ECMO Specialist - Mechanical Circulatory Support - Sharp Memorial Hospital - FT/12H Nights

Hours:

Shift Start Time:

7 PM

Shift End Time:

7:30 AM

AWS Hours Requirement:

12/36 - 12 Hour Shift

Additional Shift Information:

Weekend Requirements:

As Needed

On-Call Required:

No

Hourly Pay Range (Minimum - Midpoint - Maximum):

$69.070 - $75.080 - $96.480

 

The stated pay scale reflects the range as defined by the collective bargaining agreement between Sharp HealthCare and Sharp Professional Nurses Network, United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals, NUHHCE, AFSME, AFL-CIO.  Placement within the range is based on years of RN experience.

What You Will Do
The Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Specialist (ES) is responsible for ensuring appropriate patient care through the continuous monitoring and assessment of the ECMO circuit, related technology, and patient status. 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 patient condition and/or protocol limits or directives are in question. As a member of the ECMO team, the position works closely with other team members and health care providers to provide care in accordance with the patient's individualized care plan.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing
• 3 Years Critical Care experience.
• Experience teaching patients and families.
• California Registered Nurse (RN) - CA Board of Registered Nursing -REQUIRED
• AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Professional (AHA BLS Healthcare) - American Heart Association -REQUIRED
• ACLS Certification (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) - American Heart Association -REQUIRED

Essential Functions

• Clinical Practice/Quality of Care
  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 physician.
  Recommends administration of blood products, fluids, and/or medications as warranted by ECMO status.
  Assesses the cardiopulmonary 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, ventilation, and heart rate).
  Monitors and manages intake and output records to ensure appropriate fluid levels.
  Monitors coagulation results to assess clotting status; adjusts anticoagulation infusion per ECMO protocol.
  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 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.
  Demonstrates expertise in adult care including patient assessment, technical skills, and psychosocial aspects of care.
  Actively participates in the evaluation of new equipment. Effectively identifies and troubleshoots equipment problems.
• Collaboration
  The ES will participate as a member of the ECMO Team, working with the health care providers in providing quality care of the patient and their family.
  Initiates multidisciplinary collaboration to positively impact the 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 care in accordance with the 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 accordingly.
• Communication
  Participates in monthly interdisciplinary ECMO case reviews and in-services to share information and determine appropriateness of patient care plans.
  Utilizes the ECMO flow sheet to maintain ongoing 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 counseling initiated by the ECMO physician.
  Provides a clear and concise end of shift report for oncoming ECMO Specialist/Perfusionist and RN regarding machine settings, patient status, and patient care plans.
• Quality Improvement
  The ES will accurately identify and diagnose an issue, identify alternatives, implement a plan, and evaluate and communicate results.
  Problem solves through critical evaluation of databased information and continuous improvement efforts that lead to effective quality-based outcomes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to satisfactorily maintain clinical competencies.
• Ability to satisfactorily complete the internal ECMO training program.
• Ability to satisfactorily complete required special procedure classes (e.g. blood administration).
• Knowledge regarding quality improvement and standards of care within practice area.
• 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.

Sharp HealthCare is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability or any other protected class