Vascular Access Specialist WIP Night

UT Southwestern Medical Center • Dallas, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This position works under the general supervision of a physician, advanced practice provider, and/or nursing leadership to provide vascular access services in the care and treatment of patients. The role involves performing and documenting assessments, anticipating patient needs, responding to vascular access consults, and serving as a resource to staff and providers. The specialist will determine placement of PICCs using ECG technology and x-ray, complete accurate documentation, and adhere to hospital policies and national standards. They will also provide education to patients and families regarding vascular access devices and prevention measures, maintain current knowledge of core measures, and participate in quality improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• Excellent IV skills required.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• (RN) REGISTERED NURSE Upon Hire or (RRT) REG RESPIRATORY THER Upon Hire
• (BLS) BASIC LIFE SUPPORT Upon Hire
• (ACLS) ADV CARDIAC LIFE SUPPORT Upon Hire

Nice To Haves

• BSN or BSA preferred.
• One (1) year experience in an acute care setting is preferred.
• Professional certification in a vascular access affiliated organization is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs and accurately documents physical, psychosocial, and emotional assessments, considering age-specific criteria.
• Anticipates patient and/or patient's family needs and expectations to develop an appropriate plan of care, utilizing critical thinking skills.
• Responds to vascular access consults by placing and monitoring Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) lines, Midlines, performing dressing changes, ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous (PIV) placements, and troubleshooting lines for patients with challenging vasculature.
• Serves as a resource to staff and collaborates with providers regarding appropriate venous access device and recommendations.
• Plans, evaluates, and carries out appropriate Infusion Nurses Society (INS), Association of Vascular Access (AVA) interventions based on the completed assessment for solving PIV related patient care issues.
• Determines placement of PICCs using electrocardiogram (ECG) technology and x-ray and follow-up with the radiologist on x-rays to confirm catheter tip location.
• Completes accurate and timely documentation of all interventions and acts as an active coordinator of the interdisciplinary plan of care.
• Confers with all members of the health care team in a collaborative fashion.
• Participates in quality audits, shares information and observations of the patient and/or patient’s family in a manner that advocates for optimal patient care.
• Appropriately prioritizes INS, AVA interventions based upon completed assessment and promptly identifies changes in condition.
• Reports changes, takes follow-up action as appropriate, and actively involves patient in plan of care, keeping patient, family and/or care-giver informed.
• Evaluates implemented interventions and modifies care according to the evaluation, documenting interventions and modifications in an accurate and timely manner.
• Adheres to appropriate hospital and/or Department of Nursing policies, procedures, clinical pathways and nationally accepted standards of nursing practice.
• Incorporates INS, AVA standards into the provision of safe, quality patient care, utilizing current literature, and research.
• Practices in accordance with the Professional Practice Model “Relationship Based Care” and delivers care using the Care Delivery System “PACE” - Patient Focused, Accountable, Coordinated and Continuous and Evidence Based.
• Provides appropriate and timely answers and/or education to patients, patient’s families, significant others and/or caregivers, Providers and staff about PICCs, Midlines, sono-guided PIVs, central line dressings and central line acquired blood stream infection prevention measures.
• Completes accurate and timely documentation of all education provided including discharge plan of care.
• Assesses competence, obtains feedback/evaluation of understanding from patient, family, significant others and/or caregivers.
• Demonstrates effective communication based on individual patient needs and learning preferences.
• Maintains current knowledge of core measures related to venous access and stays updated on current policies, guidelines and standards, and assists with new product evaluation.
• Welcomes and orients patient, family, significant other and/or caregiver to the unit and encourages patient/family participation in care.
• Reviews personalized patient plan of care with patient/family every shift and updates white boards accordingly, setting daily goals with patient input.
• Explains special diets, tests, procedures and medications in easily understood and appropriate language.
• Makes hourly rounds on patients and communicates when they will return.
• Advocates for resources and support that enhance patient safety and unit/hospital based initiatives.
• Participates in evaluating data to guide decisions regarding unit / department budget formulation and implementation.
• Performs Peer Evaluation to provide constructive feedback to peers regarding performance.
• Holds co-workers accountable for their behavior and compliance with policies and standards.
• Actively intervenes when patient safety is at risk.
• Accountable for patient care and quality/safety initiatives (EX: patient safety, patient satisfaction, core measures, infection control).
• Participates in multidisciplinary quality and practice improvement teams.
• Shares professional and technical information with colleagues and students.
• Offers self as a resource as needed to others (Ex: preceptor, charge, mentor, unit expert, lends a hand when needed).
• Participates in meetings and on committees and represents the department and hospital in community outreach.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
• 100%25 coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
• Paid Time Off, available day one
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Paid Parental Leave Benefit
• Wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer

What This Job Offers

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