Mechanical Assist Specialist Position Available In Suffolk, Massachusetts

Mechanical Assist Specialist Massachusetts General Hospital United States, Massachusetts, Boston 55 Fruit Street (Show on map) Jun 24, 2025
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 perfusionist’s 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 perfusionist’s 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 Associate’s degree in healthcare, technical or related required with Bachelor’s 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 The General Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. 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.