Perfusionist

Grand River Hospital; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Grand River Hospital in KW region seeks a highly skilled Perfusionist to support adult cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass. The role involves operating heart‑lung machine, managing extracorporeal life support, and collaborating with the multidisciplinary team to deliver safe, effective patient care.

The perfusionist will engage in education and research activities within the Cardiac Program and ensure ongoing recertification and adherence to best practices.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an Accredited Cardiovascular Perfusion Science Program.
• Current certification with The Canadian Society of Clinical Perfusion and maintenance of annual recertification.
• RN or RRT background preferred as part of the requirements.

Responsibilities

• Operate the perfusion system and circuitry for cardiopulmonary support during cardiac procedures.
• Maintain physiologic parameters during bypass and manage blood products and solutions.
• Provide educational and research contributions within the Cardiac Program and perfusion services.
• Collaborate with the health care team to ensure safe, high-quality patient care.
• Respond to emergent patient situations 24/7 as required.

Education

Cardiovascular Perfusion Science program

University degree or higher

Job description

Welcome to health care that soars above. Welcome to WRHN.

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Location: WRHN @ Queen’s Blvd (formerly St. Mary’s General Hospital)

This role is being advertised to fill an existing vacancy

Home to seven regional programs and comprehensive healthcare services, Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) is committed to meeting the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond.

WRHN is redefining the healthcare experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered community‑driven health care.

At WRHN, every patient is at the centre of everything we do as we strive to improve lives, inspire healing, and build healthier, stronger communities. By listening to patients and partners, we strive to connect communities to the right care, at the right place, and at the right time.

Please Note: New employees must provide documentation/proof of COVID-19 vaccination status, a 2‑step TB test, as well as proof of immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox) prior to their start date at Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN). New Employees will require clearance from Employee Health, Safety and Wellness before they are able to begin any position within WRHN.

Position Summary:

The Perfusionist functions in a highly specialized adult cardiac surgical environment at WRHN. The Perfusionist contributes to clinical, education and research-based practice within the scope of perfusion science and the Cardiac Program. The Perfusionist provides patients with extracorporeal life support, during open‑heart and major vascular surgery in the operating room/critical care settings. Working in collaboration with the multidisciplinary health care team, the Perfusionist integrates new knowledge and research into clinical practice. The Perfusionist operates extracorporeal circulation equipment during medical procedures requiring support or temporary replacement of patient's circulatory and respiratory functions. This position performs technical work in the selection, preparation, operation, and maintenance of the heart‑lung machine and accessory equipment. The staff Perfusionist prepares and administers blood products and prescription solutions through extracorporeal circuitry.

Additionally, the perfusionist provides patients with extracorporeal life support, during open‑heart and major vascular surgery in the operating room and in critical care settings. The perfusion specialist acts as a resource in non‑cardiac service areas including orthopedic and general surgery. Working in collaboration with the multidisciplinary health care team, the perfusionist integrates new knowledge and research into clinical practice. Clinical expertise is provided to patients and families, the public, and other professionals internal and external to WRHN.

Responsibilities:

Primary Responsibilities:

• The objectives of Perfusion Services and the Cardiac Program will be promoted within the scope of practice of perfusion science.
• Operates the perfusion system and all integrated circuitry providing continuous support for the patient's cardiac, respiratory, and metabolic systems for short and/or long‑term cardiopulmonary support.
• Maintains the patient's physiologic parameters during cardiopulmonary bypass.
• Collects, interprets, records and manages physiologic parameters.
• Selects, assembles, and operates extracorporeal membrane oxygenation systems, left ventricular assist devices, right ventricular assist devices, selective perfusion circuits and intra‑aortic balloon pumps.
• Transports patients on extracorporeal devices as required.
• Provides a comprehensive blood conservation program utilizing blood salvage, autologous blood component sequestration, hemoconcentration, hemodialysis, rapid transfusion, modified ultrafiltration and emerging technologies as required.
• Orthopaedic, general and other surgical services are supported and collaborated with in development of blood conservation techniques and emerging technologies.
• Emergency patient situations are responded to twenty‑four hours a day throughout the year.
• Assesses, evaluates and revises cardiovascular perfusion standards according to evidence based practice.
• Develops and maintains resource and reference material in relation to current practice.
• Operates the perfusion system and all integrated circuitry providing continuous support for the patient's cardiac, respiratory, and metabolic systems for short and/or long‑term cardiopulmonary support (i.e., ECMO).

Assess Plan Of Care:

• Assesses, plans and implements interventions by selecting appropriate support equipment and extracorporeal circuitry based on patient age, weight, pathology and planned procedure in consultation with clinical staff.
• Utilizes perfusion knowledge and expertise to meet the physiologic needs of the patient.
• Collaborates and liaises with members of the health care team to achieve excellence in patient care.
• Develops departmental objectives that reflect the philosophy and direction of the mission statements of the department and hospital.

Educational Activities:

• Promotes the objectives of Perfusion Services and the Cardiac Program.
• Disseminates perfusion knowledge and clinical expertise to the multidisciplinary team.
• Participates in the didactic, laboratory and clinical training of multidisciplinary staff in training.
• Participates in continuing education by attending scientific perfusion seminars, presenting and publishing new discoveries, thereby sharing and acquiring new knowledge (requirement for annual ongoing recertification).
• Provides rounds and presentations for WRHN’s colleagues. Liaises with national and international peers regarding perfusion practice at WRHN.

Research Activities:

• Identifies cardiovascular perfusion research opportunities by questioning current practice and experience.
• Engages in evidence‑based practice by initiating changes to clinical protocols based on research outcomes.
• Evaluates new technology released by industry to assess its effectiveness and/or improvements to patient care.
• Disseminates research and clinical findings through publications and presentations.
• Assesses, evaluates and revises cardiovascular perfusion standards according to evidence based practice.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Participates in the daily organization and preparation of patient care plans and departmental workflow.
• Participates in the departmental preventative maintenance program.
• Assesses and provides the daily inventory requirements that are determined by patient needs.
• Assists in ensuring a safe, clean and organized working environment.
• Assists in the collection of patient data by participating in the departmental workload system.
• Accountable to align activities and performance with strategic goals and objectives of the perfusion department, cardiac program and WRHN.
• Adheres to hospital standards, policies, and procedures.
• Actively participates in the departmental/hospital quality management program.
• Participates in a performance‑planning program.
• Participates in hospital/departmental committees.

Position Requirements:

• Graduate of an Accredited Cardiovascular Perfusion Science Program.
• Current certification, and ability to maintain annual re‑certification with The Canadian Society of Clinical Perfusion.
• Continuing education is achieved by attending scientific perfusion conferences and reviewing current perfusion science journals. Continuing education units (CEU’s) are obtained by attending scientific perfusion meetings, presenting and publishing necessary to maintain annual re‑certification with above organizations.
• Demonstrates the ability to function with confidence in medical emergencies.
• Successfully able to perform their function in accordance with prescribed standards that focuses on the priority of People Safety and the delivery of the highest standard of Quality Care.
• Demonstrate the physical and mental capabilities necessary for proper and efficient performance of the essential duties of the position.
• Previous clinical experience as a Clinical Perfusionist.
• Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
• Demonstrates the ability to function effectively and with confidence under stress (i.e., when making critical, independent decisions and in emergency situations).

Preferred Requirements:

• University Degree in a related field.
• Previous clinical experience as a Clinical Perfusionist.
• Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
• Demonstrates the ability to function effectively and with confidence under stress (i.e., when making critical, independent decisions and in emergency situations).

Location:

WRHN @ Queen’s Blvd (formerly St. Mary’s General Hospital)

Employment Type:

Employee

Workplace:

Onsite

Closing Date:

10/23/2026

EEO / Diversity:

WRHN is committed to fair and equitable employment and in our recruitment and selection practices. We strongly believe in inclusion and diversity within our organization, and welcome all applicants including, but not limited to racialized communities, all religions and ethnicities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, Indigenous people, and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of our Hospital community. We are committed to providing and fostering a respectful workplace for all employees, free from violence and harassment.

Accessibility:

Accommodations are available during all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Human Rights Code. WRHN is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) to provide an inclusive, barrier free workplace. We will accommodate the accessibility needs of individuals with disabilities to support participation in all aspects of the recruitment process. Should you require this accommodation, please contact Human Resources.

International Applicants:

If you are seeking employment on a temporary work or study permit, we recommend reviewing work permit restrictions as it applies to healthcare organizations in Canada. Individuals holding a work or study permit seeking employment in the healthcare sector may be required to complete additional steps in the process. This may also apply to current employees seeking renewal of their work permits. It is the accountability of the applicant and/or employee to ensure they are adhering to their specific work permit restrictions.

Acknowledgement:

We would like to thank all candidates in advance for their interest and only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Due to the volume of applications, we receive, we are unable to confirm the receipt of individual applications or resumes.