Job Purpose
The Cardiac Testing Technician (Perfusionist) will be responsible for operating heart-lung machines and other equipment during cardiac surgeries, providing support for the medical team in the management of patients undergoing cardiovascular procedures. The role holder requires expertise in perfusion, blood flow management, and monitoring of vital signs, ensuring the safe and effective operation of perfusion equipment.
Core Responsibilities
Cardiopulmonary Support
- Operate and maintain the heart-lung machine, autotransfusion devices, intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), and other ventricular assistive devices
- Administer intravenous drugs, blood products, and fluids under physician orders.
- Employ therapeutic modalities, including hypothermia, hemoconcentration, and hemodilution during procedures.
- Review patient medical charts and adjust equipment based on hemodynamic and blood work results.
Equipment Maintenance and Calibration
- Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and minor repairs on perfusion equipment.
- Sterilize and assemble equipment to ensure readiness for procedures.
- Test and evaluate new equipment for quality assurance and functionality.
- Troubleshoot and adjust equipment during surgeries to meet patient needs.
Education and Training
- Provide in-service education to medical and nursing staff about equipment and procedures.
- Participate in the development and delivery of training programs for new staff.
- Offer ongoing support and expert advice to medical teams during surgeries.
- Provide educational materials and in-services to community groups.
Patient Care and Monitoring
- Prepare patients for electrocardiogram (EKG) tests, stress tests and other heart tests
- Monitor patient conditions during surgeries, ensuring proper blood flow and oxygen levels.
- Review the patient’s medical chart to determine appropriate components for the cardiopulmonary circuit, assess hemodynamic and blood work results, and make appropriate changes to equipment and techniques.
- Provide data analysis and report to the medical team in real time.
- Ensure patient safety and comfort during and after procedures.
Communication and Documentation
- Document all procedural data, equipment settings, and patient responses.
- Communicate effectively with surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
- Maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to legal and ethical standards.
- Participate in post-operative debriefings to review the perfusion process.
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Anatomy, Physiology, Respiratory therapy or a related field.
Professional Requirements
- Certification or licensure as a Perfusionist such as a Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP) is preferred
- Completion of an accredited perfusionist training program.
Experience Requirements
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience in cardiovascular perfusion in a clinical or hospital environment.
- Experience in operating perfusion equipment during surgeries
- Background in cardiovascular surgery support, including emergency scenarios
Competency Requirements
1. Knowledge Requirements
- Knowledge of Cardiothoracic anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and surgical techniques
- Knowledge of aseptic practices
- In-depth knowledge of perfusion technologies and heart-lung machines.
- Familiarity with cardiac surgery protocols and standards.
2. Skill Requirements
- Hemodynamic Monitoring
- Proficiency in blood gap analysis
- Equipment troubleshooting
- Proficiency in using electronic medical records (EMR) and data management systems
- ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) management
3. Personal Abilities
- Professional attitude towards work
- Shares AMCE’s vision
- Accountability and decision making
- Commitment to learning
- Communication and teamwork
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Attention to detail
- Empathy
African Medical Centre of Excellence, Abuja (AMCE Abuja) aims to be an Employer of Choice, providing equal opportunity for everyone regardless of their background, gender, race and other protected characteristics.
