Cardiac Perfusionist

Cardiac Perfusionist | Boston Childrens Hospital

Position Summary This cardiac perfusionist operates and maintains equipment, monitors and evaluates physiological data and adjustments in perfusion parameters and fluid and/or medication additions as needed to ensure satisfactory bypass. Administers prescription drugs, blood products and anesthetic agents through the extracorporeal circuit and induces specified physiologic conditions, such as hypothermia and circulatory arrest, as ordered by a physician. Key Responsibilities

• Plans and organizes provision of perfusion for assigned cases. Reviews patient chart and laboratory data to assess preoperative condition and identify and plan for patients' individual needs/requirements.
• Selects, assembles and organizes perfusion equipment, materials and supplies required for scheduled procedures. Conducts extracorporeal circulation during bypass surgery and other procedures under the direction of a physician.
• Monitors and evaluates physiologic variables, such as oxygenation, temperature and venous and arterial pressures, and adjusts equipment settings and fluid and medication levels to maintain adequate bypass and cardiorespiratory functions.
• Upon physician orders, administers prescription drugs, blood products and anesthetic agents through extracorporeal circuit and induces and reverses hypothermia, circulatory arrest and related physiologic conditions.
• Prepares cardioplegia solutions as directed by a physician. Selects and assembles needed equipment and mixes solutions in required volume and concentration according to established methods, guidelines and procedures.
• Maintain ongoing communication with surgeons, anesthesiologists and nursing personnel to select equipment/supplies and establish perfusion parameters, clarify physician orders and respond to changes in variables during course of surgery.
• Records patient data, perfusion parameters, equipment and materials used and other required information in patient medical records in accordance with established documentation standards. Monitors and maintains perfusion supplies and equipment.
• Orders and restocks standard supplies according to established par levels. Cleans and inspects equipment to ensure devices are in working order, notifying appropriate personnel of items in need of repair or replacement. Maintains neatness and organization of work and storage areas.
• Contributes to development of unit/department programs. Participates in quality improvement activities, identifying and recommending opportunities to improve and/or enhance efficiency and quality of services.
• Attend staff meetings and participate in designated committees and special projects.
• Develops and maintains professional knowledge and skills through participation in professional organizations and attendance at in-service and continuing education programs.
• Provides information and/or instruction in perfusion principles and techniques for medical, nursing and perfusion personnel within the hospital and from other institutions as requested.

Minimum Requirements Education: Master of Science (MS) in Cardiovascular Perfusion Experience: Minimum of 3 months of previous Cardiac Perfusionist experience highly preferred. License/Certification: Current MA license as a Provisional Perfusionist required, current MA Perfusionist license preferred Certification as a Clinical Perfusionist CCP by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion highly preferred