Job Description: Staff Perfusionist

Purpose:  To define the clinical and non-clinical responsibilities of the Staff Perfusionist.

Reports to:  Unit Director of the CVOR and Chief Perfusionist.

Section I : Qualifications.

1.      Must be currently certified as a Clinical Perfusionist

Section II : Non-Clinical Responsibilities.

1.      Assist in developing policies, protocols, procedures, and guidelines for staff and student perfusionists.

2.      Assist in development of research projects and the collections of data.

3.      Assist in monitoring and conducting the Quality Assurance Program for Perfusion Services.

4.      Perform administrative duties for the Perfusion Services department as assigned by the Chief Perfusionist.

5.      In the absence of the Chief Perfusionist, supervise the daily, clinical activities and assignments of the Perfusion department as assigned.

Section III : Clinical Responsibilities.

1.      Perform perfusion duties for scheduled and emergency cardiopulmonary bypass for adult open-heart cases.

2.      Perform cell saving and autotransfusion.

3.      Perform perfusion duties for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), emergency Cardiopulmonary Support (CPS) and Ventricular Assist Devices for cardiac and/or respiratory failure.

4.      Perform initial set-up as needed and provide supervisory and/or trouble-shooting services for IntraAortic Balloon Pumping.

5.      Monitors coagulation and anticoagulation tests during and shortly after cardiac surgical cases, Ventricular assists, ECMO cases and CPS.

6.      Monitors chemistry, hematological, blood gas and other necessary laboratory test results during CPB and as necessary post-CPB.

7.      Assist with the application of hemodynamic monitoring equipment, including arterial and Swan-Ganz lines.

8.      Provides in-service education to students and health care personnel.

9.      Maintains appropriate inventory of all perfusion disposables.

10.  Employs principles of cost containment.

11.  Ensures preventative maintenance of capital equipment is performed according to policy.

12.  Maintains perfusion equipment in a state of readiness and cleanliness.

13.  Ensures necessary medications and disposables for Perfusion Services usage are available on Perfusion Supply Cart.

14.  Maintain adequate response time and coverage when on call as per Perfusion Services Policy 5-B1.

15.  Adheres to the Policies, Protocols, Procedures and Guidelines of the Perfusion Services department.

16.  Maintains professional Communication skills with physicians, nurses and technicians.

17.  Establish basic protocols with the Operating Surgeons.

18.  Works with the other perfusionists to provide continuity of care.