Perfusionist (Per Diem)

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• As assigned by the Director of Perfusion Services and under the direction of the primary surgeon, the perfusionist shall set-up and operate such devices as the heart lung machine for bypass procedures, ventricular assists devices, intra-aortic balloon pumps, and the autotransfusion device.
• He/she will also provide surgical back-up for procedures performed in the catheterization lab.
• This list of duties shall not be considered totally inclusive of all services provided.

Responsibilities

A day in the life of a Perfusionist at Hackensack Meridian Health includes: Under the guidelines of the primary surgeon conducts cardiopulmonary bypass safely in accordance with the department's policy and procedures and the standard accepted practices of the American Society of Extracorporeal Technology and the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion. Under the guidelines of the primary surgeon insures all routine and emergency cases are performed according to Policy and Procedure. Under the guidelines of the primary surgeon reviews patient`s medical record prior to each procedure to assess the scope of disease/illness and make appropriate judgments concerning prime selection, additional fluid choices, drug usage during bypass, and techniques of conducting bypass. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills to provide extracorporeal services to patients from adult to geriatric and makes appropriate changes to equipment, supplies, and techniques to best meet the needs of the patient and the policy and procedures of the primary surgeon. Maintains readiness to initiate bypass throughout the procedure. Prior to bypass completes and records the baseline activated clotting time, baseline blood gases, baseline Cerebral Oximetry data, the autotransfusion checklist, and the pre bypass checklist. Under the guidelines of the primary surgeon makes appropriate responses to the patient`s medical status when using the intra-aortic balloon pump, auto-transfusion, and ventricular assist devices. Records all responses appropriately. Communicates with the surgeon and the anesthesiologist throughout the procedure as to the condition of the patient. Under the guidelines of the primary surgeon monitors anticoagulation, acid-base, hemodynamics, Cerebral Oximetry, hemodilution, and homeostasis. Keeps all parameters within acceptable limits set by the department's policy and procedures. Identifies the needs of the patient population served and modifies and delivers care that is specific to those needs (i.e., age, culture, language, hearing and/or visually impaired, etc.) This process includes communicating with the patient, parent and/or primary caregiver(s) at their level (developmental/age, educational, literacy, etc.). Performs point of care blood gas analysis. Proficiently performs patient blood gas analysis, electronic quality controls, liquid quality controls, data management and result reporting.\ When applicable, performs Hemostasis Management utilizing the Medtronic Plus Hemostasis Management System. Proficiently performs patient blood samples, electronic quality controls, liquid quality controls, data management, and result reporting. Completes patient's record utilizing the department's computerized record system. Accurately completes the perfusion record, all required checklists, the cardiac surgery database, and billing forms. When applicable, provide coverage at affiliate and partnership locations, when request. Other duties as assigned. Adheres to the standards identified in the Medical Center's Organizational Competencies.