Clinical Perfusionist

<p>This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>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</p><h3>Requirements</h3>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.<h3>Education</h3>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/.