ECMO Respiratory Care Supervisor

Lifespan
United States, Rhode Island, Providence
May 24, 2025
Summary: The ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) Supervisor is a clinical expert responsible for the comprehensive management coordination and continuous advancement of the ECMO program at a large Level 1 academic medical center within the Respiratory Department. This role emphasizes staff education respiratory therapy collaboration and clinical leadership to ensure the highest standards of care for patients requiring advanced extracorporeal support. The ECMO Supervisor serves as a resource for clinical teams oversees quality assurance initiatives and supports the professional development of ECMO specialists and respiratory therapists. The ECMO Supervisor is a vital leader in the critical care environment ensuring the delivery of safe evidence-based extracorporeal support through expert clinical practice staff education and programmatic excellence. This role is essential for maintaining the highest standards of care for ECMO patients and fostering the professional growth of the multidisciplinary team Responsibilities: Key Accountabilities Consistently applies the corporate values of respect honesty and fairness in improving the health status of the people of the region through the provision of customer-friendly geographically accessible and high-value services within the environment of a comprehensive integrated health system. Is responsible for knowing and acting in accordance with the principles of the Brown University Health Corporate Compliance Program and Code of Conduct. Interview hires trains supervises and evaluates staff. As appropriate it takes necessary corrective action including recommending discharge of staff. Clinical Expertise and Patient Care Serve as the lead ECMO Specialist providing direct clinical coverage and expert consultation for all phases of ECMO support including initiation management weaning and decannulation. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (critical care respiratory therapy nursing perfusion surgery and cardiology) to develop implement and evaluate individualized patient care plans. Participate in daily multidisciplinary rounds offering advanced clinical insights and recommendations for ECMO management. Ensure ECMO practices align with ELSO (Extracorporeal Life Support Organization) guidelines and institutional policies. Perform and supervise urgent or emergent circuit interventions including component changes and troubleshooting. Provide direct patient care as needed including bedside ECMO specialist coverage and intra- or inter-hospital transport of ECMO patients. Oversees systems for charging patients for both ECMO and Nitric Oxide use. Resolves billing issues as needed. Interacts with department secretary supervisors technicians therapists Internal Audit and Information Services as necessary. Staff Education and Professional Development Design implement and evaluate comprehensive ECMO education and competency programs for ECMO specialists respiratory therapists nurses physicians and other clinicians. Coordinate and lead orientation ongoing training wet labs and simulation exercises to ensure high clinical competency and adherence to best practices. Develop disseminate and update educational materials protocols and checklists for all staff involved in ECMO care. Serve as a mentor and resource for ECMO specialists and respiratory therapists modeling expert clinical behavior and decision-making. Facilitate in-service training and continuing education to keep staff current with evolving ECMO technology and guidelines. Respiratory Therapy Support Collaborate closely with respiratory therapy leadership to integrate ECMO support with advanced respiratory care strategies. Provide expert guidance on ventilator management gas exchange optimization and adjunctive therapies for ECMO patients. Assist with the assessment selection and maintenance of ECMO and respiratory equipment ensuring readiness and compliance with safety standards. During times without ECMO patient volume the role will be supportive to the department of respiratory therapy for any and all functions deemed necessary by the Clinical Manager of Respiratory Therapy. Program Operations and Quality Improvement Oversee day-to-day operational functions of the ECMO program including scheduling staffing and resource management. Maintain and periodically review ECMO program policies procedures and quality measures in collaboration with medical directors and key stakeholders. Collect analyze and submit ECMO data to the ELSO registry and participate in quality improvement initiatives case reviews and morbidity and mortality conferences. Lead and participate in process improvement projects to enhance clinical outcomes and program efficiency. Ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards including Joint Commission and ELSO Center of Excellence requirements. Leadership and Collaboration Act as a liaison between the ECMO program and various clinical services supporting effective communication and multidisciplinary collaboration. Participate in recruitment selection and evaluation of ECMO specialists and support staff. Represent the ECMO program at institutional regional and national meetings and network with other ECMO centers to share best practices and innovations. Monitor ECMO inventory and coordinate equipment purchasing and maintenance to ensure operational readiness. Other information: Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelors degree required. The preferred candidate will have a bachelors degree in Respiratory Therapy Nursing or Perfusion Technology; Masters degree preferred. Licensure/Certification: Current RN RRT or CCP licensure in the state of practice. BLS and ACLS certifications required; PALS preferred. ELSO ECMO Specialist Certification or equivalent (or ability to obtain within 6 months). Experience: Minimum of 2 years ECMO and respiratory care experience in a critical care setting required. Pediatric respiratory experience preferred. Prior experience in ECMO program coordination or education preferred. Skills: Demonstrated clinical expertise in ECMO management across patient populations (adult pediatric neonatal). Strong leadership communication and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in data management quality improvement and regulatory compliance. Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment and adapt to changing priorities. High level of organizational teaching and mentoring skills. Physical and Work Requirements* Ability to work flexible hours including on-call coverage to meet patient care and program needs. Must be able to respond to urgent clinical situations and participate in intra- and inter-hospital patient transports as needed. May require standing walking and lifting equipment or patients in a critical care environment. Key Relationships Reports directly to the Clinical Manager of Respiratory Therapy Collaborates with ECMO medical directors respiratory therapy leadership critical care teams and hospital administration. Interfaces with external agencies (ELSO regulatory bodies) and participates in professional networks. Brown University Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin age ethnicity sexual orientation ancestry genetics gender identity or expression disability protected veteran or marital status. Brown University Health is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Location: Rhode Island Hospital USA:RI:Providence Work Type: Full Time Shift: Shift 1 Union: Non-Union Apply