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Mechanical Circulatory Support Nurse
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Little Rock, AR, 72205
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 35.42-46.72 HOUR
Date Posted : 3 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
- Proficiently cares for and assists in the patient and MCS device in which the patient is currently on.
- Proficiently performs safety checks on MCS devices and understands the appropriate steps when an unexpected or emergency situation occurs.
- Monitors pump functioning throughout patient therapy and maintains pump integrity; monitors circuit volume and administers products, medications and/or volumes as ordered; monitors anticoagulation, electrolyte acid-base balance and blood gas composition volumes and adjusts MCS device to maintain physician orders.
- With the MCS coordinator, Intensivist APRN or perfusion sets up and primes ECMO circuits; initiates and maintains extracorporeal life support according to protocols.
- With the MCS coordinator, Intensivist APRN or perfusion assists with logistics of cannulation, decannulation, and in-house transport of patients on MCS.
- With the MCS Coordinator, Intensivist APRN and perfusion department manages planned and emergent disruption of MCS. Assists with the replacement of components under normal and emergent conditions.
- Proficiently and Safely recovers and takes care of open heart surgeries, vascular and thoracic surgeries
- Active RN license to practice in the state of Arkansas
- 1 year of experience as an RN/Charge RN in a CVICU/MCS setting
- Must be competent in the following roles: charge nurse & preceptorMust be proficient in the following device/surgeries: ECMO, LVAD, impella, CRRT, IABP, swan ganz, and recovery of open heart surgery
- BLS through the American Heart Association is required
- ACLS through the American Heart Association is required
As our Mechanical Circulatory Support Nurse at CHI St Vincent Infirmary, you’ll monitor patients who are critically ill and unstable following extensive injury, surgery, or life-threatening disease. You’ll provide continued care and perform procedures as detailed in the care plan. CVICU Nurses deliver care to patients in critical condition who are suffering heart problems. These patients are often coming out of cardiac surgery and require a very specialized level of care.
To thrive in this role, you’ll heavily depend on your ability to multitask and react. You’ll clinically care for your patients- remaining focused and attentive as you continuously monitor your patients throughout your shift. You also serve as their advocate- supporting their best interests when they cannot. However, your sound judgment during an emergency and rapid response are impressive, putting you on the radar for advancement.
About Us:
CHI St Vincent Infirmary is a 600 bed faith-based, non-profit, acute care facility providing quality health care to patients and communities from all over the State of Arkansas. Our level II trauma center is a regional referral center for cardiology, trauma, behavioral health, cancer care, neurosciences, and other specialties. We have been consistently named by US News & World Report as one of the State’s best hospitals, with high performance in heart care, colorectal surgery, and joint replacement.
If you are committed to social justice, health equity, and prepared to deliver care in new, innovative ways, you belong with us.
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Frequently asked questions
A Mechanical Circulatory Support Nurse in Little Rock oversees patient care involving advanced cardiac devices like ECMO and LVAD. Their day involves monitoring pump function, managing anticoagulation levels, assisting in surgical procedures, and responding swiftly to emergencies, ensuring critical cardiac patients receive precise, life-sustaining support.
In Arkansas, credentials like an active RN license, BLS, and ACLS from the American Heart Association are essential. Specialized knowledge in ECMO, LVAD, and cardiac surgery recovery further elevates a nurse’s qualifications, reflecting the state's emphasis on high competency in cardiovascular critical care.
Unlike general cardiovascular nurses, Mechanical Circulatory Support Nurses specialize in managing devices that sustain heart function, such as ECMO and Impella. They handle complex device troubleshooting, patient transport logistics, and emergent pump adjustments, requiring a unique blend of technical skill and critical care expertise.
Catholic Health Initiatives fosters growth through exposure to cutting-edge cardiac care and leadership roles like charge nurse or preceptor. Nurses demonstrating exceptional judgment and multitasking in high-pressure scenarios often move into advanced clinical or management positions within this large, faith-driven healthcare system.
Demand for specialized nurses in Little Rock remains robust due to the presence of regional cardiac centers like CHI St Vincent. While competition exists, experienced nurses with certifications in ECMO and cardiovascular care gain a distinct advantage, reflecting growing local needs for critical care expertise.
At CHI St Vincent, the culture blends faith-based compassion with cutting-edge medical practices. Nurses here engage in collaborative, mission-driven care emphasizing health equity and innovation, which nurtures a supportive environment that values both technical skill and social justice in critical heart care.
Mechanical Circulatory Support Nurses in Little Rock typically earn between $70,000 and $90,000 annually. This range reflects the specialized nature of cardiovascular critical care nursing combined with local cost-of-living factors, rewarding advanced skills in managing devices like ECMO and LVAD.
Catholic Health Initiatives offers a unique blend of high-tech cardiovascular support and a strong emphasis on faith-based patient advocacy. Nurses here engage deeply in complex device management alongside a multidisciplinary team, supported by a regional referral center known for top-rated cardiac care.
At CHI, Mechanical Circulatory Support Nurses collaborate closely with intensivists and perfusionists during emergencies, managing device priming, cannulation logistics, and emergent pump disruptions. This integrated approach ensures rapid, coordinated responses crucial for patient survival in critical cardiac events.
Traffic congestion during peak hours around major medical hubs in Little Rock can affect commute times. Nurses often plan shifts to avoid rush hours or use flexible scheduling where possible, balancing demanding clinical responsibilities with local transportation dynamics.