Lead, Perfusionist

Title: Lead Perfusionist

Location: Saddleback – MemorialCare Hospital

Department: Cardiac Surgery

Status: Full Time

Shift: Days (8hr)

Pay Range*: $98.00/hr - $143.00/hr

Signing Bonus: $10,000 signing bonus available to external hires new to MHS employment, contingent upon satisfaction of employment requirements.

MemorialCare is a nonprofit integrated health system that includes four leading hospitals, award-winning medical groups – consisting of over 200 sites of care, and more than 2,000 physicians throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We are committed to increasing access to patient‑centric, affordable, and high‑quality healthcare; your personal contributions are integral to MemorialCare's recognition as a market leader and innovator in value‑based and other care models.

Across our family of medical centers, we support each one of our bright, talented employees in reaching the highest levels of professional development, contribution, collaboration, and accountability. Whatever your role and whatever expertise you bring, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your full potential in an environment of respect, innovation, and teamwork.

Position Summary

The Lead Perfusionist performs functions necessary for the support, treatment, measurement, and/or supplementation of the cardiopulmonary and/or circulatory system of the patient. Performs advanced technical work in the selection, preparation, operation, and maintenance of the cardiopulmonary bypass and ancillary equipment. Responsible for the knowledge, operation, and maintenance of a wide variety of technical perfusion equipment utilized in cardiac surgery, as well as other circulatory support devices, and for close cooperation with the attending physician in extracorporeal perfusion practices. Primary working area is the operating room; however, possibility exists of working in other areas of the Medical Center. Oversees daily operations of the perfusion department and provides administrative and programmatic leadership for adult perfusion services. Directs day‑to‑day operations, mentors staff and ensures clinical quality standards are met. Serves as liaison with medical, surgical, and administrative leaders, participating in multidisciplinary planning and decision making.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities of the Job

• Contributes to fiscal resilience by evaluating new products, managing supply levels to volume, assisting with capital and operating budget preparation, and managing staff to targeted levels.
• Oversees Perfusion services, ensuring cases are appropriately staffed and daily staffing and call schedules are completed and communicated.
• Responsible for perfusion service delivery of care and technical integrity to ensure optimal patient safety; assures departmental compliance with regulatory standards. Maintains equipment compliance through QA checks, preventive maintenance, and required documentation at all times.
• Participates in appropriate committees and groups within the medical center and department to support and enhance the department’s and medical center’s goals and values.
• Recognizes and reacts appropriately to critical situations pertaining to the cardiopulmonary and/or circulatory system of the patient, communicating with the attending surgeon.
• Provides excellent patient care by demonstrating working knowledge of cardiopulmonary bypass equipment, anatomy, physiology, physics, and mechanics of cardiopulmonary bypass on a daily basis.
• Completes the pre‑op perfusion record, worksheet, and related paperwork accurately and formulates a plan of care based on the individual patient’s condition.
• Prepares for cases by selecting necessary supplies and appropriately assembling and preparing all perfusion equipment (e.g., cardiopulmonary bypass system, cardioplegia delivery system, ultrafiltration, cell savers).
• Leads the standardization of adult and pediatric perfusion protocols across the service line.
• Partners with medical leadership in planning service line growth, research participation, and clinical innovation.
• Directs onboarding and competency assessments for new and existing perfusion staff, including training on pediatric equipment and workflows.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications/Work Experience

• Minimum 5 years' perfusion experience.
• Previous supervisory experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of cardioplegia delivery systems, cell saver, impella, IABP, and ECMO.

Education/Licensure/Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in a related science field preferred.
• Graduate of an accredited training program accredited by the Accreditation Committee for Perfusion Education in cooperation with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) required.
• Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP) from the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion required.
• BLS required.

*Placement in the pay range is based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, relevant years of experience and qualifications. In addition to base pay, there may be additional compensation available for this role, including but not limited to shift differentials, extra shift incentives, and bonus opportunities.

Health and wellness is our passion at MemorialCare—that includes taking good care of employees and their dependents. We offer high quality health insurance plan options, so you can select the best choice for your family. And there’s more… Check out our MemorialCare Benefits for more information about our Benefits and Rewards.