Perfusionist

A Brief Overview

The primary role of the Cardiovascular Perfusionist is to operate the heart-lung machine during cardiopulmonary bypass. The perfusionist must have the ability to focus and perform during stressful, life-threatening situations. Secondary roles include, but are not limited to: Intra-operative blood conservation, arterial venous and cerebral oxygen saturation monitoring, adjunctive therapies for ventricular assist. Functions in supportive roles with other medical specialties in operating room to provide a successful patient outcome. The perfusion staff also provides extended, long-term support of the patient's circulation outside of the operating room environment, i.e., cath lab, and ICU.

What You Will Do

• Demonstrates competence in the areas of perfusion concept application: filtration, gas-exchange, myocardial preservation, hypothermia, hemodilution, perfusion circuitry, and pharmacologic intervention, blood conservation techniques, coagulation management
• Perfusion procedures involve specialized instrumentation and/or advanced life support techniques, and may include a variety of related functions. Knowledgeable and competent in extracorporeal life support, which includes but is not limited to: ventricular assist devices, ECMO, right and left heart bypass, veno-veno bypass
• Adjunctive techniques used with extracorporeal circulation including but not limited to: Volume management hemoconcentration, autotransfusion, aseptic technique, cardiac operative techniques, anesthetic management, circulatory arrest procedures, organ preservation and transplantation.
• Monitoring of the patient undergoing extracorporeal circulation, including but not limited to: hemodynamic monitoring and measurement, blood gas analysis, bubble/air detection, level sensing, temperature monitoring, electrocardiography, fluid and electrolyte balance, coagulation monitoring, adequacy of perfusion.
• List the major and essential duties of the job in order of priority and importance. Include measurable standards. As required, the duties listed below should include the age specific requirements of the position and/or applicable addendum attached.
• Catastrophic event management, which includes but not limited to: emergent cases, device failure, massive air emboli, arterial dissections, and critical lab values.
• Safety checks of equipment and supplies before each patient encounter to ensure a safe outcome of the procedure.
• Cleans and maintains all perfusion equipment.
• Clear charting and pre-bypass checklist documentation
• Performs other miscellaneous duties and special projects as directed by Director of Perfusion Services
• Responsible for data collection and/or entry for Adult Cardiac Surgery STS database

Additional Responsibilities

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.
• For specific duties and responsibilities, refer to documentation provided by the department during orientation.
• Must abide by all requirements to safely and securely maintain Protected Health Information (PHI) for our patients. Annual training, the UH Code of Conduct and UH policies and procedures are in place to address appropriate use of PHI in the workplace.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree (Required) or
• 10 plus years of experience. (Required)

Work Experience

• Must have clinical exposure to 40 clinical perfusions, either pediatric or adult patients (Required)

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge and understanding of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and are necessary. (Required proficiency)
• Applications of ECMO, long and short term Ventricular assist devices. (Required proficiency)
• Veno-veno bypass, and vacuum assisted venous drainage, circulatory support, autotransfusion, and laboratory values and interpretation. (Required proficiency)
• The Perfusionist is knowledgeable concerning the variety of equipment available to perform extracorporeal circulation functions, monitoring and is responsible, in consultation with the surgeon for selecting the appropriate equipment and techniques to be used. (Required proficiency)

Licenses and Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS) (Required)
• Must be a Certified Clinical Perfusionist or Board eligible as a graduate of an accredited Perfusion Program (Required)

Physical Demands

• Standing Frequently
• Walking Frequently
• Sitting Rarely
• Lifting Frequently up to 50 lbs
• Carrying Frequently up to 50 lbs
• Pushing Frequently up to 50 lbs
• Pulling Frequently up to 50 lbs
• Climbing Occasionally up to 50 lbs
• Balancing Occasionally
• Stooping Frequently
• Kneeling Frequently
• Crouching Frequently
• Crawling Occasionally
• Reaching Frequently
• Handling Frequently
• Grasping Frequently
• Feeling Constantly
• Talking Constantly
• Hearing Constantly
• Repetitive Motions Constantly
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination Constantly

Travel Requirements

• 10%