Primary City/State:

Tucson, Arizona

Department Name:

Blood Recovery-Hosp

Work Shift:

Day

Job Category:

Clinical Care

Tucson is set in a Sonoran Desert valley surrounded by five mountain ranges. Boasting an average 350 sunny days a year and warm dry air, the climate is ideal for year-round outdoor recreation. Tucson offers one-of-a-kind experiences for those interested in outdoor adventure and nature, heritage and culture, arts and attractions, golf and original Southwest-inspired dining.

As an Autotransfusionist you will be part of our Blood Recovery Services team providing exceptional patient care at our Banner University Medical Center Tucson and South Tucson campuses. Banner – University Medical Center Tucson has been named Tucson’s top hospital and the third best in Arizona by U.S. News & World Report. This recognition is based on the latest rankings for the 2024-2025 Best Regional Hospitals, considering performance in 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions.

In your role as an Autotransfusionist, you will be stepping into an exciting career within the Operating Room. What's more exciting than watching a heartbeat, lungs expand and contract, and getting to see the patients surgical anatomy up-close and personal. You will be involved in surgical cases such as heart, lung, liver transplants, traumas, heart surgeries and many other types of surgical cases. Opportunity to work 2x12s, Day Shift (6:30AM-7:00PM). On Call is required for 1-2 shifts a week and 1 weekend a month, including both day and night hours; requires a 30 minute response time.

Your pay and benefits are important components of your journey at Banner Health. This opportunity includes the option to participate in a variety of health, financial, and security benefits. 

Banner - University Medical Center Tucson is nationally recognized for providing exceptional patient care, teaching future health-care professionals and conducting groundbreaking research. Also located on the campus is Diamond Children's - recognized for its specialized pediatric services including neonatal and intensive care, emergency medicine and cancer therapies. Banner - University Medical Center Tucson is a Level 1 Trauma Center, meaning we care for the most critically injured patients. The hospital is consistently listed among the nation's top hospitals in the prestigious Best Hospitals ranking by U.S. News & World Report. The academic medical center has earned Magnet Recognition becoming the only hospital in southern Arizona to meet the rigorous standards of the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program® for nursing excellence. The hospital's physicians are full-time faculty of the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson. Our specialty services include comprehensive heart and cancer care, advanced neuroscience techniques and a multi-organ transplant program.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position operates autotransfusion devices during surgical procedures, runs laboratory testing instruments such as blood gas analyzers, and performs coagulation studies.  Additionally, the Autotransfusionist runs equipment used in the preparation of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and scrubs/assists in surgical cases. This position plays a critical role in optimizing patient outcomes by ensuring efficient blood management, transfusion safety, and surgical support throughout the perioperative and postoperative period.

CORE FUNCTIONS

1. Conducts preoperative assessments to ensure patients are appropriate candidates for procedure. Performs autotransfusion procedures, including the collection, processing, and infusion of autologous blood during surgical procedures.

2. Guides clinical decision making by conducting blood gas analysis, assessing the patient's acid-base balance, oxygenation status, and electrolyte levels.

3. Assists in the optimization of blood product transfusion therapy by performing coagulation lab studies used to evaluate hemostasis, coagulation status, and fibrinolysis in surgical patients.

4. Operates, maintains and troubleshoots laboratory equipment. Performs and documents quality control testing in accordance with American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and College of Pathologist (CAP) regulatory requirements.

5. Prepares Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) from autologous blood source following established protocols and aseptic techniques to ensure product quality and safety.

6. Scrubs into surgical cases to assist with autotransfusion procedures, maintains sterile technique and provides support as required. Collaborates with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement blood management strategies tailored to individual patient needs and surgical requirements.

7.Monitors patient vital signs, laboratory parameters, and blood product usage during surgical procedures. Ensures timely intervention and adherence to transfusion protocols.

8. Documents autotransfusion procedures, laboratory results, and patient information accurately in the medical records, maintains confidentiality and compliance with regulatory requirements.

9. Performs quality assurance activities, including proficiency testing, to ensure the reliability, accuracy, and safety of blood products prepared for patient infusion.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelors or Associates Degree in science or related field or equivalent experience.

Current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers course completion card. Valid Drivers License in good standing.

Possesses a basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, sterile technique, quality control/analysis (QA/QC), Point of Care Testing (POCT) of lab specimens, computer databases and troubleshooting. Demonstrates effective decision making and organizational skills in response to changes in shift operations or emergency situations. Ability to resolve concerns in a prompt and effective manner. Possesses a calm demeanor in difficult and stressful situations. Skilled in troubleshooting and resolving all equipment issues in an effective composed manner while in a stressful and disagreeable environment.

Ability to think creatively to solve problems or suggest improvements to the department and organization as a whole. Possesses effective communication skills to facilitate dissemination of critical information to physicians, team members and other hospital personnel. Uses common sense in all situations. Complete knowledge and understanding of FDA, AABB, CAP, JC and other agencies governing Blood Recovery policies, procedures, protocols and processes.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Prior experience in Blood Recovery. Certified Perioperative Blood Management Technologist (C-PBMT). Prior experience in operating room, hospital or healthcare.

Additional related education and/or experience preferred.

EEO Statement:

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Our organization supports a drug-free work environment.

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