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Perfusionist

SSM Health · WI · Full time

Posted Oct 2, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you and the surgeon or anesthesiologist disagreed during a case. How did you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can speak up clearly in the OR while keeping teamwork intact under pressure.

If you are a new graduate, how would you use the mentorship program? If experienced, how would you help mentor someone new?

What they are checking: Whether they fit into a small, close-knit team that trains its own people.

What would you do

You notice air in the arterial line during bypass. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can respond to a crisis like air embolism quickly and calmly using an emergency protocol.

This team does 500 to 550 cases a year with 1 in 6 call. How do you stay sharp for a 2 a.m. emergency?

What they are checking: Whether they handle call responsibly and can perform at full skill when tired.

About the work

Walk me through your setup and checklist before going on bypass.

What they are checking: Whether they follow a disciplined pre-bypass routine, since equipment failures on pump can be fatal.

How do you manage anticoagulation on bypass, and what do you do when the ACT isn't where you expect after heparin?

What they are checking: Whether they understand heparin resistance and can respond correctly to unexpected clotting numbers.

Talk me through how you manage blood gases and acid-base status during a case. Do you use alpha-stat or pH-stat, and why?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the reasoning behind their blood gas management rather than following a habit.

What experience do you have with ECMO, cell saver or balloon pumps?

What they are checking: Whether they can cover the range of extracorporeal and support duties beyond standard bypass.

How do you decide when a patient needs a transfusion on pump?

What they are checking: Whether they use patient-specific data and blood conservation practices rather than transfusing by habit.

How do you document a case so the record is complete and accurate?

What they are checking: Whether they keep detailed perfusion records, which matter for patient follow-up, quality review and legal protection.

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The full job description

As published by SSM Health.

It's more than a career, it's a calling WI-SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Madison Worker Type: Regular Job Highlights: Join a team where your work matters - every moment, every patient, every community. At SSM Health, you'll be empowered to grow, supported to thrive, and inspired to make a lasting impact. Opportunities to join this experienced, close-knit perfusion team do not come around often! We welcome both experienced perfusionists and new graduates, offering an established mentorship program for those beginning their careers. Department: Perfusion Schedule: To be discussed in detail during the interview process. On call is 1 in 6. The department see's 500-550 cases per year. Sign-On Bonus: Ask your recruiter about sign-on bonus eligibility Relocation Assistance: Available for qualified candidates Apply today. SSM Health - We bring out the incredible in you, everyday. Job Summary: Operates extra-corporeal circulation equipment during procedures requiring artificial support or the temporary replacement of circulatory or respiratory functions. Job Responsibilities and Requirements: PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES • Prepares for procedures by performing patient assessment. • Performs perfusion and other procedures including the monitoring of the patient's anticoagulation, electrolyte, acid-base and blood-gas status throughout procedures and takes appropriate action to resolve imbalances. • Sets up and operates extracorporeal devices used for temporary replacement or support of cardiac or pulmonary function. • Administers pharmacological agents, anesthetic agents, and blood products as necessary during operation of extracorporeal devices. • Sets up and initiates operation of intra-aortic balloon pump therapy. Sets up and operates autologous blood processing devices. • Assures that perfusion packs, equipment and supplies are available for scheduled and emergency surgeries. • Performs assembly, maintenance, cleaning and calibration of equipment and maintains adequate supplies. • Provides proper documentation of assessments, activities, and procedures. • Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner. • Performs other duties as assigned. EDUCATION • Graduate from a Perfusion Program EXPERIENCE • No experience required PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Constant standing and walking. • Frequent lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 0-25 lbs. • Frequent reaching, gripping and keyboard use/data entry. • Frequent use of vision for distances near (20 inches or less) and far (20 feet or more). • Frequent use of hearing and speech to share information through oral communication. Ability to hear alarms, malfunctioning machinery, etc. • Occasional bending, stooping, climbing, crawling, kneeling, sitting, squatting, twisting and repetitive foot/leg and hand/arm movements. • Occasional lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 25-50 lbs. • Occasional use of vision to judge distances and spatial relationships and to identify and distinguish colors. • Rare use of smell to detect/recognize odors. • Rare driving. REQUIRED PROFESSIONAL LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS State of Work Location: Illinois • Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA) • And • Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP) - American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) • And • Perfusionist, Licensed - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) State of Work Location: Missouri • Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA) • And • Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP) - American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) • And • Perfusionist - Missouri Division of Professional Registration State of Work Location: Oklahoma • Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA) • And • Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP) - American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) • And • Perfusionist - Oklahoma Medical Board State of Work Location: Wisconsin • Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA) • And • Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP) - American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) • And • Perfusionist - Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services Work Shift: Variable Shift (United States of America) Job Type: Employee Department: 4404000007 Perfusion Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 SSM Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SSM Health provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Click here to learn more.

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