Perfusionist
Springfield, IL
The Good Life MedStaff
5x8 hrs, Days
Referral Bonus

Job Description: Cardiac Perfusionist\n\nOverview: A Cardiac Perfusionist is a specialized healthcare professional responsible for operating the heart-lung machine and other medical equipment during cardiac surgeries, ensuring the patient’s circulatory and respiratory functions are maintained while the heart is stopped or bypassed. The perfusionist plays a critical role in supporting the surgical team and helping manage the patient’s physiological needs during cardiac procedures, such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), heart valve repair/replacement, and heart transplants.\n\nKey Duties and Responsibilities:\n\nOperate Heart-Lung Machine: Manage extracorporeal circulation during surgery to temporarily take over the function of the heart and lungs, ensuring oxygenated blood is delivered to the patient’s body.\n\nMonitor Patient’s Vital Signs: Track and monitor critical parameters like heart rate, blood pressure, oxygenation levels, and other relevant vitals during surgery.\n\nPrepare Equipment: Set up, test, and maintain cardiopulmonary bypass machines and other equipment, including oxygenators and blood pumps.\n\nManage Blood and Fluids: Administer blood products and fluids as required, ensuring the patient’s blood volume and electrolyte balance are optimized.\n\nCollaborate with Surgical Team: Work closely with the cardiac surgeon, anesthesiologist, and other healthcare providers to ensure a successful surgical outcome.\n\nPost-Operative Care: Assist with weaning the patient from the heart-lung machine and help ensure smooth transition back to normal cardiac function after surgery.\n\nDocumentation and Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate records of perfusion activities, including the equipment used, blood volume, medications, and patient reactions.\n\nEquipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Ensure the proper functionality of perfusion equipment and troubleshoot issues when necessary.\n\nPatient Assessment: Evaluate the patient’s clinical condition before, during, and after surgery to determine the best perfusion strategies.\n\nContinuing Education: Stay updated on new technology, techniques, and best practices in the field of cardiac perfusion.\n\nRequired Skills and Qualifications:\n\nEducation: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in perfusion science or a related field.\n\nCertification: Certification from a recognized body, such as the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP), is typically required.\n\nExperience: Clinical experience as a perfusionist is usually required; on-the-job training is common.\n\nTechnical Skills: Proficiency in operating complex medical equipment and understanding human physiology.\n\nCritical Thinking: Ability to make quick, informed decisions under pressure, especially in emergency situations during surgery.\n\nStates that Require Certification or Licensing: While certification is generally required in most states, the specifics of licensing or certification requirements for cardiac perfusionists vary by state. Some states require perfusionists to hold a state-specific license, while others only require certification from a professional organization like the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP).\n\nStates that typically require licensure or certification:\n\nCalifornia: Requires perfusionists to be certified by ABCP, and licensure is required in certain healthcare settings.\n\nTexas: Certification is required, and licensure is needed to work in hospitals.\n\nNew York: Perfusionists must be certified by ABCP and meet the state’s licensing requirements.\n\nFlorida: State licensing requirements may apply, but certification from ABCP is mandatory for practicing perfusionists.\n\nMichigan: Requires certification but has no state-specific licensure requirement.\n\nIllinois: Requires certification by ABCP for practicing perfusionists, with no mandatory state licensure.\n\nStates without a strict licensing requirement: In some states, certification is not mandatory for perfusionists to practice, but it is highly recommended. Some states may only require certification when working in hospitals, while others might allow professionals to practice without state licensure but require certification for employment.\n\nCertification/License Bodies:\n\nAmerican Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP)\n\nNational Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (NBCP) (some states may also recognize this)\n\nAlways check specific state requirements, as regulations can change over time. Many states will require continuous education and periodic re-certification to maintain professional standing.