Perfusionist, PRN

The perfusionist operates extracorporeal circulation and autotransfusion equipment during any medical situation where it is necessary to support or temporarily replace the patient’s circulatory or respiratory function. The perfusionist is knowledgeable concerning the variety of equipment available to perform extracorporeal circulation functions and is responsible, in consultation with the physician, for selecting the appropriate techniques and equipment to be used. Staff assigned to this position are not scheduled to work sufficient hours to qualify for FLSA Exempt status.

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

 1. Operates heart-lung machine and its ancillary equipment, at all times monitoring and maintaining continuous blood flow and respiration to the patient. Alters the system to adapt to changes in the patient condition or operative technique. 

2. Reviews patient’s records and consults with surgeon, anesthesiologist and/or nursing staff to ascertain physical parameters of patient for appropriate selection of perfusion equipment. 

3. Captures patient hemodynamic data throughout the surgical procedure in order to continuously manage blood flow, oxygenation, ventilation, temperature, anticoagulation and ECG parameters. Uses hemodynamic data to alter system to keep within physiologic parameters established for each procedure and in consultation with the attending surgeon and anesthesiologist

4. Maximizes blood conservation techniques. Assembles and operates Cell Saver and other intraoperative blood salvage systems, including hemoconcentrators. Assesses patients’ eligibility for autologous pre-bypass blood donation and if eligible performs collection for post bypass re-transfusion. May add human blood or blood products to the bypass system when necessary. 

5. Determines heparin/protamine dosages for anticoagulation and reversal. Monitors patients coagulation status through use of activated clotting times and if necessary, other laboratory tests.

6. Adjusts systems so that patient’s respiratory and/or circulatory systems gradually performs independently of the pump. Continues to monitor physiological parameters until patient is independent of mechanical assistance. 

7. Assists with the set-up/placement of intra-aortic balloon catheter in the operating room. Operates/monitors timing of IABP console during operative procedure and transport if necessary. Serves as hospital resource group for technical issues including all assist devices 

8. Sets up and assists with the cannulation of patients requiring ventricular assists devices in the operating room. Provides daily assistance/support and education to the nursing and house staff in caring for these patients. Provides coverage for ECMO. 

9. Prepares appropriate equipment for each case using accepted sterile techniques.

10. Assembles solutions and drugs to be used during bypass. 

11. Performs quality assurance tests as indicted by hospital and TJC protocol, and records such data for review and audit. 

12. Disassembles equipment, inspects, cleans and reassembles equipment and insures that it is properly stored.

13. Performs, or arranges for, preventative maintenance of perfusion equipment with Clinical Engineering. 

14. Orders, inventories and stores standard supplies and equipment.

EDUCATION: 

1. Bachelor’s Degree from an approved Perfusion Training program OR a Bachelor’s Degree w/certification in perfusion technology (Required)

CERTIFICATION/ LICENSURE/ REGISTRATION:

1. Eligible for Certification by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (Required)

2. Licensure with the State of Maryland specific as a Perfusionist (Required)

3. Current CPR Certification (Required)

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

1. One (1) year of perfusion experience (Preferred)

2. Ability to maintain collaborative, team relationships with peers and colleagues in order to effectively contribute to the working groups achievement of goals, and to help foster a positive work environment.

3. Highly effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills to communicate effectively with all levels hospital staff, patients, visitors, and levels of staff.

4. Ability to establish working relationships that foster quality customer service.

5. Knowledge and ability to understand procedures, practices and policies in the assigned department and for the medical center. 

6. Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives/

7. Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.

8. Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.

9. Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same to those in charge.