by elizabells Premium Member

Hey, all. In the time I've worked in the NICU, I've gotten hopelessly, irredeemably addicted to ECMO. At my hospital Clinical Perfusionists set up and run the pumps and we look after the babies. I know there are hospitals out there that have RNs on pump after it's set up. Anyone work at one? I'm prepared to go to perfusion school if I must, but the prospect of going back to college for yet a third time is a little daunting.

Re: Who runs your ECMO pumps?

An RN or an RRT can run the pump. The RNs that run the pumps have been ECMO trained. Usually an RRT runs it though, but we do have a few RNs that are trained.

Re: Who runs your ECMO pumps?

Some hospitals will train RN's to run the pumps.

Re: Who runs your ECMO pumps?

Let me clarify my initial thought: I'm looking for the names of specific locations. If you don't want to post where you work in the public thread (understandable), feel more than free to send me a PM. The one I know of is Los Angeles Children's, and I've heard that CHOP does as well.

Re: Who runs your ECMO pumps?

LPCH uses nurses after the cannulation.

Re: Who runs your ECMO pumps?

CHOP uses both RRTs and RNs, but the RNs are VERY experienced (mostly in one of the CHOP ICUs). I'd say 5 years experience is the average, many have more. They do VV and VA ECMO, and most can be called to any of the 3 ICUs (N/IC, PICU, CICU), so training is extensive.

Re: Who runs your ECMO pumps?

Our ECMO techs are either RTs or RNs who have done extra classes. I'm in cols, ohio

Re: Who runs your ECMO pumps?

Arkansas Children's Hospital uses RN's and RT's as ECMO pump techs. We are required to have ICU experience and to complete extensive training as we may be required to work in NICU, CVICU, or PICU. I am currently in the middle of training to work on a prn basis in addition to my regular hours in the NICU. Please feel free to PM if you have more questions. FYI we are one of the few hospitals that also does mobile ECMO...not that I'm bragging or anything I love my job!

Re: Who runs your ECMO pumps?

Originally Posted by HighCensus

Arkansas Children's Hospital uses RN's and RT's as ECMO pump techs. We are required to have ICU experience and to complete extensive training as we may be required to work in NICU, CVICU, or PICU. I am currently in the middle of training to work on a prn basis in addition to my regular hours in the NICU. Please feel free to PM if you have more questions. FYI we are one of the few hospitals that also does mobile ECMO...not that I'm bragging or anything I love my job!

What is "mobile ECMO"?

Re: Who runs your ECMO pumps?

"Mobile ECMO" is basically the ability to transport patients while on an ECMO circuit. I don't know the latest data but as of April 2006 Arkansas Children’s Hospital was one of only three institutions in the United States to offer air transport of critically ill patients on an ECMO circuit. Here is the link tofor more info on our program. http://www.pediatric-cardiology.com/...April.asp#ecmo