At Houston Methodist, the Perfusionist is responsible for providing skilled operation of extracorporeal circulation equipment during any medical procedure that requires supporting or replacing a patient's cardiopulmonary/circulatory function as well as ensuring proper management of physiologic functions through appropriate skilled monitoring.

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVED
Refer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Communicates clinical information clearly and professionally as needed to physicians, operating room staff and nurses in ICU and acute care. Works well with others making contributions to the work effort as a whole. Facilitates problem resolution.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists with the transport of patients with ventricular assist devices for tests or procedures within the hospital. Documents patient transport activity.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Prepares, tests and operates the following equipment in accordance with standard perfusion practices to server patients:
  - Extracorporeal Circulation (Heart Lung Machine)
  - Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenator (ECMO)
  - Autologous Autotransfusion (Cell Saver)
  - Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP)
  - Blood warmers and coolers

• Performs operational tests on all equipment related to an open-heart procedure before use.

• Completes all documentation related to open-heart procedures, including the Pre-Bypass Check List.

• Assists with insertion of intra-aortic balloon pump catheters. Makes rounds on patients with intra-aortic balloons in place to assess operation of the device. Documents findings from all patient rounds.

• Identifies and reports unsafe or malfunctioning equipment and unsafe operational practices to the Manager of Perfusion Services.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Utilizes department resources/supplies efficiently. Maintains an organized and well-stocked work area.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintains current knowledge of regulations, laws, and standards which apply to Perfusion; stays abreast of current applications of technology through personal study, individual contact, and/or professional organizations.

• Participates in clinical trials of new devices for circulatory support.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section.

• Bachelor's Degree

WORK EXPERIENCE

• New Graduates accepted

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• PFSN - Perfusionists - State Licensure -- Graduates of an accredited perfusion program to obtain a Provisional License from the Texas Medical Board. Provisional licensed Perfusionists will practice under the supervision and direction of a licensed Perfusionist while performing perfusion within 6 months AND
• CCP - Certified Cardiovascular Perfusionist (ABCP) -- Graduates of an accredited perfusion program to obtain certification from the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion within 1 year AND
• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs Yes
• Business professional No
• Other (department approved) No

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* Yes

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Since its founding in 1919, Houston Methodist Hospital has earned worldwide recognition. Houston Methodist Hospital is affiliated with the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, one of the nation's leading centers for medical education and research.  In 2020, U.S. News & World Report named Houston Methodist Hospital to its top ranked Honor Roll for the fourth time and second consecutive year. 2020 also marked the ninth year in a row Houston Methodist Hospital has been named the No. 1 hospital in Texas. Houston Methodist Hospital directs millions of research dollars into patient care and offers the latest innovations in medical, surgical and diagnostic techniques. With 952 operating beds, 85 operating rooms and over 8,000 employees, Houston Methodist offers complete care for patients from around the world.

 

The same high-quality care for which Houston Methodist is known is available at several Emergency Care Centers in Houston and the surrounding areas.  These Emergency Care Centers house exam rooms, full digital radiography suite, low radiation dose 16-slice CT scan, ultrasound and a full on-site stat chemistry lab.