Perfusionist

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

About Duke University Hospital

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States and is the number one hospital in North Carolina, according to U.S. News and World Report for 2023-2024. Duke University Hospital is the largest of Duke Health's three hospitals and features 1048 patient beds, 65 operating rooms, as well as comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

Job Description

Duke Perfusion Services provides superior patient care to over 3000 patients a year while cultivating a culture of teamwork, safety, integrity, diversity, and innovation. Scope of practice includes cardiopulmonary bypass, extracorporeal support, mechanical circulatory support, intraoperative apheresis and autotransfusion.  Areas of expertise include major aortic surgery, advanced heart failure, heart and lung transplantation, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, blood conservation, and surgical oncology.

Duke Perfusionists are committed to advancing the profession through leadership in education, quality, research, and collaboration and has been recognized by AmSECT with the Pillar Award for Perfusion Excellence and ELSO with the Platinum Award of Excellence.  Duke Perfusion Faculty are clinical instructors affiliated with four perfusion schools. 

Duties and Responsibilities of this Level

I. Job Responsibility:

• Management of Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB)
• Standard:
• Appropriately assess patient profile and manage CPB
• Use appropriate equipment/supplies and monitor data based on patient profile (age, condition, procedure).
• Appropriately communicate with open-heart team personnel during procedures
• Recognize and resolve variances and abnormal situations that may arise
• Utilize all available safety devices during cardiopulmonary bypass as per departmental policy
• Demonstrate appropriate clinical vigilance and awareness before, during and after cardiopulmonary bypass
• Facilitate discussion with health care team which includes medical record review, decisions needed for prime selection, drug and blood additives, techniques of cardiopulmonary bypass.

II. Job Responsibility

• Ancillary Perfusion Procedures
• Standard:
• Demonstrate competence and comprehensive knowledge of all ancillary procedures as per departmental policy.
• Competence in devices to include VADs, ECMO, IABP, left heart bypass, VV bypass, targeted chemotherapy delivery systems, autotransfusion
• Assess patient profile and manage ancillary procedures by using appropriate equipment and monitoring data
• Recognize when situations are critical, notify appropriate personnel and assist as needed
• Troubleshoot all technical devices

III. Job Responsibility

• Information Management
• Standard:
• Create and maintain accurate and complete electronic records and database information entry
• Timely documentation and reporting according to departmental standards
• Maintain patient confidentiality
• Demonstrate knowledge of Duke Health Perfusion Services policy and procedure

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education

• Completion of an accredited cardiovascular perfusion training program.
• Master of Science degree in perfusion or related scientific field or allied health specialty (e.g. Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Medical Technology).
• Three years certified perfusionist experience considered in place of Master Degree with bachelor's degree in perfusion or related scientific field or allied health specialty.

Experience

• None required beyond education/training

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification

• Certification by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion and Perfusion Licensure by North Carolina Medical Board.
• Validated for Basic Life Support and successfully complete all regulatory requirements within the probationary period.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exposure to hazardous waste and infectious materials.
• Physical abilities to complete job duties and responsibilities under prescribed environmental and working conditions.

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.