The Registered Respiratory Therapist–ECMO Specialist (RRT-ES) provides respiratory care services in accordance with departmental policies and procedures while supporting the care of patients requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO). The RRT-ES administers, monitors, and evaluates complex life support therapies for acutely ill adult patients, including mechanical ventilation and ECMO support. Under qualified medical direction and supervision, the ECMO Specialist assists in the management and monitoring of the ECMO circuit and collaborates with the multidisciplinary ECMO team to support safe and effective patient care. The RRT-ES participates in departmental initiatives, education, quality improvement activities, and ongoing professional development.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

Respiratory Therapist Responsibilities:

1. Provides respiratory care services in accordance with department policies, physician orders, and established clinical protocols, including oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy, airway management, and mechanical ventilation.

2. Manages and monitors patients receiving mechanical ventilation, including ventilator setup, assessment, troubleshooting, airway care, and appropriate adjustments per department policy and protocol.

3. Assesses, documents, and communicates patient response to respiratory therapies and escalates clinical concerns appropriately.

4. Performs advanced respiratory care procedures including arterial blood gas sampling and analysis, bronchoscopy assistance, pulmonary function testing, tracheostomy tube changes, and endotracheal intubation assistance as directed.

5. Responds to emergency situations and participates in rapid response, code, and other critical care interventions as required.

6.Maintains required licensure, certifications, and clinical competencies in accordance with departmental, hospital, and regulatory standards.

7. Participates in departmental education, quality improvement initiatives, policy and protocol development, interdisciplinary committees, and staff education activities as assigned.

ECMO Specialist Responsibilities

1. Supports the management and monitoring of adult ECMO patients in collaboration with the multidisciplinary ECMO team and under established protocols. 2. Assists with bedside ECMO management and intra-hospital transport, including circuit monitoring, safety checks, and equipment readiness.

3. Operates and troubleshoots ECMO equipment within scope of training and established departmental practices.

4. Performs routine circuit surveillance and communicates changes in ECMO support status or patient condition to the multidisciplinary ECMO team.

5. Assists with ECMO-related procedures, patient support activities, and emergency response situations involving ECMO patients as directed.

6. Maintains ECMO equipment and supplies in a state of operational readiness and reports equipment concerns appropriately.

7. Participates in ECMO education, training, quality initiatives, data collection, and program development activities as assigned.

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required).

EDUCATION:

• Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy required; Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Must successfully complete an ELSO-approved or BMC-approved ECMO Specialist training program upon hire or during the next available course offering if not currently ECMO certified.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

• Licensed Respiratory Therapist by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential required.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) preferred.
• Current ECMO Specialist certification preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of two years of critical care Respiratory Therapy experience preferred.
• Prior ECMO experience or completion of an ECMO training program preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (KSA):

• Knowledge of respiratory care principles, critical care monitoring, mechanical ventilation, and related respiratory equipment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pulmonary pathophysiology, blood gas analysis, and pharmacology as related to respiratory and critical care practice.
• Demonstrates knowledge of adult ECMO, including VA and VV support and common cannulation strategies.
• Demonstrates ability to support management of ECMO at the bedside and during intra-hospital transport, including circuit monitoring, safety checks, and basic parameter adjustments under established protocols.
• Effectively communicates ECMO support status and patient condition to the multidisciplinary ECMO team.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, exercise clinical judgment, and function effectively in a fast-paced team environment.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with hospital safety, infection control, and regulatory requirements.

Compensation Range:

This range offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications. However, our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and a broad range of factors is considered when making an offer. This includes education, experience, and licensure/certifications directly related to position requirements. In addition, BMCHS offers generous total compensation that includes, but is not limited to, benefits (medical, dental, vision, pharmacy), contract increases, Flexible Spending Accounts, 403(b) savings matches, earned time cash out, paid time off, career advancement opportunities, and resources to support employee and family wellbeing.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

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