Perfusionist

Job Summary:

The Perfusionist is responsible for the preparation, setup, sterilization, checking, adjustment, operation and monitoring of perfusion and related equipment, consisting of the extracorporeal pump and other related equipment and controls used in open heart surgery and other procedures to perfuse a patient’s blood. These responsibilities extend from preliminary stages and through surgery and post-operative stages. May function as a leader of the team, responsible for repairs and electronic adjustments to the pump oxygenator and maintaining adequate inventory of replaceable items. Provides training and leadership to new members of the perfusion staff, house staff, nurses and technicians. Does related work as required.

Responsibilities:

Prepares operating room by setting up equipment for extracorporeal pump for open heart surgery and other medical procedures, including bringing in solutions, blood, medical supplies, filters, and tubes. Sets up extracorporeal pump for particular case depending on age, weight, and type of heart problem. Selects and assembles ancillary supplies and equipment including autotransfusion, ultrafiltration, potassium and calcium analyzer, anticoagulation assay equipment, in-line blood gases, and chemistry monitoring. Operates the equipment during clinical open heart surgery and related procedures, including long term circulatory and/or respiratory support, or left and right heart support. Checks the proper operation of the extracorporeal pump, including adjusting pump heads, to prevent destruction of blood cells, the proper functioning of component parts and connectors, and the proper electrical functioning of pump accessories. Obtains blood, checks type and identification for patient, prepares blood, solutions and components for use in the extracorporeal pump, including sterile tubing, primes all lines, and ensures bubble free lines. Performs, uses and analyzes the results from point of care tests and instruments used to monitor coagulation, blood gas and blood chemistry, and hemoglobin and hematocrit, pursuant to an order and under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician. Monitors operation of extracorporeal pump during open heart surgery for proper functioning, blood, proper drug dilution levels, patient’s temperature, and control of hot and cold water to maintain temperature of blood per surgeon’s instructions. Adds drugs in order to correct imbalance of chemistry of blood. Calibrates pump flows and occlusion of pump head. Makes the necessary corrections during the malfunction of the machine by manual methods, as circumstances dictate without directions. Monitors operation of extracorporeal pump during open heart surgery for proper functioning, blood, proper drug dilution levels, patient’s temperature, and control of hot and cold water to maintain temperature of blood per surgeon’s instructions. Adds drugs in order to correct imbalance of chemistry of blood. Calibrates pump flows and occlusion of pump head. Makes the necessary corrections during the malfunction of the machine by manual methods, as circumstances dictate without directions. Maintains continuous oral communication with the surgeon and anesthesiologist. Controls the temperature of the patient by controlling the mechanism for cooling or rewarming the blood. Receives the blood for perfusion from the Blood Bank or donor, checks, labels and infuses properly. Adds drugs to the perfusate during the procedure. Keeps records of patient during surgical procedure in relation to perfusion rate, oxygenation flow rate, temperature, blood chemistries, and time of perfusion. Disassembles and cleans equipment at conclusion of surgery. Trains house staff, technicians, and nursing personnel in the use of the pump oxygenator in relation to open heart surgery. Effectively uses automated systems to perform work assignments. Qualifications/Requirements:

Experience:

Welcoming all applicants, no experience needed.

Education:

Graduate of a CAAHEP accredited school of cardiovascular perfusion, required.

Licenses / Certifications:

Possession of a license and current registration issued by the New York State Education Department as a Perfusionist, required. Licensure and current registration as a Perfusionist issued by the New York State Department of Education must be maintained throughout employment in this title. Certification by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion, required.

Other:

Thorough knowledge of the operation, monitoring and maintenance of an extracorporeal pump and related perfusionary equipment; thorough knowledge of medical technology; good knowledge of the techniques, procedures and equipment used in a surgical research laboratory; ability to keep accurate records of vital statistical and replaceable items; ability to work as a member of a surgical team; ability to work under stressful and emergency conditions; ability to repair and adjust equipment quickly; reliability; accuracy; sound judgment; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.