Perfusion Specialist

GENERAL SUMMARY :

Assists the perfusion and anesthesia teams in the operating room with technical and patient support functions on both East and West campuses.

Reports to the Anesthesia and Perfusion Manager.

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS :

1. *Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.

2. *Assists with blood pressure monitoring, autotransfusion, intra-aortic balloon insertions, and blood gas analysis.

3. *Assists anesthesia with insertion of pulmonary artery catheter and monitoring.

4. *Sets up monitoring lines and assists anesthesia with insertion of radial arterial lines.

5. *Sets up and operates autotransfusion equipment.

6. Maintains close communication with the Open Heart Team as assigned.

7. Communicates with the Medical Center personnel and medical staff.

8. *Operates point-of-care blood gas and anticoagulation testing for the operating room and performs quality assurance in conjunction with the clinical lab.

9. Sets up and performs noninvasive oximetry.

10. *Sets up and operates the intra-aortic balloon pump or other cardiac assist devices in cooperation with perfusion.

11. *Assists the Perfusionist in the Cardiac operating room.

12. Assists anesthesia with inductions and intubations in the operating room.

13. Stocks supplies in perfusion cabinets and carts, and notifies manager of low inventory.

14. Assists with patient transport of cardiopulmonary support devices and as directed.

15. Receives / assesses and delivers items for repair; performs routine equipment maintenance and services including cleaning, assembling and troubleshooting.

16. Assists anesthesiologist in the Cardiac operating room with acquisition, preparation and application of the equipment and supplies utilized in anesthesia administration.

17. *Retrieves blood from the blood bank and operates rapid infuser at physician direction.

18. Seeks educational and in-service opportunities to maintain and expand technical knowledge, skills and techniques relevant to position;

attends educational workshops and in-services as assigned.

19. Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.

20. Participates in meetings, committees and department projects as assigned.

21. Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.

Essential Job functions are marked with an asterisk "*". Refer to the Job Description Guide for the definition of essential and non-essential job functions.

Attach Addendum for positions with slightly different roles or work-specific differences as needed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

1. Knowledge of mathematics, algebra, anatomy, pathology, and physiology used in calculation of medication and equipment function.

2. Knowledge of anesthesia supplies, equipment and procedures.

3. Knowledge of respiratory therapy, blood management principles and life support principles and practices.

4. Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.

5. Skill in operating all applicable medical equipment.

6. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment related to changing patient needs including working with patients with acute, chronic and complex disease processes and those who are dying.

7. Ability to prioritize work demands and work with minimal supervision.

8. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel, medical staff, volunteer and ancillary departments including diverse patient populations.

9. Ability to detect color changes in blood.

10. Ability to effectively record procedure requirements and patient changes.

11. Ability to work under stress / emergency situations and to exercise complex analytical judgment on work to be done.

12. Ability to cope with critically ill or dying patients.

13. Ability to move / push heavy equipment and transport patients as appropriate.

14. Ability to maintain confidentiality relevant to sensitive information.

15. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

16. Ability to practice precautions when dealing with environmental hazards based on facility policies, procedures, and MSDS information.

17. Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :

Graduate of an AMA program of Respiratory Care with licensure to practice respiratory care in the state of Nebraska and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential OR Current Registered Nurse licensure from the State of Nebraska or approved compact state of residence as defined by the Nebraska Nurse Practice Act.

Must provide evidence of certification and / or instruction for practice area by State or Federal standards / regulations.

OTHER CREDENTIALS / CERTIFICATIONS :

Basic Life Support (CPR) certification required. Bryan Health recognizes American Heart Association (for healthcare professionals), American Red Cross (for healthcare professionals) and the Military Training Network.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

Physical Requirements are based on federal criteria and assigned by Human Resources upon review of the Principal Job Functions.)

DOT) - Characterized as medium work requiring exertion of 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and / or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and / or a greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Operating room environment with regular exposure to cold temperatures (55 degrees F). Regular exposure to hazardous wastes, hazardous diseases, and blood / bodily fluids.

Occasional exposure to chemical sterilizing agents. Several hours of work without breaks. Must be able to distinguish and discriminate between colors.