Perfusionist

Responsibilities

The perfusionist may be administratively responsible for purchasing supplies and equipment, assuring periodic maintenance of same, as well as for appropriate personnel and department management. Management duties may include development and implementation of policies and procedures, quality assurance measures and staff development. Education and research are a fundamental part of the perfusionist's scope of practice. The perfusionist assists and supports the operating unit to achieve the key performance indicators focused on perfusion services, as approved by the EHC Perioperative Governance Council. Consults with physicians in the selection of appropriate equipment and resources required for extracorporeal support of patients' circulatory or respiratory functions. Demonstrates competence in the daily operation of extracorporeal circulation equipment during any medical situation where it is necessary to support or temporarily replace a patient's circulatory or respiratory functions. Responsible for the selection of appropriate equipment and techniques to be used and to ensure the safe management of physiologic functions. Demonstrates competence in the practice of perfusion through an understanding of necessary variables: arterial blood gases, hemoglobin level, venous saturation, cardiac index or output, electrolytes, temperature, and urinary output. Based upon clinical competence and level of expertise, the perfusionist may be required to support safe initiation and transport of ECMO patients from outlying facilities to Emory University Hospital as designated by the Lead Perfusionist and/or Director, EHC Perfusion Services. May be required to unit as designated by the Lead Perfusionist and/or Director, EHC Perfusion services. In collaboration with the perfusion leadership and perioperative leaders, ensures that all applicable regulatory and legal standards and policies are met within the scope of perfusion services. Ensures appropriate internal and external reporting of both compliance and non‑compliance issues arising from surgical scheduling. Authorization to perform laboratory testing in accordance with policies and procedures may be granted after successful completion of training and required competency assessment. May be assigned responsibility for training and assessing laboratory testing skills of staff by performing competency assessments at defined frequencies. Performs other duties as assigned.

• Administer purchasing of supplies and equipment, ensure periodic maintenance, and manage personnel and department.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures, quality assurance measures, and staff development.
• Engage in education and research as part of scope of practice.
• Support operating unit in achieving key performance indicators for perfusion services.
• Consult with physicians on equipment selection for extracorporeal support.
• Operate extracorporeal circulation equipment during medical situations requiring circulatory or respiratory support.
• Select appropriate equipment and techniques to manage physiologic functions safely.
• Demonstrate competence in perfusion practice based on arterial blood gases, hemoglobin level, venous saturation, cardiac index/output, electrolytes, temperature, and urinary output.
• Support safe initiation and transport of ECMO patients from outlying facilities to Emory University Hospital per guidance of Lead Perfusionist/Director, EHC Perfusion Services.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and legal standards and internal/external reporting of compliance incidents.
• Perform and assess laboratory testing skills of staff after training and competency assessment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Perfusion Technology (Master's preferred).
• Provisional license as a Perfusionist or licensed as Perfusionist in the state of Georgia.
• Certification by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion required within first 12 months of employment with Emory Healthcare.
• Preferred prior experience but none required.
• Minimum qualification for non‑waived testing competency assessment: Bachelor's degree in chemical, physical, biological, nursing, or clinical laboratory science AND two years' laboratory experience in the specialty of responsibility.

Physical Requirements

Medium: 20‑50 lbs (0‑33% of the work day occasionally); 11‑25 lbs (34‑66% of the workday frequently); 01‑10 lbs (67‑100% of the workday constantly). Lifting 50 lbs max; carrying objects up to 25 lbs. Occasional to frequent standing & walking, occasional sitting, close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing). Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and tasks.

Environmental Factors

Factors affecting environmental conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Exposures include: blood‑borne pathogen exposure, bio‑hazardous waste, chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors, communicable diseases, electrical shock, floor surfaces, hot/cold temperatures, indoor/outdoor conditions, latex, lighting, patient care/handling injuries, radiation, shift work, travel required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, may be necessary.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.