Trainee Clinical Perfusionist

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

2mo ago

Internship
Full-time
Off-cycle Internship
Research & Development
Healthcare
Plymouth

AI generated summary

You need a 2(i) biomedical/life science degree, commitment to training, availability for on-call duty, and preferably relevant experience. Overseas candidates need clinical experience.
You will train in clinical perfusion, assist with patient care, manage equipment, perform techniques during CPB, maintain records, and participate in research and on-call duties under supervision.

Requirements

Successful applicants are required to attend several one-week blocks at Bristol University throughout the academic year to obtain an MSc in Clinical Perfusion Science.
You will need to have a minimum of a 2(i) in a relevant biomedical or life science Honours Degree to be eligible to undertake the Clinical Perfusion Science training programme.
Successful applicants who are overseas qualified Perfusionists with a minimum of one-year clinical post qualification employment will be required to complete the Post Graduate Certificate in Clinical Perfusion Science at Bristol University.
Successful candidates will need to demonstrate their interest and commitment to this training post.
As part of your training, you will be expected to participate in the 24 hour on-call commitment.
The successful applicant will be expected to commence employment as soon as possible, pending reference and DBS checks.
The post is a fixed-term training contract until Autumn 2027.
Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS at Risk staff throughout Devon who is able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.
2(i) or aboveBSc (Hons) Degree in a relevant biomedical or life science or equivalent.
Equivalent overseas qualification in Perfusion Science and a minimum of one years clinical experience.

Responsibilities

To train as a Clinical Perfusionist acquiring all the necessary skills and attributes to work as a registered autonomous practitioner.
Complete all the necessary and relevant exams - MSc degree in Clinical Perfusion Science and professional exams to attain accreditation certification and registration.
Design, plan and carry out research as part of MSc degree.
Maintain stock and stock control.
Administer prescription only drugs and blood products to patients during their care under direct supervision.
Participate in on call rota to gain experience of emergency and out of hours working.
Set up and run autologous blood cell salvage and intra-aortic balloon pumps.
Maintain accurate records and patient databases.
Maintain cleaning and disinfection of heater-cooler units as directed.
Assist in the delivery of the perfusion service acting as an integral member of the department in a supernumerary capacity.
Under direct supervision by a qualified Clinical Perfusionist undertake a range of perfusion techniques during routine and emergency Cardiopulmonary Bypass.
Develop skills and build on knowledge base to assess the patients relevant medical history, pathology and diagnosis to enable appropriate decisions concerning conduct of the procedure.
Inspect, prepare, assemble, prime and calibrate the cardiopulmonary bypass machine and extracorporeal circuit to maintain life support for the period of Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB) and related equipment.
Undertake, analyse and interpret arterial/venous blood gases and patient coagulation status.
Interpret oxygen delivery status to make informed decisions to optimise patient care.
Monitor and make corrections to blood gases, electrolytes, metabolites, acid-base balance, systemic vascular resistance, cardiac output and anticoagulation status of the patient.
Administer drugs including colloid/crystalloid fluids, vasoactive drugs, cardioplegia solution, potassium, anticoagulants, haemostatic drugs under the direct supervision of a Clinical Perfusionist.
Manipulate on a second-to-second basis the patients cardiovascular system whilst on CPB.
Undertake haemofiltration and blood transfusion as required under direct supervision.
Perform and understand myocardial preservation and cardiac venting techniques to protect the myocardium from damage due to ischaemia, over distension and minimise cerebral injury.
Assist in the quality control, calibration and maintenance of expensive, complex medical equipment in Clinical Perfusion and their safe use in compliance with near patient testing policies.
Acquire an understanding and assist in the running of intra-aortic balloon counter-pulsation and learn trouble-shooting skills.
Ensure that all data acquisition and other patient related records are complete, and appropriately filed/stored in line with University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and professional body guidelines.
Participate in specialised, skilled and reliable out of hours service by participation in the on-call rota to gain experience of emergency work and situations.
Some flexible working is required to complete bypass cases in full when operating lists over run in order to be eligible to count towards accreditation numbers.
Clean and maintain heater cooler units, carry out water sampling for microbiology following national guidance.
Maintain accurate records of personal caseload required for training records.
Ensure the potassium stock check is complete and up to date.
Ensure that all perfusion cases are recorded on the SCTS database.
Collate any necessary perfusion information for monthly M&M meetings.
Complete the MSc in Clinical Perfusion Sciences, organising work around clinical activity and on-call responsibility.
Ensure that all practical training opportunities are undertaken to develop the skills required as a Clinical Perfusionist and keep an accurate training log.
Present audit and perfusion topics to the Perfusion Department and other MDT when required.
Promote reflective practice within the team and record the learning outcomes.
Develop problem solving skills to critically evaluate and rectify difficult clinical situations.
Regularly trawl through monthly scientific journals to keep abreast of the latest research and current thinking.
Participate in student exchanges and placements to learn perfusion techniques and other disciplines such as paediatric perfusion in other cardiac centres.
Critically review current literature to reflect current literature to reflect current thinking of principles and practices in CPB.
Ensure that all duties are carried out in accordance with policies, practices and procedures of UHP NHS Trust.
Under direct supervision of a qualified Clinical Perfusionist work within defined departmental and national protocols/policies and professional code of conduct; administer selective cardiovascular and controlled drugs as clinically indicated and determined.
Apply current principals of clinical governance to professional practice and conduct.
Develop and maintain a current knowledge base of condition and disease processes relevant to the conduct of cardiopulmonary bypass.
Identify, assess, discuss and mitigate risks, effecting change in practice accordingly.
Monitor a wide range of highly complex clinical information and act within own limitations.
Discuss and evaluate options for best practice with colleagues and supervising Clinical Perfusionist to optimise patient management.
Develop skills to adapt to meet individual patient needs often in highly charged difficult critical clinical circumstances.
Develop reflection on practice.
Create own clinical reports by employing clinical perfusion data acquisition software and manage own data acquisition.
Maintain SCTS database.
Ensure that all information is handled according to UHP NHS Trust Policy.
Responsible for careful use of all aspects of perfusion equipment. Ensure that equipment is in safe working order prior to use. All faults should be reported.
Ensure that red trolleys are stocked correctly, and expired goods are removed.
Must be able to balance the practical requirements with those of academia to achieve the Accreditation of The Society of Clinical Perfusionists of Great Britain and Ireland.
Plan and organise ahead for several eventualities whilst maintaining flexibility should the course of work change.
Have due regard for personal safety and that of others with respect to relevant health and safety legislation and moving and handling policies.
Dismantling and removal of cumbersome, potentially infected, clinical waste from treatment areas.
Move very heavy (>250kg), cumbersome equipment between clinical areas, including the transfer of patients on specialist devices between treatment, diagnostic imaging and critical care areas.
Unload, unpack and rearrange heavy perfusion equipment on a regular basis.
Attend your cardiopulmonary bypass procedure for its duration, this may involve having to maintain a particular sitting or standing position for what may be several hours.
Control several distal parts of the extracorporeal circulation at the same time often in physically challenging circumstances.
Maintain intense levels of concentration for protracted periods, occasionally for several hours, during the direct delivery of routine and specialist perfusion techniques. In particular, the monitoring of multiple strands of complex data from various sources during Cardiopulmonary Bypass.
Flexible to the demands of the clinical environment, including but not limited to unpredictability of workload, emergency procedures, deadlines and catastrophic clinical situations.
Maintain calm during emergency and high-pressure situations whilst continuing to communicate clearly and effectively with other members of the multi-disciplinary team.
Maintain respect for and the dignity of all patients under-going treatment whether as an emergency or otherwise and in the event of a patient fatality during the procedure.
Develop appropriate strategies for dealing with stress and stressful situations that occur on a regular basis.
Develop appropriate strategies for dealing with peri-operative and post-operative death.
Work within infection control and health and safety guidelines in order to prevent cross infection of patients, contamination of clinical areas and prevent contaminated sharps injuries etc.
Daily exposure to patient body fluids and other potentially infectious/hazardous material whilst managing highly invasive, specialist devices during the direct delivery of patient care.
Take effective precautions to prevent the cross contamination of patients and colleagues and reduce the general spread of infection within the workplace.
Daily management of arterial and venous blood samples in close proximity to highly invasive circulatory support devices.
Work in a safe manner to mitigate risk to patients and colleagues. Identifying and reporting those risks when appropriate.
Frequent exposure to noxious chemicals during heater-cooler maintenance requiring wearing of full PPE including Type FFP3 Mask for several hours at a time.
Keep up-to-date with mandatory statutory training.

FAQs

What qualifications do I need to apply for the Trainee Clinical Perfusionist position?

You need a minimum of a 2(i) in a relevant biomedical or life science Honours Degree to be eligible for the Clinical Perfusion Science training program.

Is this position full-time or part-time?

The Trainee Clinical Perfusionist position is a full-time role.

Where will the training take place?

The training will involve several one-week blocks at Bristol University throughout the academic year.

How long is the duration of the training contract?

The training contract is fixed-term until Autumn 2027.

Will I receive support during my training?

Yes, you will be supported by a team of seven Clinical Perfusionists as you acquire the necessary skills and attributes to work as a registered autonomous practitioner.

Is participation in an on-call rota required?

Yes, you are expected to participate in the 24-hour on-call commitment as part of your training.

What is the salary range for this position?

The salary range for the Trainee Clinical Perfusionist position is £37,338 to £44,962 per annum.

What types of procedures will I be involved with during training?

You will assist with routine and emergency cardiopulmonary bypass procedures and other related perfusion techniques.

Are there opportunities for career development within this role?

Yes, the Trust offers great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment.

Can internal Trust staff apply for this position?

Yes, preference will be given to internal Trust staff as well as those with 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status.

What additional qualifications are required for overseas qualified Perfusionists?

Overseas qualified Perfusionists with a minimum of one-year clinical post qualification employment will need to complete the Post Graduate Certificate in Clinical Perfusion Science at Bristol University.

How can I confirm my application status?

If you have not heard from the Trust within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Are there flexible working options available?

Yes, applicants can request less than full time or flexible working for the advertised roles, and this will be given full consideration.

What is the location of the job?

The job is located at Derriford Hospital, Derriford Road, Plymouth, PL6 8DH.

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Providing outstanding integrated care and making a difference to people's lives #1BigTeam

Science & Healthcare

Industry

5001-10,000

Employees

1998

Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust provides a range of healthcare services across Plymouth and the surrounding areas, including acute and specialist medical care. Their ultimate mission is to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care, enhance health outcomes, and ensure safety. Their purpose is to improve the well-being of the community by offering exceptional clinical services, advancing medical research, and fostering education in healthcare.