## ECMO Specialist (Nights) - CVICU at WVU Medicine: A Rewarding Career Are you a highly skilled and compassionate Registered Nurse or Respiratory Therapist with a passion for critical care? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment and excel at providing life-saving support to patients in need? If so, WVU Medicine invites you to join our team as an ECMO Specialist (Nights) in the CVICU at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia. This role offers a unique opportunity to utilize your expertise in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) to make a significant difference in the lives of critically ill patients. ### Role Overview As an ECMO Specialist, you will be responsible for providing continuous ECMO/ECLS support for critically ill patients. This involves managing and troubleshooting ECMO circuits, monitoring patient vital signs, administering medications, and collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient care. You will also play a vital role in educating bedside nursing staff and patient families about ECMO therapy. The ECMO Specialist works closely with a multidisciplinary team, including physicians, nurses, perfusionists, and respiratory therapists, to provide comprehensive care for patients on ECMO. The position requires a strong understanding of critical care principles, hemodynamics, and respiratory physiology, as well as excellent problem-solving and communication skills. ECMO Specialists must be able to work independently and as part of a team, and they must be able to adapt to changing situations and prioritize tasks effectively. ### A Day in the Life A typical night shift for an ECMO Specialist may include the following: * Responding to calls for ECMO support from various units within the hospital. * Assessing patients to determine their suitability for ECMO therapy. * Initiating and managing ECMO circuits. * Monitoring patient vital signs and adjusting ECMO parameters as needed. * Troubleshooting ECMO equipment and resolving any technical issues. * Administering medications and fluids. * Documenting all patient care activities accurately and completely. * Collaborating with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide optimal patient care. * Educating bedside nursing staff and patient families about ECMO therapy. * Participating in team meetings and rounds. * Maintaining a clean and organized work environment. ### Why Morgantown, West Virginia? Morgantown, West Virginia, is a vibrant and growing city with a rich history and a bright future. Located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Morgantown offers a unique blend of urban amenities and outdoor recreation opportunities. The city is home to West Virginia University, a major research university that attracts students and faculty from all over the world. Morgantown offers a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, and theaters. The city also has a thriving downtown area with a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. For outdoor enthusiasts, Morgantown offers easy access to hiking, biking, fishing, and other recreational activities. ### Career Path WVU Medicine offers a variety of opportunities for career advancement for ECMO Specialists. With experience and further education, ECMO Specialists can advance to positions such as ECMO Coordinator, ECMO Educator, or ECMO Program Manager. WVU Medicine also supports professional development through continuing education programs and opportunities to participate in research and quality improvement projects. ### Salary and Benefits WVU Medicine offers a competitive salary and benefits package for ECMO Specialists. The salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. The benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), paid time off (PTO), retirement plan with employer matching contributions, life insurance, disability coverage, and other benefits. ### WVU Medicine Culture WVU Medicine is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. We foster a culture of teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement. Our employees are our most valuable asset, and we are committed to providing them with a supportive and rewarding work environment. ### How to Apply To apply for the ECMO Specialist (Nights) position at WVU Medicine, please submit your application online through our careers website. Be sure to include a cover letter and resume highlighting your relevant experience and qualifications. ### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 1. **What are the minimum qualifications for this position?** The minimum qualifications include current unencumbered licensure with the WV Board of Registered Professional Nurses or appropriate state board, or current multi-state licensure through the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), or Licensed Respiratory Therapist Registered (LRTR) through West Virginia Board of Respiratory Care. You also need Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 30 days of hire and two (2) years of nursing or RRT experience in adult or pediatric ICU. 2. **What are the preferred qualifications for this position?** The preferred qualification is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 3. **What are the core duties and responsibilities of an ECMO Specialist?** The core duties and responsibilities include providing continuous ECMO/ECLS support for critically ill patients, following hospital policies and procedures, participating in Quality Improvement initiatives and research, ensuring appropriate supplies are available for ECMO, educating bedside nursing staff and patient families about ECMO, maintaining competency with ECLS/ECMO procedures, and attending ECLS/ECMO team meetings. 4. **What is the work schedule for this position?** This position is for the night shift and requires working 1-2 weekends per month. 5. **What training is provided for ECMO Specialists?** WVU Medicine provides a 2-week ECMO course at WVUH, and ECMO Specialists are required to pass a written annual exam. They must also maintain competency with ECLS/ECMO procedures (at least 25 hours quarterly and 100 hours annually). 6. **What opportunities are there for professional development?** WVU Medicine offers continuing education opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and opportunities to participate in research and quality improvement projects. 7. **What is the culture like at WVU Medicine?** WVU Medicine fosters a culture of teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement. We are committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. 8. **What benefits are offered to employees?** WVU Medicine offers a competitive benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan with employer matching contributions, life insurance, disability coverage, and other benefits. 9. **Is relocation assistance available for this position?** Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates. 10. **Is there a sign-on bonus for this position?** A sign-on bonus may be available for qualified candidates. Join our team at WVU Medicine and make a difference in the lives of critically ill patients! We look forward to receiving your application.