Position Profile

We are seeking a trainee Clinical Perfusionist to join our team and assist in providing clinical perfusion services during paediatric cardiac surgery and other cardiac procedures, primarily at Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH). The trainee Clinical Perfusionist will also gain experience in heart lung bypass and Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO).

Over a 2-year period, you will be provided with comprehensive training and support to develop the skills needed to excel in this critical role.

• Online Master’s degree education will be completed through the Monash University.
• Paediatric practical training will be completed at Perth Children’s Hospital, with additional adult experience provided at Fiona Stanley Hospital in order to meet the minimum course requirements.

Support and study time will be provided, with a focus on building competency in procedures. You will be orientated to working within a hospital and operating room, and introduced to processes that are essential to the role.

Log book and certification: You will have the opportunity to complete the 200 bypass cases as required by the ANZCP over the period of the two year training program and gain experience in both paediatric and adult perfusion.

• After passing the ANZCP examination you will complete your traineeship with a Certificate of Clinical Perfusion and be eligible to apply to any future Clinical Perfusionist vacancies within WA Health.

Application Eligibility:

• A minimum WAM (weighted average mark) of 60% and above in either a Science, Biomedical Science, Applied Science, Health Science or Biomedical Engineering tertiary qualification in order to be eligible for the Masters of Extracorporeal Science at Monash University.
• Available to work supported on-call hours at both Perth Children’s Hospital and Fiona Stanley Hospital.
• Prior experience working in a hospital will be advantageous.

We currently have 1 full time fixed term trainee position available (maximum 2-year appointment).

At the conclusion of the traineeship and successful completion of the relevant qualifications, the trainee will be eligible to apply for Clinical Perfusionist roles within WA Health.

About the Role

As a Clinical Perfusionist, you will ensure optimal blood circulation and oxygenation for our young patients during surgery, and maintain haemodynamic monitoring, and consult with medical teams in a demanding operating room environment.

Role responsibilities once fully qualified include:

Administering ECMO for patients requiring cardiac and/or respiratory life support, monitoring and adjusting physiological parameters as needed. This means:

• Operation of the cardiopulmonary bypass (Heart Lung) machine or “pump” used during heart surgery and associated procedures, ensuring adherence to protocols and guidelines. The heart-lung machine is used to facilitate blood circulation while the heart and lungs are bypassed during surgery, to continue delivery of deliver blood and oxygen to the patient’s organs and tissues.
• Maintaining the haemodynamic monitoring blood pressure, dilution factor, and heart paralysis.
• Administering prescribed medications to control blood pressure and maintain acid-base balance.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive patient care and act as an advocate for patients and their families.
• Ensuring equipment is calibrated, tested, and safely administered for perfusion and ECMO procedures.
• Participate in ongoing registration, professional development and educational meetings to enhance skills and knowledge. Contribute to the development of perfusion science through research and scholarship.

About our Department:

Based at Perth Children’s Hospital, our multidisciplinary team of Paediatric Cardiac Surgeons, Neonatologists, Intensivists, Cardiologists, Perfusionists, Nurses, and other specialists provide a statewide service to patients from newborn to 16 years old with complex heart and lung conditions, providing life-saving care during cardiac surgery.

Clinical Perfusionists primarily operate within cardiac operating theatres, contributing to Cardiac Catheter Laboratories and assisting in select Vascular cases. We offer an ECMO service for paediatric patients, providing essential support for surgical procedures as required.

ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) or ECLS (Extracorporeal Life Support) is utilised for children facing challenges such as neonatal lung diseases, sepsis, and respiratory failure, among others, or when failing to wean off cardiopulmonary bypass. This technology provides vital support and allows the patient’s heart time to recuperate after surgery.

As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we work in partnership with tertiary hospitals providing adult care, and actively participate in innovative research, education and comprehensive clinical training to continually enhance the quality of care provided.

About CAHS:

The Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) is proud to be the leading service provider for paediatric healthcare in Western Australia, as the State’s only dedicated health service for infants, children and young people. CAHS comprises four service areas: Neonatology, Community Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH).

With over 6500 employees, our services are delivered at PCH and King Edward Memorial Hospitals (KEMH), as well as across a network of more than 170 community clinics across the Perth metropolitan area.

For further information about the benefits of working for CAHS and our services please click here.

For Further Job-Related Information: We encourage you to contact Mr David Andrews, Head of Department Cardiothoracic Surgery on [email protected] or 6456 8240.

Application Instructions: Applicants are requested to apply online (www.jobs.health.wa.gov.au).