Cardiovascular Perfusionist

University of Rochester•City of Rochester, NY

10d•Onsite

About The Position

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive. This role is responsible for all aspects of cardiovascular perfusion during adult and/or pediatric open heart surgery. The Cardiovascular Perfusionist exercises a high degree of skill and judgment in operating and maintaining equipment, and an understanding of the principles and methodology of current perfusion techniques. They also direct residents, interns, nursing personnel and respiratory therapists in the proper use of ECMO and VAD equipment in the intensive care units. The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited perfusion program and completion of at least 40 cases as required by license required Or equivalent combination of education and experience
Board Certification from American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion upon hire required
CLPRF - Clinical Perfusionists New York State Perfusionist License upon hire required

Responsibilities

Responsible for all aspects of cardiovascular perfusion during adult and/or pediatric open heart surgery.
Exercises a high degree of skill and judgment in operating and maintaining equipment, and an understanding of the principles and methodology of current perfusion techniques.
Directs residents, interns, nursing personnel and respiratory therapists in the proper use of ECMO and VAD equipment in the intensive care units.
Uses heart-lung machines (Sorin S5), membrane oxygenators, Hemochron machines, all tubing, filters and cannulas used in the bypass circuit, equipment used in autotransfusion, ventricular assist devices, ECMO, centrifugal pumps, blood gas analyzer and operation of the intra-aortic balloon pump.
Chooses appropriate oxygenator and accessory equipment for each patient in accordance with current perfusion standards.
Assembles, primes, recirculates and completely inspects the integrity of the bypass circuit.
Maintains proper sterile precautions during use of all equipment.
Operates heart-lung machine and keeps surgeon informed of patient status.
Attempts to maintain normal physiologic parameters according to current perfusion standards during the bypass period, such as blood pressure, blood gas values, and blood flow rate.
Recognizes, evaluates and corrects all emergency perfusion situations that arise during the bypass period.
Interprets lab data and takes appropriate action to correct abnormal values.
Works in conjunction with the surgeon and anesthesiologist to provide optimal patient care.
Assists surgeon with operative procedures as directed.
Assists other perfusionists by transporting blood gas samples, performing appropriate clotting studies and administering cardioplegic solutions.
Prepares antibiotics and other drugs used during bypass period.
Attends cardiac surgery conference to review future patients.
Evaluates new equipment in the surgical research laboratory and provides comments and recommendations to cardiac surgeons.
Performs preventive maintenance, calibration quality assurance and cleaning of all equipment.
Assists with research projects in the surgical research laboratory.
Maintains records of all procedures and ensures proper placement in the patient’s chart and permanent perfusion record.
Inventories all items obtained from manufacturers, hospital stores and pharmacy.
Inventories, maintains and prepares all graft tissue for implantation.
Assumes on-call duties.
Performs veno-venous bypass for liver transplantation according to current perfusion standards.
Performs extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), including transport of ECMO patients inside the hospital for various procedures and from outside hospitals by both ground and air transport.
Assists in the training of ECMO Specialists according to current perfusion standards.
Operates ventricular assist devices according to current perfusion standards.
Attends local and national medical meetings to maintain awareness of new perfusion methods and equipment.
Other duties as assigned.