HCSS Perfusionist

Perfusionist

Per diem position. The Perfusionist operates extracorporeal circulation equipment and autotransfusion equipment during any medical situation, including the circulation of blood during open-heart surgery, where it is necessary to support or temporarily replace a patient's circulatory or respiratory functions. Assists the Perioperative Services area to achieve key performance indicators focused on perfusion services. Responsible for the selection of appropriate equipment and techniques to be used and ensures the safe management of physiologic functions. Consults with physicians in the selection of appropriate equipment and resources required for extracorporeal support of patients' circulatory or respiratory functions.

Scope: Majority of time will be spent in the operating room. May also need to assist the Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) team in all areas of the institution, as well as other UTMB campuses

Major Duties / Critical Tasks:

• Management of Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB)
• Facilitate discussion with health care team which includes medical record review, decisions needed for prime selection, drug and blood additives, and techniques of cardiopulmonary bypass.
• Demonstrate appropriate clinical vigilance and awareness before, during and after cardiopulmonary bypass.
• Utilize all available safety devices during cardiopulmonary bypass as per departmental policy.
• Recognize and resolve variances and abnormal situations that may arise.
• Appropriately communicate with open-heart team personnel during procedures.
• Use appropriate equipment/supplies and monitor data based on patient profile (age, condition, procedure).
• Appropriately assess patient profile and manage CPB.
• Ancillary Perfusion Procedures
• Troubleshoot all technical devices.
• Recognize when situations are critical, notify appropriate personnel and assist as needed.
• Assess patient profile and manage ancillary procedures by using appropriate equipment and monitoring data.
• Maintain competence in cardiac assist devices to include VADs, ECMO, IABP, PCPS, left heart bypass, VV bypass for liver transplant, hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion, and autotransfusion.
• Demonstrate competence and comprehensive knowledge of all ancillary procedures per departmental policy.
• Information management
• Demonstrate knowledge of UTMB Perfusion Services policy and procedure via staff meeting, memos, communication book, bulletin boards email, etc.
• Appropriately communicate significant issues to leadership and charge staff.
• Maintain patient confidentiality.
• Appropriate database information entry
• Provides concise and accurate shift report
• Communicate product failures, technical and patient incidents per departmental policy
• Complete and file necessary paperwork and labeling according to departmental policy.
• Timely documentation according to departmental standards
• Create and maintain accurate, complete, and legible records.
• Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.
• Participates in education and research within the perfusionist scope of practice.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Works with a team of four perfusionists, rotating on call schedule. Functions independently in the operating room. Competent in maintaining and troubleshooting the cardiopulmonary machine and other related equipment including but not limited to Cell Salvage, IABP, and ECMO with minimal assistance. Always maintain professional decorum. The team will be assigned to all campuses on rotation and/or as needed to support cardiac cases.

Required Education / Experience:

Completion of an accredited cardiovascular perfusion training program. Bachelor's degree in Perfusion Technology, Life Science, or Allied Health Specialty (e.g., Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Medical Technology). Certification as a Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP) by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusionists from an accredited Cardiovascular Perfusion training program. Two (2) years of inpatient hospital experience as an RN with at least two (2) years in specialty area assigned (or similar experience) within the last 2 years. Must have current BLS certification obtained through the American Heart Association.

Equipment:

Heart-lung machine, intra-aortic balloon pump, and various other technical equipment used during open-heart surgery.

Working Environment:

The Surgical operating suite in a hospital.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, utilize hand/finger dexterity, and type on a computer keyboard. Specific vision abilities required by this job include regularly working on a Visual Display Terminal (VDT), close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Includes intermittent physical activity such as bending, reaching, and lifting. The employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Other:

Specific job requirements or physical location of some positions allocated to this classification, may render this position security sensitive, and thereby subject to the provisions of Section 51.215, Texas Education Code.

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require the prior approval of the Executive Director of Human Resources.