Vascular Access Nurse

Overview

Provides vascular access, care, maintenance and evaluation of vascular access sites and vascular access devices for specific patients.

• Assess patients with regard to vascular access need based on diagnosis, medication regime, medical history and length of stay.
• Recognize abnormal conditions or potential problems and take appropriate action and notify appropriate personnel.
• Implement provider’s orders according to needs and established nursing policies and procedures. Contact physicians for medical orders to discuss placement of a mid- to long-term VAD.
• Perform IV starts, phlebotomy associated with IV starts and placements of extended dwell catheters proficiently.
• Place peripherally inserted central lines.
• Troubleshoot difficult complications of VADs or assist staff in troubleshooting.
• Declot VADs or assist staff as a resource in declotting.
• Place difficult peripheral catheters.
• Provide patient teaching regarding PICC line care and maintenance.
• Available as a resource for accessing and/or de-accessing implanted ports.
• Maintain detailed medical records pertaining to the patient care rendered. Document procedures, outcomes and complications appropriately.
• Evaluate patient response to care provided and inform health care team of changes in condition.
• As needed, provide 1:1 education of staff with regard to all aspects of vascular access assessment, insertion, care and maintenance. Follow up with unit manager if there is repeated lack of response from specific staff.
• Participate in quality assurance programs/audits to promote efficient and quality patient care.

Education: Associate Degree from an accredited School of Nursing required

Experience: Three years experience as a Registered Nurse with demonstrated competence in placement of peripheral IV catheters.

Skills:

• High level skills in critical thinking and assessment related to vascular access device selection
• Analytical skills appropriate to resolve complex patient care problems and prepare comprehensive plans of care
• Ability to work independently
• Willingness to learn new techniques including the usage of Modified Seldinger Technique with a wire and scalpel and portable ultrasound
• Excellent communication and teaching skills
• High level clinical communication skills with physicians and other clinical staff
• Willingness to maintain and improve knowledge level related to vascular access with seminars, magazines, books

Licensures, Certifications:

• PICC insertion, care and maintenance competency initially and annually thereafter
• Current Maryland Registered Nurse license
• Current Healthcare Provider BLS certification from an affiliated American Heart Association training site
• Additional Certifications (i.e. ALS, PALS, NRP) are required upon hire for specialty areas

• Physical:
  Ability to walk and stand for extended periods of time; ability to utilize the equipment necessary to perform IV access successfully
• Working Conditions:
  
  Normal patient care environment with possible exposure to excessive noise, dust, temperature; exposure to adverse working conditions due to performance of patient care activities

Maintain current and valid licensure and certification

GBMC values and related behaviors are expected of all roles.

Pay Range: $32.18 - $49.46. Final salary offer will be based on the candidate's qualifications, education, experience and alignment with our organizational needs.

GBMC Health Care and its affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.