Cardiovascular Perfusionist

Join a High-Performing Cardiovascular Team

Kootenai Health is seeking an experienced Cardiovascular Perfusionist to join our growing Heart Services team. This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside highly skilled cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, and cardiovascular specialists in a collaborative, patient-centered environment committed to delivering exceptional outcomes.

As a Cardiovascular Perfusionist, you will play a vital role in supporting complex cardiac surgical procedures by managing extracorporeal circulation and ensuring the physiological stability of patients throughout surgery. Your expertise will directly contribute to life‑saving interventions and outstanding patient care.

The Cardiovascular Perfusionist is responsible for the setup, operation, and management of the heart‑lung machine and other extracorporeal circulation equipment used to temporarily replace or support a patient’s circulatory and respiratory functions during cardiac surgery and other specialized procedures.

• Set up, operate, and monitor the heart‑lung machine during cardiovascular surgical procedures.
• Operate extracorporeal circulation and autotransfusion equipment whenever temporary circulatory or respiratory support is required.
• Continuously monitor and manage the patient’s physiological and metabolic status throughout procedures.
• Collaborate closely with cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and the multidisciplinary surgical team to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
• Maintain responsibility for the circulatory and respiratory support functions provided by the heart‑lung machine.
• Participate in cardiothoracic donor organ procurement activities for transplant procedures as needed.
• Ensure all perfusion equipment is maintained, tested, and prepared according to established standards.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation and comply with all regulatory, accreditation, and organizational requirements.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
• Maintain regular, reliable attendance and provide care that meets the age‑specific needs of the patients served.

Required

• Graduate of an accredited Cardiovascular Perfusion training program.
• Certification by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP).
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or equivalent.
• Minimum of three (3) years of cardiovascular perfusion experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of current perfusion concepts, practices, and technologies.
• Strong critical thinking, communication, and clinical decision‑making skills.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Perfusion Technology or related field.

Kootenai Health complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sex. Kootenai Health does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sex.

A variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance plans are available to both full and part‑time employees, with some available at no cost to the employee. In addition, benefit‑eligible employees also gain access to the following:

• Tuition assistance and career development programs
• Robust Retirement Plan
• Night, weekend and PRN shift differentials
• Employee referral bonus program

What makes a successful employee at Kootenai Health?