SUMMARY:

Maintains and operates cardiopulmonary pump, Cell Saver, autotransfuser and intra-aortic balloon pump during invasive cardiovascular procedures. Provides assistance to the physicians and staff as needed. This job description is not intended to be all inclusive. Associate may be required to perform other reasonably related job duties as assigned. CHRISTUS Health reserves the right to revise or change duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION/SKILLS

• Completion of an accredited perfusionist program required.

Experience

• 3 year of experience preferred.

• Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
• A Perfusionist is responsible for the delivery of patient care as needed during a surgical procedure.
• A Perfusionist maintains and operates cardiopulmonary pump, Cell Saver, auto transfuser and intra-aortic balloon pump during invasive cardiovascular procedures, and provides assistance to the physicians as needed.
• Operate life support equipment for the patient undergoing open-heart surgery, specifically the cardiopulmonary bypass machine (“pump”).
• Set up and operate left and/or right heart bypass pumps.
• Operate extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and/or operation of total or partial artificial heart console systems.
• Set up and operate Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping system.
• Demonstrate full knowledge of the heparin, protamine, anticoagulation-titration analysis systems.
• Ability to serve in an advisory capacity to the surgeon responsible for ordering the administration of cardiac drugs.
• Set up and operate Auto transfusion (blood cell saver) equipment when required to support cardiovascular, orthopedic, vascular and other surgical procedures in which the auto transfusion system is required.
• Demonstrate understanding of and proficiency in patient management responsibilities including: Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Cardiology, Surgical Techniques, Physiologic Monitoring, and Patient Care.
• Review basic histology and anatomy required to gain the best understanding of the patient’s disease process.
• Assist in setting up and inserting the IABP in a variety of settings as required; OR, Cardiac Cath Lab, ICU or other areas.
• Ensure ordering off supplies and organizational activity needs.
• Ensure heart-lung machines are cleaned and in good working order per manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Assist in providing required data for Quality and Infection Control as needed.