Edward Hines Jr. Va Hospital

Perfusionist

The on-call perfusionist provides as-needed cardiovascular perfusion and autotransfusion services in support of the Hines VA Heart Surgery Program. The perfusionist independently operates the heart-lung machine and a wide range of mechanical life-support systems, monitors and manages the patient throughout cardiopulmonary bypass, and responds to emergency cases outside of normal business hours. The role requires a high level of accountability for independent decision making under minimal oversight, and the candidate must be able to evaluate and correct any patient or mechanical situation that could become life threatening.

Responsibilities:

• Set up and operate the heart-lung machine for open-heart surgery, including complete pump cases from set-up through the post-procedure observation period
• Monitor and manage the patient throughout bypass — blood pressure, heart rate, urine output, arterial and venous blood gases, acid/base status, blood clotting, temperature, and heart-muscle protection
• Give cardioplegia (heart-protection solution) with an understanding of delivery rates and both antegrade and retrograde routes
• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot intra-aortic balloon pumps around the clock, including monitoring and adjusting inflation and deflation timing during implantation
• Independently operate the cell saver / autotransfusion device during procedures, ensuring a safe blood product
• Set up and monitor equipment for hemofiltration during cardiac procedures
• Advise on system management of ventricular assist devices (VADs) and ECMO circuits to keep them performing optimally
• Provide coverage for scheduled PTCA (angioplasty) cases, usually at the end of the working day
• Review the patient record in CPRS before surgery to understand the surgeon's plan of care, and document in CPRS immediately after each procedure

Equipment and Supplies:

• Maintain and calibrate VA-owned equipment — cell savers, heater-coolers, balloon pumps, VADs — per manufacturer specifications and schedules, and document maintenance activity
• Perform quality control and preventive maintenance on all perfusion equipment
• Stock all VA-furnished supply items so they are available 24 hours a day for both scheduled and emergency cases; notify Hines Logistics of anything that needs purchasing
• Clean equipment at the end of each case.

Schedule and On-Call Coverage:

• Weeknight on-call Monday–Thursday, 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 a.m. Emergency cases outside business hours
• Weekend on-call Friday 3:30 p.m. – Monday 7:00 a.m. Emergency cases across the full weekend
• Scheduled back-up 20 days per year, Mon–Fri, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Covering VA perfusionist absences. VA gives 30 days advance notice.
• Weekday call-back Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Being called back in during the business day
• Federal holidays As scheduled On-call coverage is required on all 11 federal holidays.

EEO Statement

EGA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, national origin or ancestry, religion, age, sex, political affiliation, citizenship status, genetic information, disability, veteran status or military service history or status, or any other non-merit-based characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications.

ADA Compliance

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of EGA Associates, LLC to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship.