Vascular Access Specialist - Full-Time Nights

Mayo Clinic • Phoenix, AZ

14d • $33 - $50

About The Position

The Vascular Access Specialist (VAS) is a specialized Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) who assesses, treats, and monitors patients with acute illness or cardiopulmonary compromise. The specialist supports the equipment needed to care for these patients and assists physicians and other medical and surgical staff with interventions, physiological monitoring, and direct patient care.

The VAS performs invasive, therapeutic, and critical-monitoring procedures, primarily in critical care. These include sterile technique; ultrasound-guided IV, arterial line, and central venous catheter (CVC) procedures and transesophageal echocardiography; Seldinger and modified Seldinger line insertion; PICC insertion; arterial pressure monitoring; and setup, monitoring, and troubleshooting of pressure-transducing lines. The specialist also inserts, monitors, and transports intra-aortic balloon pumps; removes femoral CVCs and sheaths and manages groin sites; serves as a primary resource for pulmonary artery catheter insertion and monitoring; assists with intracranial and lumbar catheter insertion and monitoring; instructs and monitors residents in central line insertion and sterile technique; and safely removes invasive lines and catheters.

The VAS provides technical and educational support to patients, family members, and the patient-care team. The role assesses and interprets patient-status information in relation to age-specific needs and requires knowledge of growth and development across the lifespan. The specialist works with patients in the Emergency Department, PACU, and Critical Care, and may also serve as shift Charge Therapist.

Requirements

• Graduate of an AMA-approved school of Respiratory Therapy; AAS required.
• At least three years of experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist.
• At least three years of recent hospital critical care experience.
• Advanced critical care skills and in-depth knowledge of hemodynamic monitoring.
• Successful completion of extensive in-house vascular access training.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to adapt calmly to unpredictable situations in patient-care settings.
• Effective interpersonal skills, patient assessment skills, and basic computer skills.
• NBRC credentialing as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
• Current Arizona RCP license.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification upon hire, valid for at least 90 days from the start date, and maintenance of BLS competency.
• VA-BC certification required two years after completion of in-house training.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in a clinical or business area preferred.
• ACLS preferred upon hire; required within six months and maintained thereafter.
• PALS preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assess, treat, and monitor patients with acute illness or cardiopulmonary compromise.
• Support equipment used in patient care and assist physicians and other medical and surgical staff with interventions, physiological monitoring, and direct patient care.
• Perform invasive, therapeutic, and critical-monitoring procedures, primarily in critical care, including vascular access and line procedures.
• Use ultrasound for IV, arterial line, and CVC procedures and transesophageal echocardiography.
• Insert PICCs and lines using Seldinger and modified Seldinger techniques.
• Insert, monitor, and troubleshoot arterial pressure monitoring lines and pressure-transducing lines.
• Insert, monitor, and transport intra-aortic balloon pumps.
• Remove femoral CVCs and femoral sheaths and manage groin sites.
• Serve as a primary resource for pulmonary artery catheter insertion and monitoring.
• Assist with insertion and monitoring of intracranial and lumbar catheters.
• Instruct and monitor residents’ training in central line insertion and sterile technique.
• Safely remove invasive lines and catheters.
• Provide technical and educational support to patients, family members, and other members of the patient-care team.
• Assess patient-status data and interpret it in relation to age-specific needs.
• Work with patients in the Emergency Department, PACU, and Critical Care; may also function as shift Charge Therapist.

Benefits

• Medical coverage with multiple plan options.
• Dental coverage through Delta Dental or a reimbursement account for flexible coverage.
• Vision plan with a national network.
• HSA and FSAs for eligible expenses.
• Competitive retirement package.
• Continuing education and advancement opportunities.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit plans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree