Senior Perfusionist - Peds

The Senior Perfusionist performs all duties of the Perfusionist classification and serves as an advanced clinical resource responsible for independently managing complex adult, pediatric, neonatal, transplant, and mechanical circulatory support cases. Senior Perfusionists exercise advanced clinical judgment, provide consultation to physicians and staff, lead quality improvement activities, and serve as preceptors and mentors for staff and students. 

The main operating room delivers patient care through provision and management of capital supplies, instrumentation and technological support as well human resources in collaboration with medical and paramedical staff to effectively manage patients undergoing elective, urgent, and emergent surgical intervention.

Clinical perfusionists are members of the open-heart surgery team, working primarily in cardiac operating theatres, as part of a team which includes cardio-thoracic surgeons, anesthetists, cardiologists, healthcare scientists working in cardiac sciences, theatre nurses and operating department practitioners. 

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Key Responsibilities

(To be completed by Supervisor)

Cardiopulmonary Bypass and Advanced Perfusion Support

• Selects, assembles, tests, and operates cardiopulmonary bypass equipment and associated devices.

• Determines appropriate oxygenators, circuits, cannulae, pumps, and ancillary equipment based upon patient needs.

• Independently initiates and manages extracorporeal circulation procedures.

• Determines appropriate blood and fluid management strategies.

•Monitors and interprets hemodynamic, physiologic, laboratory, anticoagulation, and blood gas parameters.

• Assesses patient responses and communicates recommendations to physicians and surgical teams.

• Provides myocardial protection through administration of cardioplegia solutions.

• Operates hemoconcentration devices and blood conservation systems.

• Performs advanced perfusion techniques including hypothermia, deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, retrograde cerebral perfusion, and organ preservation procedures.

Senior Perfusionist Additional Responsibilities:

• All of the above plus:

• Independently manages highly complex adult, pediatric, neonatal, transplant, and re-operative procedures.

• Provides consultation regarding non-routine perfusion strategies and equipment selection.

• Serves as the clinical resource for advanced perfusion techniques and specialty procedures.

Mechanical Circulatory Support (ECMO/VAD/IABP)

• Operates, monitors, and troubleshoots extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), ventricular assist devices (VAD), intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP), and related support systems.
• Assesses patient status and device performance.
• Maintains communication with physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary care teams.
• Participates in transport and emergency deployment of circulatory support systems.

Senior Perfusionist Additional Responsibilities:

• All of the above plus:

• Independently initiates, manages, and troubleshoots ECMO and mechanical circulatory support systems.
• Advises physicians regarding cannulation strategies, device selection, and management approaches.
• Leads emergency deployment and advanced support activities.

Emergency and On-Call Clinical Services

• Responds to emergent clinical situations requiring extracorporeal support.

• Participates in emergency cardiac and respiratory support procedures.

• Provides on-call coverage as assigned.

• Collaborates effectively with multidisciplinary teams during emergent patient care situations.

Education, Training, and Professional Development

• Participates in continuing education activities.
• Assists with orientation and training of staff and students.
• Maintains required certifications and competencies.

Senior Perfusionist Additional Responsibilities:

• All of the above plus:

• Functions as a clinical preceptor and mentor.
• Develops educational content and competency programs.
• Provides formal and informal education to staff and interdisciplinary teams.
• Assists leadership with competency validation and professional development initiatives.

Department Operations and Resource Management

• Maintains inventory and supply levels.
• Assists with equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Participates in quality assurance and regulatory compliance activities.
• Maintains accurate clinical and operational documentation.

Senior Perfusionist Additional Responsibilities:

• All of the above plus:

• Assists with operational planning and implementation of departmental initiatives.
• Coordinates equipment evaluations and assists with capital planning.
• Provides leadership support during operational challenges.

Quality Improvement, Research, and Program Development

• Participates in data collection and quality improvement activities.
• Assists with implementation of departmental protocols and performance improvement initiatives.
• Participates in research activities as assigned.

Senior Perfusionist Additional Responsibilities:

• All of the above plus:

• Leads quality improvement projects and protocol development.
• Assists with analysis of clinical outcomes and operational metrics.
• Participates in research design, implementation, and publication activities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Successful completion of an accredited perfusion education program
• Current Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP) credential from the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion
• BLS certification
• One (1) to Two (2) years of progressively responsible perfusion experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated competency managing adult, pediatric, and neonatal perfusion procedures
• Demonstrated competency managing ECMO, VAD, and advanced circulatory support systems
• Ability to independently manage highly complex clinical situations
• Demonstrated leadership, precepting, and mentoring experience
• Knowledge, skills, and ability to operate all routine equipment, special devices, monitors
• Knowledge of sterile and perfusion supplies including extracorporeal oxygenators, tubing circuits, and cannulae for adult, pediatric and infants
• Knowledge of blood components, plasma composition of the human body and use of blood products in association of support by extracorporeal circuits and devices
• Advanced knowledge of human anatomy, disease processes, physiology, and biochemistry
• Advanced knowledge of arteries, veins, organs and specific paths of blood flow throughout the body, of pressures and gas exchange within the body for all patient populations
• Ability to work variable shifts including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English
• Ability to maintain flexibility and work well in a fast paced, constantly changing environment
• Ability to learn and apply TJC, CDC, and AABB standards and protocols that apply to operating room procedures and departmental policies and protocols
• Knowledge of sterile techniques in the delivery of patient care
• Ability to independently initiate bypass for adult, pediatric and neonatal patient population
• Ability to follow orders, take directions, and implement written perfusion protocols
• Utilize formulas and applied mathematics in associated application of perfusion protocols

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Understanding of applicable regulatory requirements
• Knowledge of EPIC medical record system
• Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Education and Experience.
• Experience in a tertiary academic medical center or Level I Trauma Center
• Pediatric and neonatal perfusion experience
• ECMO specialist experience
• Participation in research, publication, or quality improvement initiatives

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

• BLS
• Certified Cardiac Perfusionist (CCP) or eligibility as applicable to classification