MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Associate degree required, BSN preferred.
2. No experience required; critical care nursing experience preferred.
3. Current Iowa RN license, (current IL license if working in IL).
4. BLS, Mandatory Reporter.
5. ACLS within 12 months of hire.
6. Cardiac monitoring course and/or select units of advance Nursing / Critical Care Course or comparable training
7. Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training (NVCI) within 6 months of hire
8. Basic computer skills required.
9. Ability to work with diverse groups of people.
10. Ability to work under pressure and with a large degree of independence and accountability.

11. Ability to lead/direct others in a high stress situation/environment.

12. If caring for ECLS patients as a Specialist:

• Attend and satisfy all the requirements of a formal course of study that is based upon the guidelines and recommendations set forth by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO), designed by the ECLS Program Coordinator, and approved by the ECLS Program Medical Director.
• Complete (72) hours of supervised ECLS case management experience
• First (36) hours obtained with a qualified preceptor at the pump
• Remaining (36) hours obtained as the primary pump specialist with a veteran specialist as the patient’s bedside RN
• Satisfactorily participate in an introductory (8) hour ECLS competency simulation workshop verified by the ECLS Coordinator and ECLS Medical Director.
• Satisfy annual requirements to maintain status as an ECLS specialist.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assessment & Planning: Performs initial and ongoing patient assessments; develops individualized, outcome-based plans of care.
• Care Implementation: Coordinates and delivers patient care, delegating tasks appropriately and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
• Evaluation & Documentation: Regularly reassesses patients, updates care plans, and documents thoroughly.
• Communication: Effectively communicates patient status and care needs across teams and during shift transitions.
• Clinical Competence: Follows protocols, administers medications safely, and demonstrates proficiency in required systems and procedures.
• ECMO Management (if applicable): Provides advanced care to ECMO patients, including circuit management, data documentation, and technical education.
• Age-Appropriate Care: Delivers care based on developmental stages and patient-specific age needs.
• Safety & Compliance: Follows infection control, safety procedures, and regulatory standards.
• Professional Integrity: Adheres to legal, ethical, and organizational policies and participates in continuous professional development.

POSITION PURPOSE:

Provides and directs safe, effective and culturally competent care for high risk, critically acute patients with actual or potential life-threatening conditions. Through evidence-based practice, utilizes critical thinking to assess, plan, implement and evaluate outcome-based care of patients. Provides care to critically ill patients including cardiovascular and surgical patients. May assume responsibilities and accountability for assigned ECMO patients. Supervises and coordinates care provided to patients by the LPN, Patient Care Assistants and other nursing team members. Facilitates communication with physicians, patient and family, other departments and/or team members. Adheres to MercyOne’s performance expectations and performs all defined services and other related duties in accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values of MercyOne.