Perfusionist

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Work Shift

Overview
As assigned by the Chief Perfusionist, and according to the prescribed standards, the Perfusionist performs those functions necessary for the support, treatment, measurement, and/or supplementation of the cardiopulmonary and/or circulatory system of the patient. The Perfusionist performs advanced technical work in the selection, preparation, operation, and maintenance of the cardiopulmonary bypass and ancillary equipment.

The Perfusionist is responsible for the knowledge, operation, and maintenance of a wide variety of technical perfusion equipment utilized in cardiac surgery, as well as, other circulatory support devices, and works in close cooperation with the attending physician in extra-corporeal perfusion practices. The primary working area is the cardiovascular operating room; however the possibility exists of working in other areas within the Health System.

This position must travel and take call for multiple hospitals. Additional duties include ECMO coverage and in/out of hospital ECMO transport.

Qualifications

Required Minimum Education

• Bachelor's Degree Required
• Equivalent from an accredited Cardiovascular Perfusion Program Required

Required Minimum Experience

• Minimum 3 years’ experience is strongly preferred

Required Minimum Skills

• Extensive knowledge of coronary heart disease, cardiac anatomy and physiology, pharmacology and clinical management of patients.
• Ability to work within a team environment with individuals of varying abilities and responsibilities.
• Must be able to interact with physicians and provide them with interpretation of data collected.
• Able to handle emergency and stressful situations and must be able to take call.
• Must have good communication skills.
• Extensive knowledge of perfusion practices and equipment and cardiovascular surgery procedures and terminology.

Required Minimum License(s) and Certification(s)

• Georgia Clinical Perfusionist Required
• Basic Life Support or BLS-Instructor or BLS-Provisional Required

Additional Licenses and Certifications

• If the candidate is a new graduate of an accredited perfusion program, they must complete American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion certification within 12 months of start date (Required).

Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities and Essential Functions

• Prepares for Cases
  * Selects necessary supplies for the procedure, and appropriately assembles and prepares all perfusion equipment (including, but not limited to: cardiopulmonary bypass system, cardioplegia delivery system, ultrafiltration, autotransfusion, etc.).
  * Perfusion record, worksheet and related paperwork are accurately completed and an appropriate action is formulated based on the individual patient condition (including, but not limited to: knowledge of patient’s history, pre-op status, lab and cardiac cath. reports, etc.).
  * Awareness of the hazards of body fluids, proper precautions and disposition of soiled equipment in a proper place is demonstrated in daily practice
   
• Manages the equipment and supply maintenance.
  * Equipment is cleaned in an appropriate and timely manner.
  * Equipment is maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.
  * Appropriate supplies in perfusion carts are maintained.
  * Supplies are tracked within the department and apprises the appropriate personnel of inventory level.
   
• Performs those functions necessary for the support, treatment, measurement, and/or supplementation of the cardiopulmonary and/or circulatory system of the patient.
  * A working knowledge of cardiopulmonary bypass equipment, anatomy, physiology, physics and mechanics of cardiopulmonary bypass is demonstrated on a daily basis.
  * Critical situations pertaining to support, treatment, measurement, and/or supplementation of the cardiopulmonary and/or circulatory system of the patient are recognized and reacted to in an appropriate manner, including proper communication with the attending surgeon.
  * Appropriate changes are made, as needed, in therapy when presented with changing conditions, including administration of medication, anesthetic gases and blood components.
  * Aspects of cardiopulmonary bypass are documented in an appropriate and timely manner.
  * A working knowledge of cardioplegia delivery systems, including antegrade, retrograde and cerebral perfusion.
  * All perfusion equipment and supplies necessary for the procedure are assembled and prepared according to policy and procedure.
  * A working knowledge of autotransfusion is safely demonstrated on a daily basis.
  * A working knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, physics and mechanics of an intra-aortic balloon pump is routinely demonstrated.
  * Aspects of support, treatment, measurement, and/or supplementation of the cardiopulmonary and/or circulatory system are documented in an appropriate and timely manner.
  * A working knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, physics and mechanics of ventricular assist devices are routinely demonstrated.
  * A working knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, physics and mechanics of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is routinely demonstrated.
  * A working knowledge of the Blood Gas analyzer, including Quality Control, is routinely demonstrated.
  * A working knowledge of the Activated Clotting Time machine, including Quality Control, is routinely demonstrated.
• Communicates appropriately using good interpersonal skills.
  * Positive, professional demeanor is projected through verbal and non-verbal communications.
  * Information for patients and staff is delivered in a manner that is supportive, timely and understandable.
  * Interpersonal conflicts are resolved using appropriate methods and organizational resources, including but not limited to Employee Relations Services and Faculty Employee Assistance Program.
  * Diverse perspectives are acknowledged; language and behaviors are modeled that build inclusiveness in the work environment.
  * Ideas and suggestions are clearly communicated.
  * Clarification of communication is requested when appropriate.
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• Required for All Jobs
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• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all WellStar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct

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