Cardiac Perfusionist

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under general department supervision, and following established policies, procedures and regulations, sets up and operates heart-lung machine to assume the functions of patient organs during surgery. All practice is performed under the supervision of the designated physician(s) and in accordance with written policies and protocols developed and approved by the department of surgery, the medical executive committee and the governing board. Physician supervision provided by a member of the active medical staff of this hospital with clinical privileges in cardiovascular surgery. Note: If the supervising physician’s medical staff membership ceases, under which this application to provide services was granted, the applicant’s clinical practice in this hospital is immediately and automatically revoked.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides adequate and proper perfusion to the patient during surgery.

Safely and efficiently operates perfusionist equipment while monitoring patient physiology.

Collaborates effectively and provides effective communication with members of the healthcare team.

Maintains current knowledge in areas of responsibility.

Performs other duties as assigned.

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Clinical Perfusionist by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion

Must recertify each year by meeting requirements for clinical activity and continuing education.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Graduation from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program (CAAHEP) – approved program.

Bachelor’s degree in science or nursing required.

Professional knowledge of cardiovascular perfusion and interpersonal skills necessary in order to communicate effectively with physician, nursing personnel and other operating room personnel.

Approximately two to three years related work experience conducting clinical perfusions in order to gain advanced knowledge and skills.

Current demonstrated competence and an adequate level of current experience, documenting the ability to provide services at an acceptable level of quality and efficiency.

Documentation of a minimum of 40 cases per year must be provided, with no documented quality issues noted. (Information provided for recertification purposes is acceptable documentation).

Professional liability insurance coverage issued by a recognized company and of a type and in amount equal to or greater than the limited established by the governing board.

Periodic Competence Assessment: Applicants must also be able to demonstrate they have maintained competence based on unbiased, objective results of care according to the hospital’s existing quality assurance mechanism and by showing evidence that they have maintained annual certification by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion, with documentation of a minimum of 40 cases per year for the past two years.

Cardiovascular Perfusionist Scope of Practice: Extracorporeal circulation/cardiopulmonary support, counterpulsation, circulatory support/ventricular assistance, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, blood conservation techniques/autotransfusion, myocardial preservation, anticoagulation and hematologic monitoring/analysis, physiological monitoring/analysis, blood gas and blood chemistry monitoring/analysis, induction of hypothermial/hyperthermia with reversal, hemodilution, hemofiltration, administration of medications, blood components, and anesthetic agents via the extracorporeal circuit, medical record documentation associated with described duties, isolated limb/organ perfusion, electrophysiological analysis, surgical assistance, organ preservation, dialysis.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Works primarily in the operating room where possible exposure to extreme changes in room temperature during operative procedures may occur. Occasional exposure to infectious diseases. Must be able to stand for long periods of time and may have to lift machinery.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

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