Perfusionist, Full-time, Rotating

Northwestern Memorial Hospital is an academic medical center in the heart of downtown Chicago with physicians, surgeons and caregivers representing nearly every medical specialty. Northwestern Medicine is proud to have five hospitals ranked among "America’s Best," including Northwestern Memorial Hospital, the only Illinois hospital to be ranked No. 1 for 14 straight years, by U.S. News & World Report, 2025-2026. Anchored by Northwestern Memorial Hospital, which is nationally ranked in 11 clinical specialties, we're leading the quest for better care in the Chicago area and beyond.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital enjoys a teaching and service partnership with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, an integration that provides patients access to leading-edge clinical trials and fosters an environment of world-class patient care, academic inquiry and innovative research. Northwestern Memorial Hospital has also received Magnet® recognition*, the gold-standard for nursing excellence, from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Perfusionist AMC reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

• Operates cardiopulmonary bypass and other life support equipment, to assist cardiac, transplant, and vascular surgeons as they perform their surgical procedures.
• The Perfusionist NHN meets the professional exemption under FLSA; but works an irregular schedule.

Responsibilities:

• Operate cardiopulmonary bypass circuit in accordance with NM, AMSECT and manufacturer guidelines
  • Monitor oxygenator and adjust gas flow as needed
  • Operate centrifugal and roller pumps to maintain adequate cardiac output
  • Monitor blood temperature, O2, CO2, pH, venous saturations, and adjust as needed
  • Monitor blood electrolytes, potassium, sodium, and calcium
  • Monitor heparin management of patient while on bypass
  • Cool and rewarm patient as directed by surgeon
  • Chart patients’ vital parameters on perfusion record at regular intervals
  • Troubleshoot any problems unusual occurrences or deviations from NM or AMSECT guidelines.  Communicate these issues to the surgeon and anesthesiologist and develop an action plan to correct the problem
• Complete a yearly competency on all perfusion equipment, NM and AMSECT guidelines
• Read and demonstrate an understanding of all perfusion equipment
• Read and demonstrate an understanding of all NM and AMSECT guidelines
• Set up and operate the cell salvaging system throughout the medical center
• Set up and operate the medical centers various ventricular assist devices.  These devices include but are not limited to HVAD, HMII, HMIII, Impella, and TandemHeart
• Transport VADs to various procedural areas
• Must be able to take call coverage on a rotating basis with colleagues
• Set up and operate the ECMO circuit and be able to initiate support anywhere in the medical center.
• Educate and explain functions of perfusion responsibilities to medical staff, residents, medical students, and nursing staff.
• Assist medical personnel in the O. R. to facilitate the best patient care possible.
• Clean and restock perfusion equipment as indicated
• Check perfusion equipment for proper operation
• Setup and operate the HIPEC system
• Set up and operate Veno-venous support

#NMH1

Required:

• Graduate of an accredited perfusion school.
• CCP certification
• Licensed by the State of Illinois as a Licensed Perfusionist
• BLS Certification

Preferred:

• Bachelor of Science Degree.

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.