Respiratory Therapist - ECMO - FT

ECMO Specialist

Provides appropriate respiratory care specific to the pediatric population in accordance with the hospital policy/procedure. Assesses, plans and implements appropriate respiratory plan of care based on the cardiopulmonary needs of the patients. Evaluates effectiveness of plan of care and recommends revisions to the multidisciplinary care team. As an ECMO Specialist who has completed specialized training in the operation, maintenance, and application of circulatory technology (perform neonatal, pediatric and adult ECMO at Children's) requiring extracorporeal membrane support.

Demonstrates expanded knowledge base through participation in ECMO program projects and activities. Flexible schedule to cover the needs of the ECMO patient during an ECMO run. Varied schedules to include weekend and holiday patterns, 7am-7pm or 7pm-7am.

Essential Functions

• Assesses/reassesses the cardiopulmonary needs of the pediatric patient according to the department/area standards.
  * Assessment is appropriate for developmental age of child and documentation.
  * Provides input/feedback/recommendations to Physician or others in the interdisciplinary team.
  * Identifies education needs of patient/caregiver.
  * Identifies appropriate goals/outcomes and actions for clients (i.e. individualized, prioritized).
  * Performs reassessment based on unit standards, protocols, and changes in patient condition. Communicates changes to appropriate persons (MD, CNC, family) as indicated
  * Set up and operate devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
  * Determine requirements for treatment, such as type, methods and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, and medication and dosages, compatible with physician's orders.
  * Read physicians' orders, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient's condition.
  * Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.
  * Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases and blood chemistry changes and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.
  * Administer therapeutic gases including nitrogen, nitric oxide, heliox, etc.
  * Enforce safety rules and ensure careful adherence to physicians' orders.
  * Maintain charts that contain patient pertinent identification and therapy information.
  * Inspect, clean, test, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently and notify manager/supervisor when repairs are necessary.
  * Educate patients and/or their families about the patient's condition and teach appropriate disease management techniques such as breathing exercises and the use of medications and respiratory equipment.
  * Perform broncho-pulmonary drainage and assist or instruct patients in performance of breathing exercises.
  * Conduct lung capacity tests to evaluate patient's cardiopulmonary functions.
  * Provide emergency care, including artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
  * Complete all required respiratory therapy competency tests within specified timeline.
  * Demonstrate competency in identified technical skills for the respiratory department at the specific work area.
• Manages the ongoing process of healthcare delivery to ECMO patients and families:
  Assessment and Planning:
  * Participates in the evaluation of patients as potential ECMO candidates.
  * Works in collaboration with Perfusion to manage ECMO cannulation, decannulation, and stabilization procedures.
  * Prepares and operates clinical equipment and circuitry per ECMO procedures/policies.
  * Accurately assess and review with physician and ECMO team, pathophysiological changes within the patient and ECMO circuit. Differentiates patient versus circuit problems and intervenes appropriately.
  * Based on clinical assessments, contributes to the development of individualized age and developmental appropriate plan of care with patient and family.
  * Participates in ECMO case review and assists team members in defining learning outcomes.
  * Participates in the collection/review of quality improvement initiatives and data for the ECMO program and ELSO data.
• Develops individualized patient/family plan of care using practice guidelines/protocols to meet identified needs. (Plan of Care includes current and anticipated actions focused on care, education, discharge needs.)
  * Utilizes assessment data from the healthcare team to individualize appropriate goals and actions for the patient, including collaboration with the family and the healthcare team.
  * Utilizes individualized assessment data to develop the patient/family's plan of care.
  * Formulates goals and outcomes based on assessment data.
  * Revises plan of care based on patient's condition, interdisciplinary input, and family needs.
  * Demonstrates…