ECMO Nurse Specialist (FT, day)

%

of time

Essential Function (Yes/No)

Key Responsibilities

(To be completed by Supervisor)

60

yes

Patient Care & Clinical Management

• Initiate, manage, and monitor ECMO circuits (VA, VV, and hybrid configurations) for critically ill patients.

• Continuously assess patient hemodynamic and respiratory status while on ECMO support.

• Titrate ECMO flow, sweep gas, and FdO2 based on provider orders and patient clinical status.

• Monitor and interpret arterial blood gases, Coagulation function tests, and other relevant lab values.

• Monitor and interpret imaging findings associated with ECMO support.

• Adjust anticoagulation therapy in coordination with the medical team to maintain circuit patency and minimize bleeding/clotting risk.

• Perform cannulation assistance and circuit priming prior to ECMO initiation.

• Recognize and respond to circuit complications (clots, air emboli, oxygenator failure, cannula malposition).

• Perform emergency troubleshooting and circuit changes as needed.

• Participate in ECMO weaning trials and decannulation procedures.

10

yes

Documentation & Billing

• Document circuit parameters, patient vitals, interventions, and complications in the medical record.

• Complete required regulatory and quality assurance documentation.

• Track and report circuit run times, complications, and outcomes data.

• Place appropriate ECMO related charges

10

yes

Equipment & Technical Operations

• Set up, test, and maintain ECMO pumps, oxygenators, heat exchangers, and associated equipment.

• Perform routine equipment checks and collaborates with the clinical engineering department to ensure preventive maintenance is performed per manufacturer and hospital protocols.

• Ensure backup equipment and emergency supplies are readily available and functional.

• Maintain accurate inventory of ECMO circuits, cannulas, and disposable supplies.

5

yes

Collaboration & Communication

• Serve as a key member of the multidisciplinary ECMO team (intensivists, surgeons, MCS APPs, nurses, respiratory therapists, physical therapists).

• Communicate patient status changes promptly to the care team.

• Participate in daily rounds and care planning discussions.

• Educate patients' families on the ECMO process as appropriate, in coordination with providers.

5

yes

Training & Quality Improvement

• Participate in ongoing ECMO simulation training and competency assessments.

• Maintain certifications (ELSO certification, ACLS, CA RN License).

• Contribute to protocol development, quality improvement initiatives, and morbidity/mortality reviews.

• Precept and train new staff or students in ECMO procedures.

• Assist in management of the program's protocols, documentation, and data collection and interpretation (INTERMACS, ELSO, etc.).

5

yes

Emergency Response

• Respond to emergent ECMO consultations and cannulation calls, including on-call coverage.

• Support emergency consultation for other temporary and durable MCS devices.

• Participate in rapid response and code situations involving ECMO patients.

• Perform manual pump operation during power or equipment failure (hand-crank backup).

• Monitor and manage MCS devices in the operative room and during inter hospital transport as needed.

5

yes

Compliance & Safety

• Adhere to infection control, safety, and regulatory standards (Joint Commission, ELSO guidelines, hospital policy).

• Follow proper sterile technique during cannulation and circuit interventions.

• Maintain competency through continuing education requirements.

100%

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total sum should add up to 100%.)