Summary
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, or 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).
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
This is an internal job announcement. Current, permanent LTC Charles S Kettles VA Medical Center and CBOC employees, current permanent VA employees from another facility, and current permanent employees from another Federal Agency MUST apply under this announcement. An external announcement will open with the announcement number CBSR-12447790-24-NL
Duties
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
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.
- You may be required to serve a probationary period.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
- 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).
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
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).
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.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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/.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- OF-306
- Other (1)
- Other (2)
- Other (3)
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 07/01/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12447793.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
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