Paras Patel BSc, ADN, CES - A

12501 Rochester Dr

Fairfax, VA 22030

Contact info # 240-377-7099

Professional Summary:

Registered Nurse with over 20 years of acute care experience in cardiovascular and pulmonary critical care, Trauma ICU, Med surg ICU and Critical care unit along with ECMO specialist since 2011 for Pediatric and Adult population. Served on the front-line providing care for the most critically ill patients during COVID -19 pandemic as RN and ECMO specialist. Participated as a Faculty at American Thoracic Society 2023 for ECMO Bootcamp to educate new oncoming fellows regarding ECMO therapy. I am currently working as ECLS Manager.

Highlights

ECLS Manager

Pediatric ECMO Coordinator

ICU Nurse at INOVA with vast experience in CVICU, Trauma ICU, Neuro ICU, MSICU, CICU

Quality improvement Key member in ongoing Peds ECMO circuit development

Mentoring new ECMO specialist and ICU nurses

Policy Reviews

Joint Commission compliance

Part of the committee that led Evidence based project Central line removal

Part of the skin care committee to reduce the risk of pressure damage and skin tears

Experience:

ECLS Manager, (Current)

INOVA Fairfax Medical Campus, VA

Provide leadership and operational oversight for the ECLS program, ensuring consistent ECMO readiness, quality, and compliance with institutional and ELSO standards.

Lead multidisciplinary coordination for ECMO activations, standardizing workflows, equipment readiness, and team response.

Oversee staffing, training, and competency validation of ECMO specialists, including onboarding and ongoing education.

Drive quality improvement initiatives, data integrity, and performance metrics within the ELSO registry.

Support program development, including pediatric ECMO advancements, circuit optimization, and safety initiatives.

Maintain clinical expertise by participating in ECMO initiation, management, and troubleshooting for adult and pediatric patients.

Pediatric ECMO Coordinator (March 2024 – February 2026)

INOVA Fairfax Medical Campus, VA

Developed and implemented pediatric ECMO program guidelines to standardize care, improve safety, and align with best practices

Authored protocols for nitric oxide delivery via ECMO, ensuring safe integration, monitoring, and weaning strategies in pediatric patients

Established and standardized processes for KVO cannula management, improving line patency, safety, and consistency across the team

Led pediatric ECMO program development initiatives, including workflow design, equipment standardization, and readiness protocols

Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams including intensivists, perfusion, and respiratory therapy to optimize pediatric ECMO outcomes

Provided education and training to ECMO specialists and ICU staff on pediatric-specific protocols, including nitric oxide integration and cannula management

Participated in quality improvement initiatives focused on reducing complications and improving pediatric ECMO outcomes

Ensured compliance with institutional standards and alignment with ELSO guidelines for pediatric ECMO practice

Designed and implemented a pediatric blood prime protocol, optimizing circuit preparation

Trained and validated ECMO specialists and staff as primers, ensuring competency in circuit priming, blood prime execution, and emergency readiness

Served as a clinical resource and subject matter expert for pediatric ECMO cases, including complex cannulation and advanced therapies

Transport ECMO patients and perform ECMO circuit changes independently.

Adult and Pediatric ECMO Specialist (2011 - 2024)

INOVA Fairfax Medical Center, VA

Serve as an expert ECMO Specialist on the multidisciplinary team executing real time interventions.

Demonstrate leadership by training and mentoring new ECMO staff specialists.

Manage the deployment, maintenance, and discontinuation of ECMO in adults and pediatric critical care.

Transport ECMO patients and perform ECMO circuit changes independently.

Analyze and ensure ELSO data integrity in the registry. Accurately entered ECMO patient data into the ELSO registry, ensuring compliance with reporting standards

Fulfill ECMO charge specialist role managing day to day ECMO operations.

Registered Nurse, System Float Pool (2013 - 2020)

INOVA Healthcare Systems, VA

Delivered expert nursing care across multiple ICU specialties, including medical, surgical, cardiac, and neurocritical care units, adapting quickly to diverse patient populations and acuity levels.

Supported high-acuity patients with complex needs, including ventilator management, vasoactive medications, and post-operative care.

Mentored and precepted new graduate nurses, promoting safe practice, confidence, and skill development.

Maintained certifications in NIH Stroke, BLS, and ACLS to ensure adherence to evidence-based care standards.

 Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes and improve unit workflow efficiency.

Registered Nurse, CVICU (2008 - 2013)

INOVA Medical Campus, VA

Delivered comprehensive care for high acuity post cardiac and vascular surgery patients, including CABG, valve replacements, aortic repairs, and heart and lung transplants.

Managed patients requiring advanced hemodynamic monitoring and support, including Swan Ganz catheters, vasoactive infusions, mechanical ventilation, CRRT, IABP, Impella, and ECMO.

Performed detailed patient assessments with early recognition of clinical deterioration and rapid intervention to optimize outcomes. Collaborated closely with multidisciplinary teams including surgeons, intensivists, perfusionists, and respiratory therapists to develop and execute complex plans of care.

Managed post-operative complications such as bleeding, arrhythmias, shock states, and respiratory failure while maintaining strict adherence to evidence-based practices and patient safety protocols.

Precepted and mentored new graduate and experienced nurses, supporting clinical competency, critical thinking, and professional development. Served as a resource within the unit for complex cases and participated in quality improvement and evidence-based practice initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and workflow efficiency.

SICU Registered Nurse (2006 - 2008)

Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, MA

Provided care in a high-acuity mixed surgical ICU managing a diverse patient population, including general surgery, trauma, and cardiothoracic surgery patients. Delivered post-operative care for cardiac surgery patients requiring advanced monitoring and hemodynamic support.

Managed patients with invasive monitoring and mechanical support devices, including arterial lines, central lines, and intra-aortic balloon pumps, ensuring appropriate timing, augmentation, and troubleshooting. Monitored and titrated vasoactive infusions, sedation, and analgesia to maintain hemodynamic stability and optimize patient outcomes.

Performed comprehensive patient assessments with early identification of complications such as bleeding, low cardiac output states, arrhythmias, and respiratory failure. Collaborated closely with surgeons, intensivists, and multidisciplinary teams to implement and adjust plans of care.

Maintained adherence to critical care protocols, infection prevention standards, and patient safety practices while ensuring accurate and timely documentation. Supported team-based care through effective communication, participation in rounds, and coordination of patient management.

Cardiac Telemetry Registered Nurse (2004 - 2006)

Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, MA

Provided care for patients on a high-volume cardiac telemetry unit, including post-cardiac catheterization, post-pacemaker, and acute coronary syndrome patients. Monitored cardiac rhythms, identified arrhythmias, and promptly escalated changes in patient condition.

Performed ongoing assessments, medication administration, and patient education to support recovery and safe discharge. Collaborated with the multidisciplinary team to ensure coordinated, patient-centered care.

Charge Nurse and staff coordination: Assign patients to nurses, adjust workloads, and manage staffing issues (call-ins, acuity changes).

Certifications and Affiliations

VA Nursing License # 0001204188, NIHSS, BLS, ACLS

CES A Certified ECMO Specialist

Member of AmSECT

ATS Faculty ECMO Bootcamp 2023

POCT Technical Consultant: I-Stat

ELSO data Entry