Perfusionist

Overview

Performs clinical perfusion, those functions necessary for the support or treatment of the cardiopulmonary/circulatory system of the patient. Operates extracorporeal circulation equipment during any medical situation where it is necessary to support or replace the patient's cardiopulmonary/circulatory function and ensures the proper management of physiologic functions by monitoring the necessary variables.

• CCP Requires Basic Life Support certification through the AHA. Other advanced life support certifications may be required per unit/department specialty according to patient care policies.
• Incumbents to this position with training completed after April 15, 1981 are required to maintain cardiovascular perfusion certification (or to be eligible for the perfusion certification examination process).
• Incumbents who have completed perfusion training after April 15, 1981 are required to have completed satisfactorily their clinical and didactic coursework from an accredited perfusion training program.
• Requires knowledge of cardiovascular and respiratory systems, physiology, anatomy, mechanical and electronic equipment as well as new innovations in the field of open heart surgery.
• Requires perfusion experience in applying knowledge of biology, chemistry and physiology in a hospital operating room setting.
• Requires open heart surgery and surgical perfusion procedure experience.
• Requires the ability to operate, troubleshoot, and maintain a wide variety of cardiovascular perfusion, life support, and blood salvage equipment, instrumentation and supplies.