Summary The clinical perfusionist functions within the Operating Room within the Ann Arbor VA Healthcare System and is directly accountable to the OR Assistant Nurse Manager, or the Associate Chief Nurse, Surgery & Perioperative Service or the OR Nurse Manager, and ultimately to the Associate Director, Patient Care Services. Their main responsibility is to effectively manage the needs of the Cardiac surgical patient while on the cardiopulmonary bypass machine or extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation. Responsibilities General Description of Assigned Duties. 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, Associate Chief Nurse, Surgery & Perioperative Service or the OR Nurse Manager, and ultimately to the Associate Director, Patient Care Services. 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). 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 but may not be limited to, 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. 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. In order to maintain two (2) perfusionists here when possible, the clinical perfusionist also works to obtain staff coverage for times of scheduled leave by using VAAAHS approved contract perfusion staff. Additionally, the clinical perfusionist provides clinical oversight and consultation within their scope of practice to lesser GS grade OR staff (specifically surgical technologists or medical instrument technicians (MITs) GS 7s and 8s) during times of cannulation and IABP and ECHMO device usage. This knowledge, oversight and support/consultation techniques also carry over to areas outside the OR to units such as the intensive care unit (ICU) and Cardiology when the need arises to use the IABP or CPD machines in these areas. Here they support registered nurses and or Cardiology MITs. The Clinical Perfusionist serves as an educational resource for our academic affiliate and community partner, Michigan Medicine's Cardiothoracic Residency Program. Here, the perfusionist works with their Cardiothoracic Residency Program Director to provide individual training sessions with the Cardiac Interns, Residents, and Fellows during their monthly VAAAHS rotation. Topics covered includes but are not limited to CPD, IABP, and ECHMO. Additionally, the Clinical Perfusionist serves as an educational experiences for OR staff to ensure staff are oriented to Cardiac Surgery, its devices, and upcoming unique procedures. They also provide training related to Cardiac Surgery Procedures with the ICU staff to aid in post-operative care for patients who have fluid imbalances and aid in mitigating renal failure. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday with on call Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 92344-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications 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). 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). Grade Determinations: GS-12 (a) 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 level and have obtained their 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 apply the principles of program management and oversight required to develop program goals and objectives, administer and monitor programs, evaluate program outcomes/accomplishments, set and redefine priorities and implement effective solutions as needed to present findings and recommendations to the appropriate management officials. ii. Ability to provide oversight, judgement and management of the application of clinical perfusion to patient care, organization processes and/or systems and long/short range goals, with a focus on delivering patient care and achieving program outcomes. iii. Expert level of knowledge of best practice in the perfusion profession. iv. Ability to validate or identify barriers to safe effective care, and manage all aspects of clinical perfusion, technical, fiscal, and administrative including daily assignments and call schedule preparation. v. Ability to serve as a liaison, interfacing with other departments to incorporate the expertise of all disciplines in a comprehensive, integrated approach to patient care. vi. Ability to develop, coordinate, review organizations and accrediting agencies, and manage a perfusion regulatory program including follow-up actions to ensure departmental compliance with regulatory agencies as required. 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 12. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service. Education Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
