Perfusion Assistant

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Aids certified Perfusionists in all aspects of care rendered, consistent with hospital-specific and SpecialtyCare policies and procedures. Provides patient care through autotranfusion and other patient care services for cardiac and non-cardiac surgical procedures.

About the Role

Supports Certified Clinical Perfusionists during cardiopulmonary bypass procedures. Acts as a courier for the perfusionist, transporting blood samples, supplies, and equipment. Sets up and primes extracorporeal circuits under supervision. Performs autotransfusion and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) processing under direct physician supervision. Assists with intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) procedures, including setup, monitoring, and charting. Ensures proper documentation and reporting of quality indicators.

Responsibilities

• Chart on the patient's cardiopulmonary bypass clinical record any monitoring values, event descriptions, or laboratory test results.
• Act as a courier for the perfusionist during cardiopulmonary bypass procedures by transporting blood samples for laboratory evaluation, obtaining additional supplies and/or equipment for the perfusionist, including blood products, as ordered, from the blood bank.
• Set up and prime extracorporeal circuits under the supervision of a Certified Clinical Perfusionist.
• Cleaning of equipment, following manufacturer Instructions for Use and SpecialtyCare Policy.
• Perform other surgical procedures requiring autotransfusion services including platelet rich plasma processing:
• Set up the autotransfusion and/or platelet rich plasma equipment.
• Prepare the anticoagulation solution.
• Process the patient’s shed blood per protocol and return patient’s processed blood to the anesthesia provider.
• Prepare Platelet Rich Plasma per protocol.
• Perform procedures under the direct supervision of the attending physician for those patients requiring an Intra-aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) as directed by the physician:
• Gather equipment and disposables needed to place a patient on an intra-aortic balloon pump.
• Prime the pressure transducer tubing circuit for use with the intra-aortic balloon pump including preparation of the anticoagulation solution for the transducer's flush device.
• Set up the intra-aortic balloon pump per protocol.
• Absorb and assist in the transportation of a patient requiring continuous intra-aortic balloon pump augmentation.
• Maintain monitoring of the intra-aortic balloon pump including adjustments in timing, arterial pressure waveform interpretation during augmentation, and ECG acquisition for intra-aortic balloon pump operation.
• Chart IABP status per policy.
• Reads, understands, and implements all policies and procedure guidelines.
• Collects and reports quality indicator data as requested.
• Demonstrates quality improvement.
• Ensures that all required documentation is done according to protocol established by the customer, SpecialtyCare and/or region.
• Notifies appropriate person(s)/department(s) when problems develop with equipment and/or personnel as established in SpecialtyCare’s protocols and policies.
• Cleans equipment at end of each case, prepares equipment for next case and appropriately disposes of all refuse.
• Informs appropriate individuals of inventory level, equipment condition, and general needs.
• Assists physician, perfusionist and other clinical staff members as requested.
• Ensures that supplies are ordered, stocked and available as needed.
• Establishes and maintains procedures to communicate and document potential or real equipment problems to all members of the clinical team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred.
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
• Previous experience in a similar role preferred.

SpecialtyCare is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.