Perfusionist - Surgical Patient Care - Medical Center

At Houston Methodist, the Perfusionist is responsible for providing skilled operation of extracorporeal circulation equipment during any medical procedure that requires supporting or replacing a patient's cardiopulmonary/circulatory function as well as ensuring proper management of physiologic functions through appropriate skilled monitoring.

Exempt

• Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section.
• Bachelor's Degree

• New Graduates accepted

Required

• PFSN
  - Perfusionists
  - State Licensure
  - Texas Department of Licensing and  Graduates of an accredited perfusion program to obtain a Provisional License from the Texas Medical Board. Provisional licensed Perfusionists will practice under the supervision and direction of a licensed Perfusionist while performing perfusion within 6 months and
• CCP
  - Certified Cardiovascular Perfusionist (ABCP) - American Board of Cardiovascular  Graduates of an accredited perfusion program to obtain certification from the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion within 1 year and
• BLS
  - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

• Communicates clinical information clearly and professionally as needed to physicians, operating room staff and nurses in ICU and acute care. Works well with others making contributions to the work effort as a whole. Facilitates problem resolution.

• Assists with the transport of patients with ventricular assist devices for tests or procedures within the hospital. Documents patient transport activity.

• Prepares, tests and operates the following equipment in accordance with standard perfusion practices to server patients:
  Extracorporeal Circulation (Heart Lung Machine) Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenator (ECMO) Autologous Autotransfusion (Cell Saver) Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) Blood warmers and coolers
• Performs operational tests on all equipment related to an open-heart procedure before use.
• Completes all documentation related to open-heart procedures, including the Pre-Bypass Check List.
• Assists with insertion of intra-aortic balloon pump catheters. Makes rounds on patients with intra-aortic balloons in place to assess operation of the device. Documents findings from all patient rounds.
• Identifies and reports unsafe or malfunctioning equipment and unsafe operational practices to the Manager of Perfusion Services.

• Utilizes department resources/supplies efficiently. Maintains an organized and well-stocked work area.

• Maintains current knowledge of regulations, laws, and standards which apply to Perfusion; stays abreast of current applications of technology through personal study, individual contact, and/or professional organizations.
• Participates in clinical trials of new devices for circulatory support.

• Uniform:
  No
• Scrubs:
  Yes
• Business professional:
  No
• Other (department approved):
  No

* Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call
  * Yes

** Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No