ECMO Specialist - Adult Critical Care

ECMO Specialist or Registered Respiratory Therapist (II, III, IV)

• Rotating Day/Nights -or- Nights Only
• Sign on Bonus up to $5,000
• Relocation Support Available (100+ miles)

Job Profile Summary

This role focuses on assessing the needs of patients who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities and delivering therapy services to improve their developmental, physical or cognitive impairment.  In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Respiratory Therapy duties: Evaluates patients and helps them improve physical and mental conditions through treating cardiopulmonary related dysfunction.   A professional individual contributor role that may direct the work of other lower level professionals or manage processes and programs.  The majority of time is spent overseeing the design, implementation or delivery of processes, programs and policies using specialized knowledge and skills typically acquired through advanced education.   A senior level role that requires advanced knowledge of job area typically obtained through advanced education and work experience.  Typically responsible for: managing projects / processes, working independently with limited supervision, coaching and reviewing the work of lower level professionals, resolving difficult and sometimes complex problems.

Job Overview

This position is responsible for assisting department leadership with supportive, educational and day-to-day clinical support.  The position is responsible for the operation and management of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) devices and care of patients being supported with ECMO. In addition, this position also performs respiratory care for patients of all age groups, who are diagnosed with cardio-pulmonary dysfunction.  Sets up various types of equipment to administer prescribed doses of medicinal gases and aerosolized drugs.  Administers all types of respiratory therapy treatments including, oxygen delivery, mechanical ventilator management, diagnostic procedures (e.g., blood gas sampling and analysis, bedside pulmonary function testing, pulse oximetry, EKG's, BCLS, function and troubleshooting of respiratory therapy equipment). Works cooperatively within department and other services to create a system of quality health care.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Associate’s degree from an accredited Respiratory Care program. 
2. Licensed by the state of Massachusetts to provide respiratory care. 
3. Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). 
4. One (1) year of experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. 
5. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. 
6. Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) trained.

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list.  Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

1. Provides clinical expertise and assistance Respiratory Care department team members on a daily basis including managing day-to-day clinical issues that arise which may include: participating in patient rounds; Assisting therapists when clinical expertise and assistance is needed; monitor daily caseload assignments; reallocate work flow for pediatric transport, ECMO, or increasing acuity in clinical areas; reviewing patient census; facilitate break coverage; and assisting with reporting/analysis. 

2. Operates the ECMO device and manages ECMO-related care for neonatal, pediatric, and adult ECMO.

3. Demonstrates expertise in caring for patients with multiple or complex conditions in which ECMO may be indicated.

4. Ensures appropriate ECMO patient care, anticipating, identifying and correcting problems associated with any ECMO procedures or technology and collaborates with the care team to deliver superior patient care including the knowledge, clinical and communication skills to direct and deliver critical troubleshooting and emergency response for patients on ECMO support.

5. Functions independently following standing orders and ECMO policies, procedures, and protocols.

6. Actively participates in ECMO patient rounds to share information and determine appropriateness of patient care plans.

7. Maintains communication with ECMO Leadership Team regarding concerns and variances as well as any ECMO patient complications.

8. Provides a clear and concise end of shift report for oncoming ECMO Specialist regarding ECMO settings, patient status, and patient care plans.

9. Supports ECMO team quality improvement initiatives and research through the collection of ECMO-related data, preparation, and presentation of research abstracts and/or other documentation

10. Documents therapy, patient assessment, and interventions performed and test results in the progress notes of the medical record in a concise, accurate, and thorough manner.  

11. Routinely checks and maintains proper function of ECMO devices in conjunction with the physician order.  

12. Abides with infection control guideline for invasive and non-invasive equipment per departmental policy. 

13. Weans patients from mechanical ventilation and other therapies through patient assessment and adjusting parameters within prescribed protocols.

14. Administers oxygen using low flow, high flow, open and closed circuits. 

15. Administer inhaled medications in accordance with institutional guidelines derived from the department of respiratory care and pharmacy. 

16. Embodies patient and family centered care. Explains procedures to patients and family.  

17. Provides services to analyze blood specimens for blood gases, glucose and electrolytes in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units. 

18. Routinely assists in the transport of patients requiring life-support to and from referral hospitals

19. Provides in-house transport of mechanically ventilated and other high-risk patients.  

20. Provides resuscitation and support services at all high-risk deliveries.

21. Maintains collaborative, team relationships with peers and colleagues in order to effectively contribute to the working groups achievement of goals, and to help foster a positive work environment

Physical Requirements:

1. Able to walk and stand for approximately 90% of the time. 

2. Able to transport respiratory therapy equipment (up to 100 lbs) using carts or wheels on the equipment to and from patient areas.  

3. Able to communicate with and assess the patient needs of different age populations. 

4. Requires manual dexterity using fine hand manipulation to operate computer keyboard and or respiratory equipment. 

5. Requires ability to see computer screen and reports. 

Skills & Abilities:

1. Knowledge of medical terminology, physiology of the cardiopulmonary system, and Respiratory Science. 

2. Ability to communicate effectively with all professional staff as well as all patients. 

3. Ability to assess patient status and develop treatment plans. 

4. Ability to perform all required duties under emergency and stressful situations. 

5. Knowledge of Respiratory Care clinical practice such as mechanical ventilation strategies, non-invasive therapy, high flow oxygen therapy, artificial airways, and aerosolized medication administration. 

6. Knowledge of ECMO procedures such as safe transport of ECMO patients, cannulation assistance, and procedural support. 

At Tufts Medicine, we want every individual to feel valued for the skills and experience they bring. Our compensation philosophy is designed to offer fair, competitive pay that attracts, retains, and motivates highly talented individuals, while rewarding the important work you do every day.

The base pay ranges reflect the minimum qualifications for the role. Individual offers are determined using a comprehensive approach that considers relevant experience, certifications, education, skills, and internal equity to ensure compensation is fair, consistent, and aligned with our business goals.

Beyond base pay, Tufts Medicine provides a comprehensive Total Rewards package that supports your health, financial security, and career growth—one of the many ways we invest in you so you can thrive both at work and outside of it.

Pay Range:

$44.17 - $56.32

based on full-time equivalent