Perfusion Assistant - Adult

Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems
United States, Virginia, Richmond
Jun 04, 2025
Works under the direction and supervision of the Chief Perfusionist. The Perfusionist Assistant is responsible for autologous cell salvage and infusion of blood products for patients requiring cardiac or transplant surgery, as well as any other specialty as requested by the operating surgical team. Assists perfusionists as required during CPB and ECMO. Checks and transfuses blood products as requested by the surgery team during surgery. Essential Job functions Perfusion Assistant Assists perfusionist with selection, setup and priming of extracorporeal circuits, including but not limited to ECMO, CPB, HIPEC, Veno-veno. Verifies blood products with the perfusionist and assists with trouble shooting as needed. Selection and assembly of appropriate cell salvage equipment Selects and assembles appropriate cell salvage equipment according to the preference of the requesting physician, as well as patient characteristics. Operation of cell salvage and blood infusion equipment Operates appropriate cell salvage equipment while following current AABB guidelines. Operates blood infusion device at the request of attending surgeon or anesthesiologist in concordance with department policy. Blood Product Transfusion On the order of the attending physician, must be able to appropriately check blood products with a 2nd qualified clinician and safely administer. Must be able to obtain blood products from the blood bank or blood gas lab. Other duties Shares 24-hour call responsibility with other teammates to ensure continuous coverage. Must respond promptly when paged or called. Keeps accurate records for each assigned case. Verifies correct charges. Assists perfusionist with charting during extracorporeal support Assists with and sets-up equipment to ensure proper placement and preparation of devices in O.R. Evaluates new equipment prior to clinical use. Participates in development and testing of new techniques. Follows departmental policies and procedures. Attends staff meetings and participates in designated committees and special projects.Maintains competencies for all devices used as well as blood product transfusion. Manages and maintains QC-records and protocols on autotransfusion devices. Cleans, and inspects equipment to ensure devices are in working order. Performs routine maintenance and repairs and/or arranges services. Monitors equipment availability and providing substitutions as needed for scheduled surgical cases. Identifies and reports sub-optimal performance of equipment to the appropriate persons.Monitors supply usage and initiates reorders according to established par levels in all assigned areas. Other duties as assigned Patient Population: Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide equitable care appropriate to the age of the patients served on their assigned unit. Employment Qualifications Required Education:Associate's Degree in a health-related field Preferred Education: N/A Licensing/ Certification Licensure/Certification Required: Must attain PBMT certification within the first 24 months of employment Licensure/Certification Preferred:Certified or eligible to sit for the Perioperative Blood Management Technologist (PBMT) exam. Minimum Qualifications Years and Type of Required Experience: Minimum of one year experience in a clinical setting Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:N/A Cultural Responsiveness:N/A Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:N/A Combination of education and experience in lieu of a degree. Working Conditions: Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur. May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids. * May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials. * * Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control. Physical Requirements Physical Demands: Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs), Push/Pull (0-50 lbs.), Push/ Pull (50-100 lbs.), Crawling, Bending Work Position: Sitting, Walking, Standing Additional Physical Requirements/ Hazards Physical Requirements: Hear alarms/telephone/tape recorder Hazards: Use of Latex Gloves, Exposure to x ray/electromagnetic energy Mental/Sensory - Emotional Mental/Sensory: Strong recall, Reasoning, Problem solving, Hearing, Speak clearly, Write legibly, Reading, Logical Thinking Emotional: Fast-paced environment, Able to handle multiple priorities, Able to adapt to frequent change EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran/41 CFR 60-1.4.