Lead Respiratory Therapist-ECMO Specialist

Lead Respiratory Therapist – ECMO Specialist ($15k Sign‑On Bonus)

$15,000 Sign On Bonus (external candidates only)

The Lead RRT‑ES will provide oversight, consistency, and serve as a resource for all areas of the Respiratory Care Service during assigned shifts at Boston Medical Center. The role includes clinical service as an ECMO Specialist, managing the ECMO system and ensuring patient safety, while supporting hospital initiatives and projects.

As the technical specialist educated and trained to manage the ECMO system—blood pump, tubing, artificial oxygenator, and related equipment—a Lead RRT‑ES will: manage clinical needs of patients on ECMO (acidosis, oxygenation, ventilation, blood product administration, medication delivery, anticoagulation), serve as expert contact for all departments on respiratory‑care matters, and enforce compliance with the respiratory care service policies and procedures.

• Provide patient‑centered respiratory services and lead by example with high‑quality, culturally relevant care.
• Maintain effective communication, resolve complaints, and create a welcoming, safe environment for patients and staff.
• Lead shifts when assigned, serving as an administrative point of contact and ensuring proper staffing and workload distribution.
• Offer technical and clinical direction across adult, pediatric, neonatal, and ambulatory services; monitor documentation to ensure quality and efficiency.
• Conduct daily huddles to update the incoming shift on acuity and departmental updates.
• Assist in developing, revising, and implementing protocols, clinical pathways, and training.
• Participate in skill‑day organization, staff education, and quality‑improvement initiatives.
• Maintain confidentiality of all Boston Medical Center information and adhere to regulatory and hospital policies.

• Support and train staff on ECMO procedures and devices, ensuring equipment readiness and maintenance.
• Operate ECMO devices from implantation through removal and perform routine maintenance and calibrations.
• Act as a consultant for physicians, nurses, RTs, and other team members on ECMO devices and patient care.
• Train clinical staff on ECMO operation and troubleshooting; assist with patient transport and bedside care.
• Collect and document data required by FDA, device manufacturers, and ELSO registry; coordinate vendor communications.
• Provide 24/7 coverage to support ECMO patients and follow all safety rules.
• Perform ACT analysis and interpretation as required; maintain competency in ECMO specialist certification.

• Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy from an approved program;
  Bachelor’s or Master’s preferred.
• Completed an ELSO‑approved ECMO specialist course (or to be completed during employment).
• License and credentials maintained; minimum CEU requirements met.
• Licensed Respiratory Therapist in Massachusetts;
  Active member of the American Association of Respiratory Care.
• Current BLS certification; ACLS preferred.
• Adult Critical Care Specialty certification within six months;
  Neonatal Resuscitation Program within six months.

• Minimum five years recent clinical experience; prior lead or supervisory experience preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, education, and mentorship abilities.
• Proficiency with medical equipment setup, monitoring, and supply management.
• Strong organizational skills; able to prioritize and manage competing demands.
• Self‑directed and capable of implementing new programs and procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication in multidisciplinary settings.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Expert clinical judgment and ability to function independently in an advanced clinical role.

$48.88 – $65.78 per hour (based on minimum qualifications); additional benefits include medical, dental, vision, pharmacy, contract increases, Flexible Spending Accounts, 403(b) savings matches, earned time cash out, paid time off, and career advancement opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

To reduce employment offer scams, applications are accepted only through the Boston Medical Center website.