Trinity Health·Hartford, Connecticut
The ECLS Specialist manages and monitors ECMO circuits for patients in cardiac or respiratory failure while collaborating with a multidisciplinary medical team. They are responsible for troubleshooting equipment, assessing patient hemodynamics, and performing procedures such as circuit repairs and patient transport.
Employment type: Part time
The ECLS Specialist provides extracorporeal life support to adult patients who are in cardiac or respiratory failure despite maximum medical therapy. The ECLS Specialist, under the supervision of the Chief Perfusionist (and ECMO physicians) is responsible for all aspects of monitoring and troubleshooting the ECMO circuit and related equipment during the treatment period. The ECLS Specialist is also responsible for collaborating with bedside RNs, physicians, respiratory therapists, and other members of the health care team to coordinate care for these very complex patients.
What you will do
Operate and manage ECMO circuits and their components during ECMO procedures
Monitor the functional integrity of all ECMO circuit components
Troubleshoot the ECMO circuit and assist with repairs/replacement of ECMO circuit components under normal and emergency conditions
Continually assess vital signs, hemodynamics, arterial blood gases (ABG), SvO2, and other factors related to systemic oxygen supply/demand, and adjust accordingly
Continually evaluate ECMO circuit function to optimize oxygen delivery, CO2 removal, and obtain optimal hemodynamic stability
Operate point-of-care laboratory equipment to evaluate changes in ABGs and electrolytes
Collaborate with the bedside RN and medical team to correct abnormal laboratory values
Effectively manage planned and emergent disruptions of ECMO, such as circuit repairs and trials of ECMO (with perfusion back-up as needed)
Assist team members with initiation of ECMO support, discontinuation of ECMO support, and other procedures while on ECMO (including intra-facility transport)
Saint Francis Hospital is committed to exceeding the expectations of our patients and families by providing world-class service in a progressive, people-centered, compassionate health care environment. We are licensed for 617 beds and 65 bassinets, are a major teaching hospital and the largest Catholic hospital in New England.
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
Candidates must hold an associate degree in respiratory therapy and possess at least three years of respiratory care experience, including one year in critical care. A valid RRT certification and Connecticut state licensure are required, along with BLS and NRP certifications.
Market context
In Connecticut, ECMO respiratory specialist per diem roles tend to be most available at larger hospitals and cardiac or intensive care programs that support high-acuity patients. These positions are competitive because employers usually want an associate degree in respiratory therapy, RRT, Connecticut licensure, BLS, NRP, and at least three years of respiratory care experience with one year in critical care. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform against the original posting, then confirm your licensure and critical care credentials before applying.