The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Advanced Heart Failure Comprehensive Care Center’s Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) Program seeks a full-time ECMO Specialist Nurse to help grow our program. The AHFCCC team consists of highly experienced physicians, surgeons, APPs, nurses, social workers, researchers and others. Our MCS program is nationally known for cutting edge MCS support in both the outpatient and inpatient setting and offers a variety of support systems (long-term and short-term).
The ECMO Nurse Specialist is a highly skilled critical care nurse responsible for the initiation, management, and monitoring of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) support for critically ill patients. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the ECMO Specialist ensures safe, effective circuit operation, timely response to complications, and adherence to established clinical protocols in order to optimize patient outcomes.
The Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Nurse Specialist will be responsible for providing device related care to patients on ECMO as well as other temporary and durable MCS devices in the inpatient, operative and inter hospital setting. Responsibilities % 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% (To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100 %.) REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS A minimum of four (4) years recent clinical RN experience working in adult critical care setting (ED, ICU).
A minimum of two (2) years recent RN experience working with ECMO patients. A minimum of one (1) year experience working with VAD patients. Strong understanding of cardiopulmonary physiology, hemodynamics, and coagulation management.
Ability to interpret complex clinical data and respond quickly to changing patient conditions. Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills under pressure. ELSO Adult Practitioner Certification (completed or in progress) or successful completion of an ECMO knowledge and skill assessment as part of the interview and selection process.
A passing score, based on established criteria will be required for consideration for the position. Strong verbal and written communication skills for interdisciplinary collaboration. Ability to remain calm and function effectively in high-stress, emergent situations.
Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to patient safety. This position requires flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Medical Center locations. PREFERRED QUALIFICATION ECMO specialist experience ELSO E-AEC Certification REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS Current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of California Current American Heart Association CPR certification Current American Heart Association ACLS certification
Full time · Night shift