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USAJOBS · 1 day ago

Clinical Perfusionist

Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$148K/yr - $192K/yr

1+ years exp

USAJOBS is seeking a Clinical Perfusionist to work within the Operating Room at the Ann Arbor VA Healthcare System. The primary responsibility of this role is to manage the needs of cardiac surgical patients during procedures involving cardiopulmonary bypass and ECMO, ensuring optimal patient care and safety.

ConsultingGovernmentHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologyInternetStaffing Agency

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

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

Qualification

Clinical PerfusionBoard CertificationPatient Care ManagementProgram ManagementAnatomy KnowledgePhysiology KnowledgeEnglish ProficiencyCollaboration SkillsCommunication Skills

Required

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

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

English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f)

Must be proficient in written and spoken English

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)

Preferred

Licensure. None required, but a license or license eligibility or State required credential is strongly preferred

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