Job Description
Description
Summary:
The Vascular Access Nurse Specialist provides direct patient care as the expert resource for establishing and maintaining optimum venous access. The Vascular Access Nurse Specialist evaluates patients for, and places peripheral intravenous catheters, ultrasound-guided PIVs, midlines, and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC lines) in current patient populations. Provides coaching to all RNs in developing their venipuncture skill. This position serves as an expert resource for insertion, care and maintenance of all central venous access devices. This position functions within the scope of RN licensure to assess patient IV access needs, plan, implement, evaluate effectiveness, make recommendations to nursing staff and physicians and document. Patient & family education is provided appropriate to the type of therapy the patient is receiving. Provides care related to vascular access based on the age-related needs of the adolescent, adult, and geriatric patient with consideration of their development/psychosocial needs, environmental safety, education needs, communication style, and level of understanding.
Responsibilities:
Conduct early vascular assessment on all patient populations to determine optimum vascular access.
Assess patients for at-risk and difficult access or need for long term IV therapy for appropriate vascular access device
Works with staff nurses, physicians, case managers and other team members to insure early assessment for VAD selection and implementation
Provides participates in education with Vascular Access education with patient, family members and staff
Reviews physicians order and assists with appropriate level of consent per hospital policy.
Seeks further clarification of physician orders as needed. Seeks assistance from supervisors when needed.
Complete and accurate documentation in the patient’s permanent medical record.
Reviews medical records for any contraindications of peripheral vascular access.
Determines the best vascular access device for the patient base on medications, current access status, diagnoses, length of IV therapy and etc.
Places appropriate vascular access device, (PICC, Midline, Peripheral) or recommends alternate means of access.
Reports directly to patient’s Primary Nurse and Charge Nurse or Physician/Provider, if necessary.
Appropriate assessment and troubleshooting for complications of current VAD device and assists staff as needed in troubleshooting.
Assist in occlusion complications associated with VAD devices as needed and assists staff as a resource in clot removal.
Assists and places difficult peripheral IVs with or without ultrasound as needed.
Routinely provides staff and patient education on:
Care and management
Complication/troubleshooting management
General venous access education as needed by clinical teams
Serve as an expert resource to all nursing units for care and maintenance of all vascular access devices.
Responsible for Vascular Access Education for staff through in-services, skills classes, and mentoring.
Other duties as assigned and a willing member of the team to assist with needed patient care to expedite treatment and throughput.
Requirements:
Education/Skills
Bachelors of Nursing required
Experience
Experience in a specialty is preferred.
3 years of acute care experience.
Competency in the placement of Midlines and PICC lines.
Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications
Valid State RN license.
Valid CPR/ACLS.
Certification: Venous Access -Board Certified (or VA-BC) within one year.
Work Schedule:
3 Days - 12 Hours
Work Type:
Full Time
Job Tags
Permanent employment, Full time,