Certified Clinical Perfusionist Job Description
Certified Clinical Perfusionist Job Profile and Description
Certified clinical perfusionists are basically registered nurses specially trained to keep the patient alive using external cardiopulmonary machines during any open heart surgery session involving valve bypass or heart transplants. During these surgical procedures, the patient’s heart is stopped to facilitate surgical work and the perfusionist operates these heart lung appliances to effectively take over the cardiopulmonary functions.
Certified Clinical Perfusionist Duties and Responsibilities
- Operate heart-lung equipment during surgery under direction of physician.
- Operate intra-aortic balloon pumps, extracorporeal circulation equipment, and other heart and lung supportive devices to temporarily take over cardiopulmonary functions to facilitate open heart surgery.
- Operate heart-lung machines for routine heart surgeries like coronary artery bypass grafting and valve correction or replacement
- Administer doctor-prescribed blood product types and medication during open heart surgery.
- Monitor vital signs, in-surgery circulatory processes and control the temperature and blood flow of patient.
- Mobilize the cardiopulmonary bypass circuits in any open heart surgery
- Stay prepared to receive off-duty call to assist in emergency cardiovascular surgeries.
Certified Clinical Perfusionist Skills and Specifications
- Must have high presence of mind, attention to details and ability to work long hours and under extreme pressure during complex surgeries.
- Must have excellent interpersonal and people management skills
- Must have high dexterity in the use of required perfusionist equipment
Certified Clinical Perfusionist Education and Qualifications
- A BS degree in Nursing with NCLEC certification and state board license is essential
- Must pass the certification by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion.
- 2-3 years of nursing care experience is an added advantage.
Certified Clinical Perfusionist Salary
Depending on the hospital and state, a Certified Clinical Perfusionist can earn from $80,000 to $125,000 per annum. Salary varies with hospital and state location.
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Most Perfusionists are not registered nurses. It is not necessary to be an RN to become a Perfusionist. Most Perfusionists have graduated from an accredited Perfusion school and hold at least a bachelor degree. (Many have MS degrees). Some states have licensure requirements but all do not. Most Perfusionists are indeed board certified which means passing the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion Certification examination.