Perfusionist I - Full Time

Stanford Health Care•Palo Alto, CA

10d•$79 - $105•Onsite

About The Position

At Stanford Health Care, our Perfusionists play a crucial role in some of the most advanced surgical procedures globally. They operate the heart-lung machine, support vital functions, and ensure stability during life-saving operations. Their responsibilities extend beyond technical skills; they are trusted clinical partners to surgeons and anesthesiologists, managing oxygenation, administering medications, and making critical decisions in high-pressure situations. Whether running ECMO for critically ill patients or supporting advanced VAD technology, our Perfusionists exemplify Stanford’s standard of excellence. We offer a four-tiered career ladder that recognizes clinical skills, leadership, and certification, providing a clear path from trainee to team lead. Initially, you will work 10-hour shifts, transitioning to 12-hour shifts with a rotating on-call schedule, all supported by a collaborative and expert team. With access to cutting-edge equipment and a strong culture of mentorship, this is a place where your skills are valued, your development is prioritized, and your work truly saves lives. The Perfusionist is responsible for operating extracorporeal circulation equipment during any medical situation where it is necessary to support or temporarily replace the patient's circulatory or respiratory function. All actions of the Perfusionist are performed as prescribed by an attending physician and in accordance with SHC policy. Perfusionists perform all routine and advanced clinical and non-clinical functions as described in Perfusion Service Protocols, Policies and Guidelines and in conformance with the Scope of Practice outlined in the California Perfusion Titling Act (Business & Professions Code 2590) as well as the Ethical Standards of the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP). Under the direction of and in consultation with a physician(s), Perfusionists set up and operate the heart-lung machine and other sophisticated equipment used in the operating room, such as physiological monitoring instrumentation, and related ancillary equipment, which keeps the patient alive while a surgeon is operating on them by supporting their circulatory and respiratory functions. The Perfusionist manages the patient's altered physiological functions throughout the procedure. In addition, Perfusionists, directed by the surgeon and anesthesiologist, are responsible for regulating the patient's levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide; for measuring selected laboratory values such as blood cell count; and for monitoring circulation. At times, Perfusionists administer blood products, anesthetic or other pharmaceutical agents through the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit on prescription and/or appropriate protocol. The Perfusionist is responsible for the monitoring of blood gases and the adequate anticoagulation of the patient, induction of hypothermia, hemodilution, and other duties, when prescribed. The Perfusionist is knowledgeable concerning the variety of equipment available to perform extracorporeal circulation functions and provides consultation to the physician in the selection of the appropriate equipment and techniques to be used.

Requirements

Completion of an accredited Cardiovascular Perfusion Education Program.
Ability to demonstrate proficiency in operating and modifying extracorporeal circulation and cardio-pulmonary support systems and ancillary devices (e.g., blood gas analyzers, autotransfusion devices, etc.).
Ability to anticipate and respond appropriately to potentially serious situations involving the patient and technical problems that may arise.
Knowledge of cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, and extracorporeal circulation technology, including adjunctive techniques.
Knowledge of cardiac disease, defects, and congenital anomalies.
Knowledge of organ preservation, sterile and perfusion supplies, such as extra-corporeal oxygenators, tubing circuits and cannulae.
Knowledge of pharmacology of blood, fluids and medications administration and interaction with extra-corporeal devices.
Knowledge of blood components, plasma composition of the human body in association of support by extra-corporeal circuits and devices.
Knowledge of the following areas in relation to clinical perfusion: Anatomy and physiology; Pathophysiology; Pharmacology; Applied Sciences (e.g., biochemistry, physics); Hematology; and Computer technology.
Ability to fully take part in on-call duties required by the surgery service.
A high degree of discretion and judgment is essential as Perfusionists often make immediate and independent critical decisions to ensure patient safety.
Ability to follow orders, take directions, and implement written perfusion protocols.
Ability to use formula and applied mathematics.
Ability to learn and apply Joint Commission standards and protocols of general operating room procedures and departmental policies and protocols.
BLS - Basic Life Support.

Nice To Haves

Active ABCP certification as a CCP within two (2) years of appointment (for Level I).
Level III Perfusionists may perform functions consistent with the Level Descriptor narrative, including at least one approved annual project related to supplies and cost savings, education of staff, metrics to improve patient care, protocol development, or department process improvement.
Level IV Perfusionists may assume responsibility for the clinical management of the department during an assigned shift.
Assist in the recruitment and selection of Perfusionists (Level III).
Develop and implement training in-service programs (Level III).
Participate in equipment evaluation and procurement (Level III).
Maintain records pertaining to equipment use and maintenance (Level III).
Participate in research programs (Level III).

Responsibilities

Operate the heart-lung machine, support vital functions, and ensure stability during life-saving operations.
Manage oxygenation and administer medications.
Make critical decisions in high-pressure situations.
Run ECMO for critically ill patients.
Support advanced VAD technology.
Operate extracorporeal circulation equipment.
Set up and operate the heart-lung machine and other sophisticated equipment.
Manage the patient's altered physiological functions throughout the procedure.
Regulate the patient's levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Measure selected laboratory values such as blood cell count.
Monitor circulation.
Administer blood products, anesthetic or other pharmaceutical agents through the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit.
Monitor blood gases and the adequate anticoagulation of the patient.
Induce hypothermia and hemodilution.
Provide consultation to the physician in the selection of appropriate equipment and techniques.
Demonstrate competency in operating various types of perfusion equipment including Heart/Lung Machines, Roller blood pumps, Centrifugal blood pumps, Bard CPS System, Oxygenators, Temperature Regulation Devices, Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps, Ventricular Assist Devices, Autotransfusion Machines, Blood Saturation Monitors, Blood Gas analyzers, Coagulation Monitors, Hemodynamic Pressure Transducers, Hemoconcentrators, Cardioplegia delivery systems, and Accessory Equipment.
Troubleshoot equipment.
Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of all policies and procedures concerning clinical perfusion.
Provide special perfusion services as described under the guidelines found in the established manual of clinical protocols and procedures of SHC and/or through direct order of the physician.
Identify the needs of the patient regarding types of equipment, priming solution, and methodology in consultation with the surgeon and anesthesiologist.
Communicate accurate information to the surgeon and the anesthesiologist pertaining to the patient response to the extracorporeal procedure.
Provide adequate "Conduct of Perfusion" for each patient undergoing cardiac surgery utilizing the heart-lung machine in accordance with established surgeon and SHC protocols.
Provide safe performance, monitoring and/or management of perfusion including Extracorporeal circulation/ cardiopulmonary support, Counterpulsation equipment set-up and operation, Circulatory Support with Ventricular Assist Devices, Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, Autotransfusion and Blood conservation techniques, Myocardial preservation, Anticoagulation and Hematologic monitoring/analysis, Physiologic monitoring/analysis, Blood gas and blood chemistry monitoring /analysis, Techniques of Hyperthermia and Hypothermia, Techniques of Hemodilution, Techniques of Hemofiltration, Techniques of Profound Hypothermia and Circulatory Arrest, Techniques of Retrograde and Antegrade Cerebral Perfusion, Administration of medication, blood components and anesthetic agents via the extracorporeal circuit, Techniques of Veno/Venous bypass, Techniques of Vacuum Assisted Venous Drainage (VAVD) and Kinetic Assisted Venous Drainage (KAVD).
Maintain aseptic technique in assembling and operating perfusion equipment.
Follow manufacturer operating instructions for equipment and disposables.
Utilize safety devices when available on equipment.
Assist in the transport of VAD or high-risk patients to Stanford Hospital.
Work in a variety of clinical settings where patients require perfusion services (e.g., ICU’s, Cath lab and operating rooms).
Record and maintain all data pertinent to extracorporeal procedures to ensure that an adequate record of the procedure is developed.
Correctly document patient care and charges utilizing Stanford Hospital and Clinics approved documents.
Perform other related and incidental duties as needed or assigned.
Complete in a timely manner, hospital required regulatory modules and training requirements.
Provide necessary documents to maintain current "personnel file" (i.e., ABCP certificate, TB test, CPR certificate, continuing education).
Provide all documentation as required by Hospital.
Assist in data collection, data base maintenance and analysis of all Perfusion data related to research, cost analysis, and clinical outcome studies.
Manage and monitor the provision of quality, cost-effective patient care in accordance with standards of practice and SHC policies and procedures.
Record and maintain all data pertinent to Perfusion Services management.
Participate in team effort at cost containment of disposable supplies and drugs.
Perform required inspection of equipment and supplies stored in other areas of hospital.
Implement and evaluate systems and practices which facilitate smooth workflow and desired outcomes.
Solicit input from Department of Anesthesia, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, managers, and staff.
Recommend changes and enhancements to the Perfusion Department Manager.
Work with Perfusion Director to develop, maintain, and evaluate a comprehensive continuous quality improvement program that complies with Operation Room Region Services and the hospital at large.
Proactively use problem-solving process to identify, prevent, or resolve clinical or departmental related problems, utilizing the chain of command, as necessary.
Assist in administration and department operation, including all follow-up documentation and reporting, and report events to Perfusion Director.
Responsible for self-assessment of skill level and seeking resources to learn new skills or clinical knowledge to maintain currency in position.
Apprise self and comply with the policies and procedures of Stanford Hospital and Clinics.
Continuously assess and improve personal performance based on "customer" needs; participate in improving performance and services which benefit staff, patients, and other customers.
Participate in the education of Hospital staff, Nursing staff, and associate Perfusionist as appropriate.
Assist with the education and training of Perfusion students as needed.
Participate in research studies as required.
Participate in SHS/Departmental Committees and Task Forces as Requested.
Maintain an effective working relationship with staff, managers, and physicians.
Contribute in a positive manner to department.
Demonstrate flexibility in assignment.
Able to work in a fast-paced environment with individuals of diverse cultural backgrounds.
Cleaning of equipment (heater/coolers, IABP consoles, Heart-Lung Machines, supply carts, Biomedicus pumps).
Retrieval of supplies, assist in stocking, unloading supplies, rotating stock when replacing supplies.
Assure adequate inventory of supplies, medications, cardioplegia and equipment to meet all anticipated patient needs including emergency procedures.
Participate in general cleaning of pump workroom and associated storage rooms.
Practice environmental safety such as cleaning up spills and broken glass immediately, closing cupboard doors, picking up trash and dirty linen, etc.
Arrange equipment in the clinical environment and pump room to avoid fire and safety hazards.
Attend mandatory in-services as required by hospital.
Handle equipment safely, carefully, and within biomedical engineering's recommendation.
Inform biomedical department of needed repairs and maintenance.
Respond to any requests for perfusion service throughout the day of On-Call responsibility.
Arrive at the hospital within 60 minutes from the time the request for service is made.
Remain available and inform the OR front desk as to the most efficient method of contact.