Cardiovascular Perfusionist

Perfusionist

East Jefferson General Hospital | LCMC Health | New Orleans, LA

Are you ready to take the next step in your Perfusionist career—whether you are an experienced clinician or a recent graduate beginning your transition into practice?

LCMC Health is proud to offer an exciting opportunity to join the state-of-the-art Cardiovascular / Heart Program at East Jefferson General Hospital, one of the region's most respected community hospitals.

This position supports a growing, innovative program with exposure to advanced cardiac procedures, collaborative physician leadership, and a culture that values mentorship, professional development, and long-term career growth.

Program Highlights

• Open Heart Surgery
• Heart and Lung Transplant
• Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs)
• VA/VVO ECMO

At LCMC Health, we are committed to exceptional patient care, clinical excellence, and investing in our people—supporting perfusionists at all stages of their careers.

Position Summary

The Perfusionist is a key member of the cardiothoracic surgical team responsible for operating the heart-lung machine during cardiac and major vascular procedures. The role ensures physiologic stability, anticoagulation, and life-support functions while working collaboratively with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals.

Support for New Graduate Perfusionists

We recognize that transitioning from graduate to practicing Perfusionist is a pivotal career milestone. For candidates early in their careers, LCMC Health provides structured support designed to build a strong clinical foundation while integrating safely into independent practice.

As needed, new graduate perfusionists may participate in a structured onboarding experience that includes:

• Personalized Mentorship: One-on-one pairing with an experienced Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP).
• Comprehensive Training & Onboarding: Graduated exposure to procedures, protocols, and equipment with clear competency expectations.
• Professional Development Resources: Guidance and support toward successful American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) certification.

New graduates will work alongside a CCP until they are fully trained and board-certified, ensuring confidence, competence, and patient safety.

Experienced perfusionists are onboarded based on prior experience and clinical competencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain perfusion equipment including heart-lung machines, autotransfusion systems, intra-aortic balloon pumps, VADs, and ECMO.
• Manage anticoagulation and reversal during extracorporeal procedures.
• Ensure effective myocardial protection and communicate key physiologic parameters to the surgical team.
• Monitor blood gases, electrolytes, hematocrits, urine output, blood pressure, cerebral perfusion, and anesthesia variables.
• Administer medications, blood, and blood products as directed.
• On-Call rotation as needed.
• Perform point-of-care testing during cardiopulmonary bypass (ACTs, ABGs, electrolytes, hematocrits).
• Maintain accurate and complete perfusion documentation.
• Participate in STS data collection, reporting, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Support CAP point-of-care testing requirements and quality controls.
• Review patient medical records, laboratory results, imaging, and medications.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to safety standards.
• Collaborate closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, nursing staff, and interdisciplinary partners.
• Follow departmental policies, procedures, and regulatory standards.
• Maintain inventory and par levels of perfusion and ECMO supplies.

Qualifications

• Experienced Perfusionists: Prior adult perfusion experience preferred
• New Graduates: Eligible to apply; structured support available
• Required: Bachelor's degree
• Required: Graduate of an accredited Perfusion Education program
• Preferred: Master's degree
• ABCP Certification or eligibility to sit for the exam within 6 months of hire, with certification required within 1 year.
• Louisiana Perfusionist License through the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (or ability to obtain).

Why Join LCMC Health?

• Advanced cardiovascular and transplant programs
• Supportive onboarding tailored to experience level
• Collaborative, physician-led environment
• Commitment to mentorship, education, and career progression
• Mission-driven organization serving the Greater New Orleans community

Join LCMC Health and help shape the future of cardiovascular care—while building a meaningful and supported perfusion career.

WORK SHIFT: Variable Hours (United States of America)

LCMC Health is a community.

Our people make health happen. While our NOLA roots run deep, our branches are the vessels that carry our mission of bringing the best possible care to every person and parish in Louisiana and beyond and put a little more heart and soul into healthcare along the way. Celebrating authenticity, originality, equity, inclusion and a little "come on in" attitude is the foundation of LCMC Health's culture of everyday extraordinary.

About East Jefferson General Hospital

East Jefferson General Hospital, a landmark of LCMC Health's incredible community of care, has been the go-to hospital for health, wellness, and one-of-a-kind care in East Jefferson Parish for over 50 years. And we're only beginning to realize our greatest potential. Learn more about East Jefferson General Hospital and our legacy, our future, and our national recognition as a Nurse Magnet Hospital.

Your extras

• Deliver healthcare with heart.
• Give people a reason to smile.
• Put a little love in your work.
• Be honest and real, but with compassion.
• Bring some lagniappe into everything you do.
• Forget one-size-fits-all, think one-of-a-kind care.
• See opportunities, not problems – it's all about perspective.
• Cheerlead ideas, differences, and each other.
• Love what makes you, you - because we do

You are welcome here.

LCMC Health is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The above job summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. LCMC Health reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary.

Simple things make the difference.

1. To get started, take your time to fully and accurately complete the application for employment. Incomplete applications get bogged down and are often eliminated due to missing information.

2. To ensure quality care and service, we may use information on your application to verify your previous employment and background.

3. To keep our career applications up-to-date, applications are inactive after 6 months and, therefore, require a new application for employment to be completed.

4. To expedite the hiring process, proof of citizenship or immigration status will be required to verify your lawful right to work in the United States.