Perfusionist

Under direction of the attending physician, the Perfusionist provides routine and specialized patient care services requiring extracorporeal circulation and/or oxygenation. Responsibilities include the selection, preparation, operation, monitoring, and maintenance of cardiopulmonary bypass systems and ancillary equipment utilized during cardiac surgery and other circulatory support procedures.

The Perfusionist participates in the provision of myocardial and organ protection, blood component and drug/fluid administration, blood conservation and concentration, and mechanical circulatory support. Incumbents provide patient support throughout the hospital including operating rooms, intensive care units, catheterization laboratories, and other patient care settings.

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 for close cooperation with the attending physician in extra-corporeal perfusion practices. The primary working area is the operating room, but incumbents are expected to provide patient support in many areas throughout the hospital. Incumbents may participate in equipment evaluation and procurement; maintain records pertaining to equipment use and maintenance; participate in research programs involving testing, and evaluation of experimental techniques and equipment; participate in formal training programs and perform the normal range of duties outlined in the job description.

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.

LEVELING GUIDELINES
PERFUSIONIST NEX (Job Code 9028)
• Entry to journey-level professional classification.
• Performs routine perfusion services under established protocols.
• Participates in adult, pediatric, and neonatal perfusion procedures with increasing independence based upon demonstrated competency.
• Participates in ECMO, VAD, and other circulatory support activities under established departmental guidelines.
• Assists with quality improvement initiatives, data collection, education, and research activities.
• Consults with senior staff regarding unusual or complex clinical situations.

SENIOR PERFUSIONIST NEX (9027)
• Advanced professional classification.
• Independently manages complex adult, pediatric, neonatal, transplant, and high-acuity cardiac procedures.
• Provides expert consultation regarding perfusion strategies, equipment selection, extracorporeal support modalities, and patient-specific clinical considerations.
• Independently manages and troubleshoots ECMO, ventricular assist devices, and other advanced circulatory support systems.
• Serves as a clinical preceptor, mentor, and resource to staff, students, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Leads quality improvement initiatives, protocol development, operational projects, and research activities.
• Exercises advanced clinical judgment and decision-making authority within scope of practice.
 

NOTE: 

• This position is eligible for a sign-on bonus
• We are looking to fill ten (10) total positions
• This position will serve multiple hospitals within the USCF Health network