Perfusionist

About the Role

Perfusionists play an essential role in some of the most critical moments. As a key member of our surgical team, you'll use advanced technology and expert judgment to support the body's most vital functions—ensuring each heartbeat, each breath, and each moment in the operating room moves our patients closer to healing. Here, you'll work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment rooted in compassion, innovation, and clinical excellence. At St. Francis/FMOL Health, your work isn't just technical—it's profoundly meaningful. Every procedure you support is a testament to the heart of our ministry: bringing life, hope, and healing to those we serve.

The Perfusionist sets up and operates heart/lung machines to take on the functions of patient's organs while in surgery. Operates equipment to produce bypass, coronary perfusion, recirculation or partial bypass, or to alter blood temperature, balance, or content. Relies on education, experience, professional training and judgment to accomplish responsibilities. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. Works under minimal supervision. May lead and direct the work of others.

Responsibilities

• Patient Care:
  • Provide appropriate adult/geriatric patient care based on status and age-specific needs with no more than 2 documented corrective incidents annually.
  • Develop the plan of care for support, treatment, measurement, or supplementation of the cardiopulmonary and circulatory system with no more than 2 documented corrective incidents annually.
  • Accurately compile, interpret, and incorporate lab data, ACT's, ABG's, and dysrhythmia interpretation into plan of care with no more than 2 documented corrective incidents annually.
  • Function independently with complex treatment, procedures, and equipment with no more than 2 documented corrective incidents annually.
  • Provide proactive perfusion interventions that reflect assessment skills emphasizing positive patient outcomes with no more than 2 documented corrective incidents annually.
• Partnership and Collaboration:
  • Inform physicians of changes in patient's clinical status in a timely manner, communicate patient outcomes to other team members, and be aware of patient's limitations to ECC treatment and procedures with no more than 2 documented corrective incidents annually.
  • Actively participate in departmental improvement activities and staff meetings with no more than 2 documented corrective incidents annually.
  • Demonstrate effective teaching skills with colleagues and new employees with no more than 2 documented corrective incidents annually.
  • Recognize and utilize the knowledge and expertise of colleagues with no more than 2 documented corrective incidents annually.
• Quality:
  • Actively participate in departmental or organizational quality/continuous performance improvement activities with no more than 2 documented corrective incidents annually.
  • Provide routine and emergency care in accordance with AmSECT guidelines and unit policies with no more than 2 documented corrective incidents annually.
  • Follow recommended AORN guidelines with no more than 2 documented corrective incidents annually.
• Other Duties as Assigned:
  • Complete other duties assigned.
  • Actively participate in cost containment for perfusion supplies and equipment with no more than 2 documented corrective incidents annually.

Requirements

• Experience: 1 year of experience in perfusion or 1 year of healthcare experience
• Education: Graduate of an accredited School for Perfusionists
• Training: Per license requirements
• Licensure: Certified or board eligible by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion; Licensed by Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners as Perfusionist

Skills

• Good interpersonal/human relations skills
• Good oral/written communication skills
• Good teamwork skills
• Good critical thinking/decision making skills
• Superior organizational skills