Clinical Perfusionist (Open Continous)

Description:

This Clinical Perfusionist (CP) is under the Surgical/Cardiac Service of Memphis VA Medical Center. The incumbent will be a skilled CP, able to operate extracorporeal circulation equipment during any medical situation where it is necessary to support or replace the patient's cardiopulmonary/circulatory function.

This is an open continuous announcement until August 15, 2024 11:59pm EST. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available.

Requirements:

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.

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).

Clinical Perfusionist, GS-12:

Experience, Certification, & Education: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must have at least one year of CP experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) and have obtained their ABCP certification as a CCP. License is preferred, but not required.

Examples of specialized experience include, but are not limited to: practice independently, seeking guidance when necessary, have the qualifications to exhibit exceptional clinical skills and consistently demonstrate a high-level of expertise in diagnosing and treating seriously ill, multi-symptomatic patients. CPs at this level demonstrate a comprehensive, professional understanding of perfusion clinical practice and the proper application of perfusion techniques, while exhibiting the qualifications to perform more complex procedures requiring skills and competency beyond that expected in the previous grade. CPs at this level have extensive working knowledge of extracorporeal technology. At this level, CPs work collaboratively with physicians in the care of patients by autonomously managing and conducting cardiopulmonary bypass to provide complete life support during any medical situation where it is necessary to support the patient's cardiopulmonary function.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills & Abilities. In addition to the experience above, must demonstrate all the following KSAs: 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. 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. Expert level of knowledge of best practice in the perfusion profession. 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. 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. 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: 2 or more years of CP experience and certified as a Licensed Clinical Perfusionist.

Physical Requirements: Eligible applicants must be physically and mentally able to perform efficiently the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, without hazard to themselves or others. Depending on the essential duties of a specific position, usable vision, color vision, hearing, or speech may be required. However, in most cases, a specific physical condition or impairment will not automatically disqualify an applicant for appointment. The loss or impairment of a specific function may be compensated for by the satisfactory use of a prosthesis or mechanical aid. This position requires some physical exertion such as walking, bending, positioning patients, stretching, reaching, pushing, and lifting moderately heavy objects (15 to 44 pounds).