Perfusionist

Perfusionist

The Perfusionist is defined as a skilled, allied health professional, trained, and educated specifically to function as a member of an open-heart surgical team. The Perfusionist provides cardiopulmonary support for patients undergoing open heart and major thoracic surgery.

The Perfusionist will be under the direct supervision of the Chief Perfusionist and will complete duties and responsibilities defined, including those listed below.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

– Other duties may be assigned.

The duties of the Staff Perfusionist include, but are not limited to, the safe performance and management of:

• Cardiopulmonary Bypass / Extracorporeal circulation.
• Counterpulsation / Intra-aortic Balloon Pump.
• Ventricular assist devices.
• Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO).
• Autotransfusion / Blood conservation.
• Myocardial preservation / delivery of cardioplegia solution.
• Anticoagulation monitoring, hematological analysis.
• Physiological monitoring.
• Blood gas / Chemistry analysis.
• Induction of hypothermia/hyperthermia.
• Hemoconcentration.
• Hemodilution.
• Administration of pharmacological agents under a physician's guidance.
• Documentation associated with specified duties.
• Review of patient's chart for appropriate medical strategy and design.
• Trouble-shooting IABP.
• Attend, participate, and engage in perfusion-related continuing education courses on an annual basis.
• Actively participates in efforts to reduce hemodilution and avoid unnecessary blood transfusions.
• Actively strive to minimize the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit size to reduce prime volume.

Other medical duties in which a Staff Perfusionist may participate:

• Isolated Limb perfusion.
• Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy.
• Renal dialysis.
• Surgical assistance.
• Organ preservation.
• Platelet-rich plasma preparation.

Ancillary duties that may be carried out by a Staff Perfusionist:

• Assists Chief Perfusionist with departmental duties.
• Supports development and implementation of policies and procedures.
• Ordering of perfusion supplies.
• Inventory of perfusion supplies.
• Stocks supplies.
• Cleans heart-lung bypass machine and other equipment.
• Initiates and sustains communication with surgeons.
• Record-keeping in accordance with CQI protocol.
• Maintains CQI records / QCs on pertinent instruments.
• Participate in routine staff meetings and in-services.
• Professional improvement by taking part in education and research.
• Provides standby for potential surgical cases.
• Helps with preventive maintenance and safety checks on all equipment.
• Sustains regular communications with PDC administration.

Personal demands on the Staff Perfusionist include:

• Participate in "on-call" scheduling, which is provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
• Must wear a pager or cell phone during "on-call" times and be available to respond within the designated call response time of the hospital.
• Must be in good physical condition.
• Must be able to endure long hours both mentally and physically.
• Physical requirements include standing for long periods of time, lifting, stooping, sitting, stretching, and other bodily demands for extended intervals.
• Exposure to noxious gases and bodily fluids with risk of infections and diseases.
• Remain current on present perfusion technology procedures, techniques, and literature.
• Establish and maintain a professional demeanor.

Education, Experience and Qualifications

· Minimum Bachelor's degree in Cardiovascular Perfusion or related health science field, Masters degree preferred.

· Graduation from an accredited perfusion training program.

· Minimum of 2 years of clinical experience required.

· Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP) through the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) or eligibility is required.

· Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.

· Advanced Life Support (ALS) certification preferred from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.

· Intermediate computer knowledge: Uses Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Windows