The clinical perfusionist functions within the Operating Room (OR) within the Ann Arbor VA Healthcare System and is directly accountable to the OR Assistant Nurse Manager, the Surgery Service Nurse Administrator, or the OR Nurse Manager, and ultimately to the Chief of Surgery. Their main responsibility is to effectively manage the needs of the Cardiac surgical patient while on the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPD) machine or extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education. Candidates must hold a degree in perfusion as described below in paragraphs (1) and (2) that has been accredited by either CAAHEP or EQualTM Canada at the time the program was completed. (1) Bachelor's or master's degree in perfusion from a program in the United States or Canada accredited by the CAAHEP or EQualTM Canada. OR, (2) Bachelor's or master's degree in addition to a post-baccalaureate certificate in perfusion from a program accredited by CAAHEP or the EQualTM Canada. NOTE: The degree must have been obtained from an institution whose accreditation was in place for the year in which the course of study was completed. The degree is to be verified by submitting a request to mail@caahep.org. The request must include the name of the school, city, state and graduation date of individual. Board Certification. Persons hired or reassigned to CP positions in VHA must be board-certified in the field of clinical perfusion as a Certified Clinical Perfusionist by the ABCP. The board certification must be current, and the applicant must abide by the certifying body's requirements for continuing education. Licensure. None required, but a license or license eligibility or State required credential is strongly preferred. Grandfathering. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Grade Determinations: See additional information section for GS 12: Clinical Perfusionist, GS-7 Experience and Education. None beyond basic requirements. This level is used for CPs who are provisionally certified and/or board-certified CPs who meet the basic requirements listed and have less than one year of experience and possess one of the following for advanced entry level placement below: i. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with an exemplary academic record as demonstrated by at least one of the following: a. Class Standing: Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses. b. Grade-Point Average (GPA): Applicants must have a grade-point average of: (1) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on four years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final two years of the curriculum; or (2) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final two years of the curriculum. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate following KSAs: i. Knowledge of general anatomy, physiology and pathology with a detailed knowledge of cardiovascular anatomy, physiology and pathology. ii. Ability to formulate, modify and execute the perfusion plan as needed throughout the procedure while applying all safety precautions and equipment to minimize and mitigate risks and ensure environmental maintenance using judgement to ensure patient safety. iii. Ability to select proper equipment and circuit after a pre-procedure assessment of the patient's medical history. Clinical Perfusionist, GS-9 Experience, Certification and Education. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must have: i. Graduated from an accredited program and met the clinical requirements; and, ii. Obtained their provisional certification and have at least one year of CP experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level; or iii. Obtained their provisional certification and met one of the options under advance entry level placement in paragraph 4a(2) above with at least one year of CP experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level; or iv. Have obtained ABCP certification as a CCP. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate following KSAs: i. Knowledge of general anatomy, physiology and pathology with a detailed knowledge of cardiovascular anatomy, physiology and pathology. ii. Knowledge of extracorporeal circulation technology including adjunctive techniques. iii. Ability to formulate, modify and execute the perfusion plan as needed throughout the procedure while applying all safety precautions and equipment to minimize and mitigate risks and ensure environmental maintenance using a high degree of discretion and judgement to ensure patient safety. iv. Ability to select proper equipment and circuit after a pre-procedure assessment of the patient's medical history. v. Ability to precisely document pre-bypass checklist(s) and official perfusion record(s). Clinical Perfusionist, GS-11 Experience, Certification, and Education. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must have at least one year of CP experience equivalent to the next lower grade and have obtained ABCP certification as a CCP. License is preferred, but not required. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: i. Ability to independently provide effective care to patients characterized by using sound judgement in assessing, planning, implementing, documenting and evaluating perfusion applications for assigned patients. ii. Ability to apply in-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and specialized clinical procedures consistent with updated standard of care in the profession. iii. Ability to independently practice perfusion utilizing a collaborative team concept of perfusion care, providing clinicians and professional staff with consultation. iv. Ability to perform, under administrative direction, with wide latitude and independent judgment, work of clinical difficulty and responsibility. v. Knowledge of associated specialized procedures to assist in independently developing the perfusion treatment strategies for specialty populations to assist the surgeon. vi. Knowledge of specialized perfusion services. vii. Ability to anticipate and respond appropriately to potentially serious situations involving the patient and/or equipment that may arise with the ability to use a high degree of discretion and judgement. viii. Ability to apply expert in-depth knowledge of the principles and operation of all equipment to provide stat troubleshooting assistance. Clinical Perfusionist, GS-12 (See additional information section for GS 12 qualification standards) Preferred Experience: Must be Board certified in the field of clinical perfusion as a certified clinical perfusionist by the ABCP. Board certification must be current and applicant must abide by the certifying body's requirements for continuing education. Must meet the qualification standards for Clinical Perfusionist. References: VA Handbook 5005/131 Part II Appendix G63 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS 7 to GS 12. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service. ["The clinical perfusionist is independently responsible for the conduct of perfusion and ensuring the same management of cardio-respiratory function of the patient during those procedures so deemed by the Cardiac Surgeon. Based on established protocols in place for specific procedures, the minute-by-minute decision making process is completed by the clinical perfusionist. This involves CO2 regulation, O2 content, blood flow, blood pressure management, anti-coagulation management, patient temperature, and acid-base and fluid management. The Clinical Perfusionist has a comprehensive understanding of anatomy, physiology, physics, mechanics, and pharmacology. When problems occur, it is the split-second analysis and response of the Clinical Perfusionist that is required without consultation of the supervising physician. To maintain optimal safety, there will be two perfusionists per case whenever possible. The Clinical Perfusionist also operates the cell saver for blood conservation in Peripheral Vascular or any other surgical case as needed. Additional devices that are operated under their supervision includes the intra-aortic balloon pump and ventricular assist devices. The perfusionist will also standby and initiate cardiopulmonary bypass and or ECMO when necessary in the Cardiology Hybrid OR for TAVR procedures. Clinical Perfusion practice is dynamic and evolving. Clinical Perfusionists function within a defined scope of practice and work collaboratively with Cardiothoracic surgeons, Vascular surgeons, Anesthesiologists, and Cardiologists. Clinical Perfusionists provide complete autonomous life support to facilitate diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical procedures. They may also participate in collaborative research, adjunctive therapies, and serve as a resource for others as related to the field of Perfusion. The Clinical Perfusionists assesses, plans, and evaluates the clinical perfusion program to ensure proper coordination of care. They review each patient's medical record to identify their current health status, cardiac and respiratory function, and co-morbidities to develop an individualized plan of care to ensure each patient's needs are met and anticipate the possibility of additional resources such as the delivery of blood products or post-operative supportive devices. They also work to ensure that the Cardiothoracic Service is utilizing the most up to date CPD and patient heater-cooler machines while using evidence-based research to practice the safe delivery of care. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday with on call Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 92341-A, 92342-A, 92343-A, 92344-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

Return to Search Results