Perfusionist

Essential Functions

• Reviews patient medical history/chart, and consults with surgical team to obtain information needed to set up extra-corporeal pump (heart-lung machine) and associated equipment; prepares operating room by selecting, assembling and setting up equipment to take over functions of patient’s heart and lungs during open-heart surgery and other medical procedures, including medical supplies, filters, tubes and related equipment; prepares blood, solutions and related components; selects and assembles ancillary supplies and equipment including auto-transfusion, ultra-filtration, potassium and calcium analyzer, anti-coagulation assay equipment, in-line blood gases and chemistry monitoring; performs diagnostic tests to ensure that machine and associated equipment function according to specifications.
• Operates heart-lung machine to take over the functions of the patient’s heart and lungs, including regulating blood circulation and composition, administering drugs and anesthetic agents and controlling body temperature; monitors the patient’s altered circulatory process and physiologic variables closely, taking appropriate corrective action when abnormal situations arise, and maintains ongoing communication with the surgeon and anesthesiologist regarding the patient’s status.
• Operates ventricular assist device and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the operating room.
• Monitors patient’s vital signs and maintains safe clinical management of patient’s cardio-respiratory function during surgery; interprets blood gases and chemistry values; recognizes, resolves and reports any abnormal situations that arise during surgery within scope of practice; ensures adequate anticoagulation of patient before, during and after being placed on H-L Machine.
• Monitors and continually observes the operation of extra-corporeal pump during open-heart surgery for proper functioning, blood, drug dilution levels, patient’s temperature and control of hot/cold water to maintain proper blood temperature; adjusts equipment for proper calibration of pump heads to prevent destruction of blood cells, proper functioning of component parts/connectors and the proper electrical functioning of pump accessories; makes the necessary corrections during any machine/equipment malfunction as circumstances dictate.
• Monitors and documents all perfusion-related activities and parameters during surgical procedure, including oxygenation flow rates, body temperature, perfusion pressure, blood chemistries, urinary output and related data in accordance with established procedures.
• Documents all related patient care, quality control procedures and equipment status information in accordance with department policies and procedures.
• Maintains data in appropriate databases and registries.
• Disassembles and cleans machine and heater/coolers after each use in accordance with established procedures; performs and documents quality control procedures on all equipment used to provide patient care; identifies the need for, and initiates, the repair or replacement of malfunctioning equipment.
• Coordinates with appropriate parties to maintain appropriate inventory of equipment, materials and supplies as needed to perform perfusion services.
• Participates in development and implementation of policies and procedures and Quality Assurance measures.
• Makes recommendations to adjust current protocols to improve clinical outcomes and patient safety.
• Trains staff, technicians and RNs in the use of circulatory and respiratory function equipment, long term assist devices and blood conservation programs, as required.
• Trains in the use of the pump oxygenator in relation to open-heart surgery.
• Participates in and provides education and training on blood conservation program.

Cultural Sensitivity and Competence: Demonstrates proper use of communication tools/materials for effective communication and understands how the culture(s) of patient populations can affect communication, collaboration and the provision of care, treatment and services. Patient Population Served: Demonstrates knowledge and proper skills associated with the department’s defined specific populations served.

Education and Experience

• Certified by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion or certification-eligible required
• Bachelors Degree in perfusion technology, chemistry, biology or other allied health specialty required OR
• Graduate of a CAAHEP-accredited school of cardiovascular perfusion OR
• Five years of experience as a clinical perfusionist OR
• An equivalent combination of the foregoing training and experience

Licensure and Certifications

• Basic Life Support - CPR (BLS-CPR)
• Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP) within 12 - months required

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.

Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.

Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.

We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.