Perfusionist

Perfusionist

The Perfusionist sets up and operates heart/lung machines to take on the functions of patient's organs while in surgery. Operates equipment to produce bypass, coronary perfusion, recirculation or partial bypass, or to alter blood temperature, balance, or content. Relies on education, experience, professional training and judgment to accomplish responsibilities. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. Works under minimal supervision. May lead and direct the work of others.

Responsibilities

• Patient Care
  • Assembles, primes, recirculates, and tests extracorporeal circuits prior to initiation of heart-lung bypass procedures, and consults with surgeon and makes suggestions on improving the quality of circuit performance.
  • Maintains a continuous monitoring system on patients in order to ensure proper functioning, accurately records hemodynamic data, efficiently assesses patient metabolic state, and performs laboratory tests as needed in a caring and professional manner.
• Partnership and Collaboration
  • Monitors and observes heart-lung machine operation and patient physiologic parameters. Makes adjustments as necessary to maintain adequate perfusion and ensure a safe and reliable atmosphere for patient care, and promptly communicates any adjustments to the Surgeon and Anesthesiologist.
• Quality
  • Investigates new techniques, practices, and equipment in an effort to identify ways of maximizing the quality and efficiency of health care services provided to patients.
  • Promotes the quality and efficiency of his/her own performance by remaining current with the latest trends in field of expertise through participation in job-relevant seminars and workshops, attendance at professional conferences, and affiliations with national and state professional organizations.
  • Promotes the provision of high-quality patient care services by maintaining adequate patient anticoagulation and reversal before and after cardiac surgical procedures and calculating proper heparin and protamine doses based on patient parameters.
• Other Duties as Assigned or Asked
  • Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

Qualifications

Experience: 1 year of experience in perfusion or 1 year of healthcare experience

Education: Graduate from an accredited cardiovascular perfusion education program

Licensure: Certified or board eligible by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion Licensed by Louisiana State board of Medical Examiners as Perfusionist; BLS