Perfusionist

Job Summary

This paragraph summarizes the general nature, level and purpose of the job.

The Perfusionist is responsible for operating extracorporeal circulation equipment during any medical situation where it is necessary to support or temporarily replace the patient's circulatory or respiratory function.

Other duties include conducting pertinent lab tests related to the surgical procedure, trouble shooting and evaluating perfusion equipment, administration of drugs and blood products via the perfusion equipment as well as specialized knowledge in managing patients who may require perfusion services due to an intra-aortic balloon procedure, pulsatile perfusion, ECMO or left ventricular assist device (TVAD).

Essential Functions

• The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification.
• They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities.
• Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Employees must abide by all Joint Commission Requirements including but not limited to sensitivity to cultural diversity, patient care, patient rights and ethical treatment, safety and security of physical environments, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, participation in ongoing education and training, communication and adherence to safety and quality programs, sustaining compliance with National Patient Safety Goals, and licensure and health screenings.

Must perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the hospital's policies and procedures, including its Service Standards and its Code of Conduct.

• Sets up and operates heart-lung machine, physiological monitoring instrumentation and related ancillary equipment in cardiac surgical procedures.
• Reviews patient's medical history and chart, and consults with surgeon or physician to obtain patient information needed to set up heart-lung machine and associated equipment.
• Selects, assembles, sets up, and tests heart-lung machine to ensure that machine and associated equipment function according to specifications while maintaining aseptic techniques.
• Operates heart-lung machine to regulate blood circulation and composition, to administer drugs and anesthetic agents, and to control body temperature during surgery or respiratory failure of patient.
• Monitors and observes operation of heart-lung machine and patient's physiologic variables such as blood temperature, blood composition, and flow rate, and adjusts equipment to maintain normal body functions.
• Assists in the transport of Ventricular Assist Devices or high-risk IABP patients.
• Cleans and adjusts parts of heart-lung machine.

Minimum Qualifications

• Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.
• Education: Completion of an accredited Cardiovascular Perfusion Education Program
• Experience: None Required

License/Certification

• Cardiovascular Perfusionists by American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion
• Basic Life Support by American Heart Association (AHA)
• or
• RQI Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support

Knowledge

These are the observable and measurable attributes and skills required to perform successfully the essential functions of the job and are generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education or licensure/certification.

• Ability to demonstrate proficiency in operating and modifying extracorporeal circulation and cardio-pulmonary support systems and ancillary devices (e.g., blood gas analyzers, autotransfusion devices, etc.).
• Ability to anticipate and respond appropriately to potentially serious situations involving the patient and technical problems that may arise.
• Knowledge of cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, and extracorporeal circulation technology, including adjunctive techniques.
• Knowledge of cardiac disease, defects, and congenital anomalies.
• Knowledge of organ preservation, sterile and perfusion supplies, such as extracorporeal oxygenators, tubing circuits and cannulae.
• Knowledge of pharmacology of blood, fluids and medications administration and interaction with extra-corporeal devices.
• Knowledge of blood components, plasma composition of the human body in association of support by extracorporeal circuits and devices.
• Knowledge of the following areas in relation to clinical perfusion:
• Anatomy and physiology
• Pathophysiology
• Pharmacology
• Applied Sciences (e.g., biochemistry, physics)
• Hematology
• Computer technology

Physical Requirements

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Additional Information: Pay Range

Compensation is based on the level and requirements of the role.

Salary within our ranges may also be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Typically, new team members join at the minimum to mid salary range.