Staff Perfusionist

Job Description
• Purpose of Job:

Perform functions necessary for the support, treatment, and measurement or supplementation of the cardiopulmonary and circulatory system of the adult patient.

Ii. Essential Functions

Operates physiologic monitoring equipment e.g., Heart-Lung Machine, Point of Care (POC) analyzers, and life support devices, and blood sequestering devices.

Assesses, plans, implements, documents patient care according to department and hospital standards and giving consideration to age-specific accommodations. Utilizes analytical skills to provide efficient patient care and be able to handle critical situations in a timely manner and safe manner. Computes and records all data in areas related open-heart surgery.

Demonstrates ability to be technically competent in all interventions when administering physical and psychological care to patients according to department specific skills checklist.

Associate will function collaboratively with Cardiac Surgeons and Anesthesia Team.

III. JOB CRITERIA AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
• General Preparations for Heart/Lung Perfusion
• Set up and prime extracorporeal circuit.
• Set up and prime cardioplegia circuit.
• Set up cell saver for autologous b1ood recovery.
• Prepare pharmacologic agents for prime and cardioplegia
• Set up heather/cooler.
• Set up hemoconcentrator for ultrafiltration.
• Prepare syringes and blood sample tubes for CPB
• Evaluate patient medical record for history, allergies, blood type and pathology.
• Calculate blood flow and gas flow parameters.
• Determine amount of whole blood exsanguination.
• Check for donor blood availability and patient compatibility from blood bank.
• Perfusion Functions During Extracorporeal Circulation
• Operate heart/lung machine.
• Operate cell saver.
• Deliver cardioplegia solution as prescribed by surgeon.
• Monitor hemodynamic and physiologic parameters.
• Monitor continuous on-line blood gas computer.
• Operate pulsatile flow controller.
• Send blood gases and blood chemistry to laboratory.
• Interpret all lab results and make necessary adjustments.
• Administer drugs and anesthetics per physician order.
• Perform ultrafiltration during CPB when necessary.
• Maintain complete and accurate perfusion record during procedure.
• Ensure safe and accurate induction of hypothermia and hyperthermia.
• Monitor anticoagulation level of the patient per perfusion protocol
• General Maintenance and Waste Management
• Disassemble perfusion circuit upon completion of CPB and dispose of contaminated waste per hospital policy.
• Clean all capital equipment after each use.
• Perform manufacturer's cleaning and maintenance procedures on all heater/coolers.
• Maintain clean working area.
• Perform calibrations of equipment when necessary.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skill in applying principles of asepsis and infection control.
• Demonstrates knowledge of cardiac surgical anatomy, physiology, and operative procedure.
• Maintain certification in BLS.ACLS certification is optional.
• Demonstrates ability to function effectively and harmoniously as a surgical team member.

Job Qualifications

ASSOCIATE STANDARD BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES
• Experience: Minimum 2 years in field of CV Perfusion required as either on the job experience or in clinical rotations as part of a formal perfusion-training program.
• Other Skills: Department Specific Competencies: Knowledge of:
• Current heart lung machines
• Intra aortic balloon pump
• Autotransfusion systems
• Myocardial preservation
• Hemoconcentration and Ultrafiltration
• Point of care testing (included but not limited to)
• ACT testing and monitoring
• Blood gas testing and analysis
• Electrolyte analysis
• Glucose testing and analysis
• Thrombelastography testing and graph interpretation
• Hemodynamic pressure monitoring
• Blood Gases and Chemistry
• Cardiac Pharmacology
• Retrograde Cerebral Perfusion
• Training time required once hired: Must be proficient immediately.

United States
Pennsylvania
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