Advantages & Disadvantages of Being a Perfusionist

During heart surgery, a perfusionist is responsible for operating equipment that temporarily replaces the patient's respiratory and circulatory functions. Certified perfusionists exhibit a great deal of precision in successfully performing their duties. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of working as a perfusionist is essential when considering this field.

Salary

• According to the American Medical Association, recently-certified perfusionists can expect an annual salary of $60.000 to $75,000 per year. Perfusionists with two to five years on the job make $70,000 to $90,000 and perfusionists with even more experience might earn as much as $100,000. Perfusionists can also advance to managerial positions where salaries often exceed that amount.

Hours

• One disadvantage those considering this career should note is that long days are not uncommon for perfusionists. A surgical team performing a 15-hour liver transplant will require a perfusionist throughout the procedure. Perfusionists work on their feet and handle heavy equipment. In addition to their regular work week, perfusionists are often on call nights and weekends.

Demands

• Perfusionists find personal satisfaction in performing a job that is challenging and demanding. As an integral part of a surgical team, the perfusionist's role is critical to preserving a patient's life while the heart is immobilized. A perfusionist's continual appraisal of the patient's status and effective communication with surgeons helps ensure a successful procedure. The perfusionist also regularly assists other medical specialties during surgeries.

Stress

• Another disadvantage to consider is the level of stress this position entails. Though patients may share similarities, no procedure is exactly the same. Members of the surgical team need to maintain intense focus over long periods of time. Seemingly benign errors may have critical consequences and perfusionists must know how to respond to every possible situation.