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Stanford Health Care

Perfusionist - Full Time (Palo Alto)

Stanford Health Care, Palo Alto

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Rotating - 10 Hour (United States of America)

At Stanford Health Care, our Perfusionists are at the heart of some of the most advanced surgical procedures in the worldquietly operating the heart-lung machine, supporting the patients vital functions, and ensuring stability during life-saving operations. But their role goes far beyond the technical. They are trusted clinical partners to surgeons and anesthesiologists, called on to manage oxygenation, administer medications, and make split-second decisions during the most critical moments of care. Whether running ECMO for a critically ill patient or supporting advanced VAD technology, our Perfusionists help define Stanfords standard of excellence.

What sets Stanford apart is our commitment to growth and support. We offer a four-tiered career ladder that recognizes clinical skill, leadership, and certification, giving Perfusionists a clear path from trainee to team lead. Youll start out working 10-hour shifts then transition into 12-hour shifts with a rotating on-call schedule, backed by a team that values collaboration and expertise. With access to cutting-edge equipment and a strong culture of mentorship, this is a place where your skills are trusted, your development is prioritized, and your work truly saves lives.

This is a Stanford Health Care job.

A Brief Overview

The Perfusionist is responsible for operating extracorporeal circulation equipment during any medical situation where it is necessary to support or temporarily replace the patient's circulatory or respiratory function. All actions of the Perfusionist are performed as prescribed by an attending physician and in accordance with SHC policy. Perfusionists perform all routine and advanced clinical and non-clinical functions as described in Perfusion Service Protocols, Policies and Guidelines and in conformance with the Scope of Practice outlined in the California Perfusion Titling Act (Business & Professions Code 2590) as well as the Ethical Standards of the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) Under the direction of and in consultation with a physician(s), Perfusionists set up and operate the heart-lung machine and other sophisticated equipment used in the operating room, such as physiological monitoring instrumentation, and related ancillary equipment, which keeps the patient alive while a surgeon is operating on them by supporting their circulatory and respiratory functions. The Perfusionist manages the patient's altered physiological functions throughout the procedure.

In addition, Perfusionists, directed by the surgeon and anesthesiologist, are responsible for regulating the patient's levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide; for measuring selected laboratory values such as blood cell count; and for monitoring circulation.

At times, Perfusionists administer blood products, anesthetic or other pharmaceutical agents through the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit on prescription and/or appropriate protocol. The Perfusionist is responsible for the monitoring of blood gases and the adequate anticoagulation of the patient, induction of hypothermia, hemodilution, and other duties, when prescribed.

The Perfusionist is knowledgeable concerning the variety of equipment available to perform extracorporeal circulation functions and provides consultation to the physician in the selection of the appropriate equipment and techniques to be used.

LEVEL DESCRIPTORS

The Perfusionist career ladder consists of four levels plus a lead based on management assessment of staffing needs. The distinction between levels is based on certification by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP), the degree of supervision exercised over the position, and the assignment of advanced/lead responsibilities.

LEVEL I:

This is the entry, trainee, and contributing level. Under close supervision, incumbents assist a higher-level Perfusionist in the performance of clinical duties.

Incumbents are expected to obtain active ABCP certification as a CCP within two (2) years of appointment or be terminated from employment.

LEVEL II:

This is the career level where incumbents function at the full performance level.

Under general supervision, incumbents perform the full range of clinical perfusion duties.

LEVEL III:

This is the advanced, specialist and lead level. Incumbents at this level perform as a consultant to and may be designated lead-worker for other Perfusionists.

Under general supervision, incumbents perform the full range of clinical perfusion duties and, in addition: assign and lead the work of other Perfusionists, including trainees; may assist in the recruitment and selection of Perfusionists; develop and implement training in-service programs; participate in equipment evaluation and procurement; maintain records pertaining to equipment use and maintenance; and may participate in research programs.

Able to perform duties as shift contact Perfusionist

LEVEL IV:

Team Lead or team supervisor for each shift

Able to Perform and mentor most complex cases

Grows and mentors' staff on all aspects of Perfusion Services, ECMO and VAD management and perfusion therapy

Locations

Stanford Health Care

What you will do

  • Demonstrates competency in operating the various types of perfusion equipment available at Stanford that includes but not limited to:

  • Heart/Lung Machines: Roller blood pumps: Sorin, Jostra

  • Centrifugal blood pumps: BioMedicus

  • Bard CPS System

  • Variety of Oxygenators

  • Temperature Regulation Devices - Heater/Coolers:

  • Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps: Datascope, Bard, Arrow

  • Ventricular Assist Devices: BioMedicus

  • Autotransfusion Machines: Heamonetics, Medtronic

  • Blood Saturation Monitors:

  • Blood Gas analyzers: I-stat

  • Coagulation Monitors: Hemochron, Hemotec

  • Hemodynamic Pressure Transducers

  • Hemoconcentrators:

  • Cardioplegia delivery systems: Sorin, Medtronic

  • Accessory Equipment: Blenders, Vaporizers, Sat/Hct monitors, Bubble and level detectors.

  • Knowledge requirements to the above equipment; to also include trouble-shooting skills.

  • Demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge of all policies and procedures concerning clinical perfusion.

  • Provide special perfusion services as described under the guidelines found in the established manual of clinical protocols and procedures of SHC and/or through direct order of the physician.

  • Identify the needs of the patient regarding types of equipment, priming solution, and methodology in consultation with the surgeon and anesthesiologist.

  • Communicate accurate information to the surgeon and the anesthesiologist pertaining to the patient response to the extracorporeal procedure.

  • Provide adequate Conduct of Perfusion for each patient undergoing cardiac surgery utilizing the heart-lung machine in accordance with established surgeon and SHC protocols.

  • Provides safe performance, monitoring and/or management of perfusion that includes but are not limited to:

  • Extracorporeal circulation/ cardiopulmonary support

  • Counterpulsation equipment set-up and operation

  • Circulatory Support with Ventricular Assist Devices

  • Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

  • Autotransfusion and Blood conservation techniques

  • Myocardial preservation

  • Anticoagulation and Hematologic monitoring/analysis

  • Physiologic monitoring/analysis

  • Blood gas and blood chemistry monitoring /analysis

  • Techniques of Hyperthermia and Hypothermia

  • Techniques of Hemodilution

  • Techniques of Hemofiltration

  • Techniques of Profound Hypothermia and Circulatory Arrest

  • Techniques of Retrograde and Antegrade Cerebral Perfusion

  • Administration of medication, blood components and anesthetic agents via the extracorporeal circuit

  • Techniques of Veno/Venous bypass

  • Techniques of Vacuum Assisted Venous Drainage (VAVD) and Kinetic Assisted Venous Drainage (KAVD)

  • Maintains aseptic technique in assembling and operating perfusion equipment.

  • Follow manufacture operating instructions for equipment and disposables.

  • Utilize safety devices when available on equipment.

  • Assists in the transport of VAD or high-risk patients to Stanford Hospital.

  • Works in a variety of clinical settings where patients require perfusion services e.g. ICUs, Cath lab and operating rooms.

  • Records and maintains all data pertinent to extracorporeal procedures to ensure that an adequate record of the procedure is developed.

  • Correctly documents patient care and charges utilizing Stanford Hospital and Clinics approved documents.

  • Performs other related and incidental duties as needed or assigned.

  • Additional Responsibilities

  • Level III Perfusionists

  • May perform such functions as are consistent with the Level Descriptor narrative, including at least one approved annual project related to supplies and cost savings, education of staff, metrics to improve patient care, protocol development, or department process improvement.

  • Level IV Perfusionists