The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Specialist manages the ECMO system and the clinical needs of the patient on ECMO under the direction and supervision of an ECMO trained physician. Performs all duties of a respiratory therapist and functions as an expert clinician. Will provide inpatient/outpatient respiratory care when not involved in an ECMO case or activities. Willing to train a current Respiratory Therapist with greater than three years of experience to become a ECMO Specialist.
Responsibilities
- Provides care to patients with primary responsibility for maintaining appropriate extracorporeal support, troubleshooting equipment, assessing the circuit and managing circuit emergencies until additional assistance is available.
- Continuously monitors the function of the ECMO system including: pump, membrane oxygenator and heating unit.
- Continuously monitors the structural integrity of the ECMO circuit.
- Monitors relevant lab values and recommends adjustments as needed. Monitors the circuit for thrombosis
- Flexibility in scheduling is required, adjusts schedule in order to support ECMO cases. Assumes responsibilities with other ECMO team specialists to coordinate in-house and on-call schedules.
- Assists in data collection, quality improvement initiatives and research activities related to ECMO.
- Successfully completes mandatory ECMO training, exams and competency within the required time frame.
- Required to attend ECMO team meetings, case debriefings, simulations and other formal ECMO Team activities. Attendance at 75% of these relevant activities is expected.
- Expected to attend water drills and simulations held 6x/year.
- Travel will be required for initial ECMO training and re-training within identified time frames.
- Performs other duties and works on special projects as assigned.
Qualifications
Education and/or Experience Required:
- Experience Required: Minimum 2 years critical care experience required.
- Neonatal and Pediatric Experience (NICU/PICU), minimum 2 years required.
- Successful completion of ECMO Specialist training and certification.
- All requirements of Respiratory Therapist job description.
Education and/or Experience Preferred:
- Experience Preferred: ECMO experience preferred.
- Education Preferred: Bachelors of Science degree, preferred.
License and/or Certification Required:
- All requirements of Respiratory Therapist job description.
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
- Credentialed by the NBRC as a Neonatal-Pediatric Specialist, preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- All requirements of Respiratory Therapist job description.
About Us
Connecticut Children’s is the only health system in Connecticut that is 100% dedicated to children. Established on a legacy that spans more than 100 years, Connecticut Children’s offers personalized medical care in more than 30 pediatric specialties across Connecticut and in two other states. Our transformational growth establishes us as a destination for specialized medicine and enables us to reach more children in locations that are closer to home. Our breakthrough research, superior education and training, innovative community partnerships, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion provide a welcoming and inspiring environment for our patients, families and team members.
At Connecticut Children’s, treating children isn’t just our job – it’s our passion. As a leading children’s health system experiencing steady growth, we’re excited to expand our team with exceptional team members who share our vision of transforming children’s health and well-being as one team.
