Mechanical Assist Specialist

Site: The General Hospital Corporation

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Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Director of Perfusion Services operates and maintains intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP) ventricular assist devices (VAD) autotransfusion machines and other cardiovascular monitoring equipment.

Assists perfusionists with equipment during procedures requiring cardiopulmonary bypass extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) veno-venous (VV) bypass left atrial femoral artery (LAFA) bypass and any other form of extracorporeal support within the perfusionists scope of practice.

Independently and as part of a team supports patient care by performing duties in the operating room bedside and other settings and works effectively with staff across roles levels and departments. Attends training and maintains competency in job requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Sets up operates and monitors the IABP VAD and autotransfusion devices and may be on call 24 hours at scheduled times for procedures requiring these and other devices
• Performs quality control for autotransfusion devices.
• Possesses and appropriately applies knowledge of hemodynamic monitoring systems which includes understanding of EKGs arterial and pulmonary artery pressures.
• May assist cardiac surgeons and cardiologists with IABP placement and preparation of VAD devices for implantation.
• As directed by physician re-positions or removes IABP at bedside as necessary. Confirms placement of balloon by viewing chest film. Enters proper documentation into patients chart.
• Performs patient quality control and proficiency testing for the Hemostasis Management System (HMS).
• Breaks down inspects and cleans all equipment after patient use. Reports any malfunctions or issues to management.
• Must have understanding of and properly use sterile technique which includes surgical scrubbing gowning and gloving.
• Assist with maintaining IABP and VAD registry database
• Assists and collaborates with perfusionists with data collection and entry for required registries including Society of Thoracic Surgeons Database and Perfusion Measures and Outcomes Registry
• Performs equipment set up and troubleshooting and assists perfusionists completing procedures requiring CPB VV bypass LAFA ECMO or other form of extracorporeal support within the perfusionists scope of practice
• Prepares for surgery by properly assembling and priming extracorporeal circuit including but not limited to tubing oxygenators pumps and filters appropriate for the procedure.
• Disassembles extracorporeal circuits and mechanical components of the heart/lung machine and cleans all non-disposable items and disposes of contaminated materials.
• Assists perfusionists with inventory management for all extracorporeal equipment and restocks perfusion supply carts.
• Prepares supplies and equipment for heart lung and liver organ care systems for solid organ transplant.
• Serves as a resource and mentor to technicians. May participate in the interview and orientation processes for technicians.
• Participates in departmental meetings and may serve as a member of a departmental committee.
• Identifies opportunities for education and attends job related training.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

• Associates degree in healthcare technical or related required with Bachelors degree preferred

Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree
No

Licenses and Credentials

• Basic Life Support preferred
• Certification in perioperative blood management (CPBMT) helpful

Knowledge

• Solid knowledge of anatomy and physiology
• Advanced knowledge of cardiac and vascular anatomy and physiology
• Advanced knowledge of hemodynamic and electrocardiographic monitoring
• Advanced knowledge of aseptic technique
• Advanced knowledge of all mechanical assist devices (IABP and VADs)
• Advanced knowledge of all bedside monitoring that relates to assist devices
• Blood management and conservation techniques including intraoperative autologous blood salvage
• Function and maintenance of the HMS machine
• Heart lung and liver organ care systems
• Is knowledgeable and compliant in all hospital State and Federal regulatory requirements including hospital policy and procedures (where applicable to the performance of the job) Joint Commission (JC) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

Skills

• Ability to set up activate and monitor all mechanical assist devices
• Ability to set up operate and monitor autotransfusion devices
• Ability to perform quality control and patients samples on HMS machine
• Ability to prepare supplies and equipment for heart lung or liver organ care system
• Ability to recognize normal and aberrant hemodynamic waveforms
• Recognizes reports and troubleshoots mechanical assist devices and contacts proper personnel when required
• Provides quality and compassionate care to all patients
• Collaborates with other professionals when appropriate
• Demonstrates flexibility when faced with demanding and changing work schedule
• Utilizes effective interpersonal communication skills
• Effective customer and vendor relations skills as well as effective problem solving and collaboration
• Ability to train and oversee the work of others
• Organizational and time management skills

Routinely will be exposed to encounter and/or use human blood products or fluids electrical equipment sharp instruments and cleaning chemicals. Will be required to stand and walk for periods of time as well as push pull and carry objects and equipment. Work settings will include patient bedside as well as the following:

• Operating Rooms
• Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and EP lab
• Surgical and Medical Intensive Care Units
• Emergency Room
• Multiple testing areas
• Outpatient testing areas

May be on call 24 hours at scheduled times for procedures requiring the above devices

Onsite

55 Fruit Street

40

Regular

Rotating (United States of America)

The General Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religious creed national origin sex age gender identity disability sexual orientation military service genetic information and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process to perform essential job functions and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974 and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at .

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