Registered Respiratory Therapist-ECMO Specialist; Per Diem

The 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. An RRT-ES is the technical specialist educated and trained to manage the ECMO system including blood pump, tubing, artificial oxygenator, and related equipment. The ECMO Specialist, under qualified medical direction and supervision, is also educated to be responsible for the clinical needs of the patient on ECMO which can include: (1) maintenance of normal acid-base balance, oxygenation, and ventilation, (2) administration of blood and blood by-products, (3) medication delivery, and (4) maintenance of appropriate anticoagulation.

Participates in hospital initiatives and projects.

The 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. An RRT-ES is the technical specialist educated and trained to manage the ECMO system including blood pump, tubing, artificial oxygenator, and related equipment. The ECMO Specialist, under qualified medical direction and supervision, is also educated to be responsible for the clinical needs of the patient on ECMO which can include: (1) maintenance of normal acid-base balance, oxygenation, and ventilation, (2) administration of blood and blood by-products, (3) medication delivery, and (4) maintenance of appropriate anticoagulation.

Participates in hospital initiatives and projects.

• Conducts Respiratory Care services according to department policy and procedure, as assigned, to ensure the quality of care provided to patients.
• Reviews the patient chart and accurately interprets the physician's orders.
• Sets up appropriate equipment and medication needed for each test and therapy treatment correctly, as observed by observation and documentation.
• Administers all tests, treatments and therapy as ordered, as evidenced by hospital documentation, self-audit, and supervisory review. Such therapy includes but is not limited to oxygen administration, humidity therapy, airway management, resuscitation and mechanical ventilation.
• Documents every patient treatment and/or interaction administered in patient charts, noting response to therapy as evidenced by review of patient documentation and assessment.
• Delivers, sets up, and safely operates mechanical ventilators and monitors patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Performs endotracheal suctioning and tracheal suctioning as needed. These standards will be reviewed by supervisory observation and hospital documentation.
• Makes patient rounds according to assigned department schedules. Observes patient condition, checks operation of equipment, and makes adjustments as necessary. Resolves problems and discontinues therapy as ordered.
• Removes equipment from patient rooms and disassembles equipment following department policies.
• Recognizes medical problems (i.e., adverse reactions to therapy), discontinues treatment if indicated, and notifies physician immediately.
• Applies emergency protocols as needed, and alerts Lead Respiratory Therapist on shift. Proceeds to location and assists physicians with establishment and maintenance of patient airway in the event of a cardiac arrest.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age groups of neo-natal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients regularly served.
• Notifies Lead RRT when patients in age groups not regularly served are present, and seeks assistance from individuals with the knowledge of the specialized needs of such patient age groups.
• Performs advanced Respiratory Therapy assignments.
• Attends and participates, as directed, in activities of collaborative clinical committees.
• Assists in development and implementation of protocols, clinical pathways, policies and procedures.
• Provides in-service education to members of the healthcare team as needed.
• Assists in development of quality improvement indicators, collecting data, analyzing results, and suggests corrective action.
• Performs advanced clinical and technical assignments with critical care patients.
• Attends, as directed, and completes Advanced Cardiac Life Support. Assists with bronchoscopy following department policy and procedure.
• Performs pulmonary function testing as directed.
• Performs tracheotomy tube changes.
• Performs Arterial Blood Gases punctures and/or arterial line samples.
• Analyzes blood gas samples according to policy. Reports results and problem with results and/or equipment to the appropriate personnel.
• Performs endotracheal intubation following department policy and procedure.
• Maintains clinical competency in areas of Respiratory Care to ensure ability to utilize up to date methods in…