VAS - Vascular Access RN

Children's Health•Dallas, TX

31d•Onsite

About The Position

The Vascular Access Nurse functions within the scope of RN licensure to provide direct patient care as the expert in establishing and maintaining optimum venous access. The Vascular Access Nurse evaluates patients for, and places peripheral intravenous catheters, (PIV) ultrasound-guided PIVs, midlines, and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in our pediatric populations. In addition, the Vascular Access Nurse provides education to staff and families on vessel health and catheter care/ maintenance.

Requirements

Registered Nurse
At least 3 years Job-related experience Req
Four-year Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience BSN required Req
Current license to practice professional nursing in the State of Texas Upon Hire Req
Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers as required by CP 1.20 Life Support Course Requirements Upon Hire Req
Venous Access - Board Certified (VA-BC) - within 2 years Req
PALS certification (within 6 months of hire) 180 Days Req

Nice To Haves

At least 5 years Pediatric acute care experience Pref
At least 1 year Vascular access experience Pref

Responsibilities

Assess patients with difficult access or need for long term IV therapy for appropriate vascular access device (VAD)
Work with staff nurses, physicians, case managers and other team members to insure early assessment for vascular access selection and implementation
Participate in Vascular Access education with patient, family members and staff
Review physician's order
Obtain consent as needed
Review medical records for any contraindications of peripheral vascular access
Determine the best vascular access device for the patient base on medications, current access status, diagnoses, length of IV therapy, etc.
Place said VAD (PICC, Midline, Peripheral) or recommend alternate means of access
Report directly to patient's primary nurse and charge nurse or physician, if necessary
Troubleshoot complications of VADs or assist staff in troubleshooting
Assist with or help direct occlusion management of IVADs
Place difficult peripheral IV's with or without ultrasound as needed
Provide staff education on care and management, complication management, and infection prevention
Document completely and accurately in the patient's permanent medical record
Request further clarification of unclear orders. Seek assistance from supervisors when needed
Perform routine daily tasks such as cleaning equipment per hospital guidelines and maintaining tidy environment
Remove access devices when they are no longer needed
Maintain inventory of supplies, equipment, and medications required for treatments or procedures
Provide emotional support to patients and their families during treatments or procedures