What are the responsibilities and job description for the Perfusion Assistant - Adult - PRN position at VCU Health System?
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.