HCSS Perfusionist

JOB SUMMARY

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.

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
• 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.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Works with a team of four perfusionists, rotating on call schedule.
• Functions independently in the operating room.
• Certified 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.

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).
• 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.
• Current BLS certification obtained through the American Heart Association.

EQUIPMENT

• Heart-lung machine.
• Intra-aortic balloon pump.
• Variety of other technical equipment used during open-heart surgery.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The Surgical operating suite in a hospital.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS

• Sit.
• Utilize hand/ finger dexterity.
• Type on a computer keyboard.
• Regularly work on a Visual Display Terminal (VDT).
• Close vision.
• Color vision.
• Peripheral vision.
• Depth perception.
• The ability to adjust focus.
• Intermittent physical activity such as bending, reaching, and lifting.
• Regularly talk or hear.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.