Vascular Access Nurse

Griffin Health Services•Derby, CT

About The Position

At Griffin Hospital, the Vascular Access Nurse provides access to patients’ circulatory systems through insertion of vascular access devices (VADs), including IVs, peripheral IVs (PIVs), Midlines, central venous catheters (CVCs), and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs). The nurse provides consultations on VAD appropriateness, performs ordered access procedures within their skills and credentials, and supports safe, effective infusion therapy and line care. The role also includes staff and patient education, troubleshooting, documentation, infection prevention, and quality surveillance.

Requirements

Five years of nursing experience.
Two years of experience with PICC/Midline insertions.
Understand the Nurse Practice Act in the state of practice.
Ability to work independently and provide comprehensive reporting within a group.
Ability to adapt to new environments and techniques.
Strong communication and teaching abilities.
Willingness to maintain and improve vascular-access knowledge through seminars, magazines, books, and other resources.
Maintain awareness of situations with a focus on patient and client experience.
Maintain a positive professional demeanor and strong self-evaluation skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with vascular line placement, care, and maintenance is described as ideal.
Certified Registered Nurse Infusion (CRNI) certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Consult on the appropriateness of vascular access devices based on diagnosis, intravenous therapy plan, prognosis, and medical/surgical history.
Follow the national Standards of Practice set by the Infusion Nurses Society.
Set up and perform ordered vascular access procedures in accordance with skill set; appropriately trained and credentialed clinicians may perform PICC, Midline, and peripheral IV insertions.
Use required infection-prevention measures, including hand washing, PPE, and a maximal sterile field.
Use ultrasound guidance for VAD access when appropriate.
Complete documentation and provide a full report to the licensed personnel caring for the patient after insertion.
Ensure compliance with facility policies and procedures for clinical practice and infection control.
Troubleshoot and declot obstructed central line catheters.
Monitor PICCs and Midlines and educate staff on line-infection prevention and routine care.
Submit surveillance data for Quality and Infection Control.
Provide infusion consultation services to enhance nursing staff intravenous skills through bedside teaching, central-line troubleshooting, and consultation on infusion therapy questions.
Teach patients and staff how to care for vascular access lines.