Lead Respiratory Therapist-ECMO Specialist

Position Summary

The primary purpose of the Lead Therapist ECMO specialist (Lead RRT-ES) position is to provide oversight, consistency and to act as a resource as it pertains to all areas of the Respiratory Care Service during the assigned shift at Boston Medical Center (BMC), as well as to provide clinical service in the capacity of an ECMO Specialist.

A Lead RRT-ES is the technical specialist educated and trained to manage the ECMO system including blood pump, tubing, artificial oxygenator, and related equipment.

The Lead RRT-ES, 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 Lead RRT-ES serves as the expert contact for all professional disciplines regarding any respiratory care related matters.

Assures appropriate performance of shift personnel and effective implementation of the respiratory care service, policies, and procedures implemented by the RT leadership team.

Assures appropriate administration of pulmonary therapeutic and diagnostic procedures and sets up, operates, monitors and manages various types of respiratory equipment to be utilized in the treatment, management, control, and care of patients of all ages with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system.

• Position: Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist-ECMO Specialist (Lead RRT-ES)
• Department: Inpatient Respiratory Care
• Schedule: Full Time, 36 hours/wk Nights

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Lead RRT

• Ensures the services provided by the respiratory care department is patient centered.
• Leads by example providing exceptional care without exception.
• Acts as a role model in providing high quality, comprehensive, and culturally relevant health care.
• Meets or exceeds patient expectations for service with respect and empathy.
• Actively contributes to creating a friendly, welcoming, and safe environment for all BMC patients.
• Communicates clearly to ensure understanding.
• Responds to complaints and concerns by resolving issues immediately whenever possible.
• Organizes work process to accommodate patient needs, including internal patients and co-workers.

Serves as the team leader during shifts when assigned to this role and acts as an administrative point of contact when no member of the management team is physically present on site.

Provides technical and clinical direction in all aspects of respiratory care including adult, pediatric, neonatal, and ambulatory services. Assures appropriate performance of personnel and effective implementation of all respiratory care services according to BMC and departmental policies and procedures. Responsible for monitoring appropriate documentation of the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of patient care.

Generates an accessible line of communication for the current shift. Establishes, monitors and adjusts staffing patterns as necessary. Maintains equal and fair workload distribution and delegation.

Communicates effectively with hospital employees at all levels, including members of the health care team, staff nurses, nursing leadership, physicians, and other organizational members.

Is an expert resource on all respiratory care related equipment and modalities, including high-level, advanced strategies and procedures. Point of contact for all departments regarding any respiratory-related, patient care matters on any given shift.

• Conducts daily huddle for oncoming shift providing insight on organizational acuity and departmental updates.
• Reinforces productivity expectations of the respiratory care leadership team.

Assures attendance at patient rounds by covering staff when practical and follows up with staff regarding updates in patient condition and plan.

Assures appropriate staff documentation and data collection of the quality, effectiveness and efficiency expected of BMC patient care.

Assures appropriate and safe patient care according to departmental policies and procedures through quality control audits.

Rounds through each area of the hospital monitoring patient conditions, assuring appropriate operation of equipment and providing point of care education.

Reinforces, monitors, and evaluates quality improvement/research initiatives to enhance delivery of care including but not limited to, collecting data, analyzing results, and assuring staff compliance.

Assists in development, revision, and implementation of protocols, clinical pathways, policies, and procedures including training and competence.

Assists in direct clinical orientation of new staff in equipment needs, assessments and evaluations. Identifies and resolves equipment/supply issues. Provides the leadership team with recommendations and/or action plans regarding staffing and work flow issues.

• Provides the respiratory care leadership team with feedback on staff performance and recommendations.
• Participates in organizing and implementing skills days.
• Participates in providing education to other members of the healthcare team including but not limited to nursing and physician staff.
• Attends scheduled staff meetings or, if unable, accepts responsibility for reading staff meeting minutes.
• Attends leadership meetings as organized by the respiratory care leadership team.
• Protects the confidentiality of all Boston Medical Center information (patients, visitors and employees).

Adheres and complies with Joint Commission, Department of Public Health and other regulatory agencies. Adheres and complies with department, Infection Control and all other Boston Medical Center policies and procedures.

Keeps informed of all pertinent federal, state and organizational regulations, laws, and policies as they presently exist and as they change or are modified.

• Performs all duties required of a registered respiratory therapist at Boston Medical Center.
• Performs all other related responsibilities as assigned by the respiratory care leadership team.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: ECMO Specialist

Performs other duties pertaining to Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) as described below.

The position of ECMO Specialist exists to support and train staff on ECMO procedures and devices and to ensure all of the equipment associated with the ECMO is properly maintained.

The ECMO Specialist demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to support patients, physicians, respiratory therapists and nursing staff to ensure the effective utilization of ECMO services.

The ECMO Specialist works independently and collaboratively, while exercising judgment and initiative to be sure that all ECMO patient’s needs related to the equipment are met.

Coordinates activity needs of clinical resources for use of ECMO in patient care areas with an emphasis on safety.

Operates ECMO devices in the clinical environment. Participates in device support from implantation through removal. Maintains equipment and supplies in a complete state of readiness and assures that all routine maintenance and calibrations are performed as scheduled.

Acts as a consultant/resource for physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists and other health care team members on the ECMO devices. Is an active partner with the multidisciplinary team in the evaluation of care delivered.

Trains clinical staff involved in the care of ECMO patients in the operation and care of the ECMO devices; includes operation and trouble-shooting.

• Assists with the transport of patients with ECMO devices.
• Assists the nursing staff with patient care responsibilities at the bedside and crisis interventions.
• Records/collects data and prepares documentation required by the FDA, device manufacturers, and ELSO registry.
• Contacts vendors regarding equipment-related issues.
• Serves as a consultant regarding new product evaluation and purchases.

Maintains current knowledge of regulations, laws, and standards which apply to ECMO instrumentation. Remains current in application of technology through personal study, individual contacts or professional organizations, and attending conferences and training sessions.

Provides 24/7 coverage to support ECMO patients in the hospital.

Follows all safety rules and reports accidents/patient safety incidents promptly and accurately.

Performs moderately complex testing with ACT analysis and interpretation. Must have a minimum of an A.S. Degree in Respiratory Therapy and successful completion of an ELSO approved ECMO specialist course.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Education

Graduate of a 2 year Associate’s Degree, CoARC approved Respiratory Therapy Program. (Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree preferred)

Successfully complete an ELSO approved ECMO specialist course – Previous experience preferred. If not already, will be required to complete at the next BMC ECMO course offering. Must maintain competency in RT and ES as outlined in department and hospital policy.

Maintains active license, credentials, and certifications by obtaining the minimum CEU requirements.

Licensure/Credentials/Certificates

Licensed Respiratory Therapist by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Registered Respiratory Therapist

• Current certification as an ECMO Specialist preferred. If not already, will be required to attend next BMC ECMO Course
• Active member of American Association of Respiratory Care
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification for Healthcare Workers by AHA or American Red Cross.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) preferred, not required
• Adult Critical Care Specialty (ACCS)-Completed within 6 months of hire
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)-Completed within 6 months of hire

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of recent, clinical preferred
• Prior Lead or Supervisory experience preferred

Knowledge and Skill