Perfusionist

At Central Maine Healthcare our team members are committed to providing exceptional care and experiences for our community and for each other every day.

Position Summary: The staff perfusionist is responsible for all aspects of perfusion services provided by the Cardiovascular Surgery program of Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute. The practice of perfusion is defined as those functions necessary for the support, treatment, measurement or supplementation of the cardiopulmonary and circulatory system of the patient. A perfusionist is skilled and qualified through academic and clinical education; operates extracorporeal circulation equipment during any medical situation where it is necessary to support or replace the patient cardiopulmonary/circulatory function; and ensures the proper management of physiologic functions by monitoring the necessary variables. These functions upon prescription by a physician and in accordance with hospital policy include but are not limited to the safe performance of the essential duties and responsibilities of the role.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas:
1. Performs safe and effective Extracorporeal Circulation /Cardiopulmonary Support in the following areas.

a. Blood conservation techniques/Autotransfusion.

b. Knowledge and administration of medications during support of the patient’s cardiopulmonary/circulatory function.

c. Counterpulsation—Intra Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP).

d. Circulatory Support Ventricular Assistance.

e. Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO).

f. Myocardial preservation.

g. Anticoagulation and hematological monitoring/analysis.

h. Blood gas and blood chemistry monitoring/analysis.

i. Induction of hypothermia/hyperthermia with reversal.

j. Hemodilution

k. Hemofiltration

l. Administration of medications, blood components, and anesthetic agents via the extracorporeal circuit.

m. Electrophysiological analysis.

n. Documentation associated with described duties.

2. Monitors, interprets, and manages hemodynamic and electrophysiological status of patient, during CPB.

3. All aspects of patient care performed as a Perfusionist will be done in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/healthcare error.

4. Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity.

5. Educates patient and family on an as-needed basis as it relates to perfusion duties and responsibilities, for example, the discontinuance of IABP.

6. Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians and staff.

7. Demonstrates an ability to assist physicians with procedures in the Cardiovascular Single Stay Unit and other departments.

8. Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patients’ needs are met and hospital policy is followed regarding perfusion services or equipment.

9. Maintains a good working relationship within the service line and other departments.

10. Demonstrates flexibility, organization and role function during stressful situations.

11. Consults other departments as appropriate to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.

12. Interacts professionally with patient/family including, as appropriate, the formulation of the plan of care as it relates to perfusion duties.

13. Maintains and participates in performance improvement activities for department.

14. Provides documentation that meets current standards and policies.

15. Customer Service: Interacts with all individuals in a consistent manner, providing attention, support, and assistance to foster an environment of exceptional personal service.

a. Maintains a pleasant and helpful demeanor, and presents a professional appearance toward all internal and external customers at all times.

b. Consistently initiates interaction to provide assistance to individuals who may not be direct customers of the employee (i.e. asks patients who appear to be lost if they need assistance in finding their way).

c. Takes appropriate action to recover from a service difficulty, ensuring that the necessary action is taken to affect a resolution to the customer’s problem.

d. Conducts all work activities with respect for coworkers, including the maintenance of a pleasant and professional environment, fostering calmness during stressful situations.

e. Interacts with supervisory personnel in a professional, supportive and courteous manner, venting emotions appropriate to time and place.

f. Demonstrates a commitment to service by consistent attendance and punctuality, scheduling absences according to departmental requirements, and incurring unplanned absences only when unavoidable circumstances exist.

Organizational Requirements:
16. Adheres to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.

17. Completes annual education requirements.

18. Maintains regulatory requirements, including all state, federal and JCAHO regulations.

19. Reports to work on time and as scheduled.

20. Wears identification