patient.
• Monitors and manages fluids according to ECMO protocol and maintains accurate intake and output records to ensure appropriate fluid levels.
• Utilizes Activated Clotting Time (ACT) values to assess clotting status; adjusts heparin infusion per ECMO protocol.
• In collaboration with the ECMO physician, evaluates chest x-rays for endotracheal tube placement, cannulae position, and status of the lung fields in determining patient status and weaning guidelines; supports and maintains patency of the cannulae while patient is undergoing ECMO.
• Supports ECMO team research through the collection of ECMO- related data, preparation and presentation of research abstracts and/or other documentation.
• The ES will accurately identify and diagnose an issue, identify alternatives, implement a plan, and evaluate and communicate results.
• Demonstrates commitment to quality and excellence.
• Problems are solved through critical evaluation of databased information and continuous improvement efforts that lead to effective quality-based outcomes.

Parkland Health and Hospital System prohibits discrimination based on age (40 or over), race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, disability, national origin, marital status, political belief, or veteran status.As part of our commitment to our patients and employees’ wellness, Parkland Health is a tobacco and smoke-free campus.