Registered Nurse - PICC Vascular Access in Lake Charles, LA

Summary:

The Vascular Access Nurse Specialist provides direct patient care as the expert resource for establishing and maintaining optimum venous access. The Vascular Access Nurse Specialist evaluates patients for, and places peripheral intravenous catheters, ultrasound-guided PIVs, midlines, and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC lines) in current patient populations. Provides coaching to all RNs in developing their venipuncture skill. This position serves as an expert resource for insertion, care, and maintenance of all central venous access devices. This position functions within the scope of RN licensure to assess patient IV access needs, plan, implement, evaluate effectiveness, make recommendations to nursing staff and physicians, and document. Patient & family education is provided appropriately to the type of therapy the patient is receiving. Provides care related to vascular access based on the age-related needs of the adolescent, adult, and geriatric patient, with consideration of their development/psychosocial needs, environmental safety, education needs, communication style, and level of understanding.

Responsibilities:

• Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
• Conduct early vascular assessment on all patient populations to determine optimum vascular access.
• Assess patients for at-risk and difficult access or need for long-term IV therapy for an appropriate vascular access device
• Works with staff nurses, physicians, case managers, and other team members to ensure early assessment for VAD selection and implementation.
• Provides and participates in education with Vascular Access education with patients, family members, and staff.
• Reviews physicians' orders and assists with the appropriate level of consent per hospital policy.
• Seeks further clarification of physician orders as needed. Seeks assistance from supervisors when needed.
• Complete and accurate documentation in the patient’s permanent medical record.
• Reviews medical records for any contraindications of peripheral vascular access.
• Determines the best vascular access device for the patient based on medications, current access status, diagnoses, length of IV therapy, etc.
• Places an appropriate vascular access device (PICC, Midline, Peripheral) or recommends alternate means of access.
• Reports directly to the patient’s Primary Nurse and Charge Nurse or Physician/Provider, if necessary.
• Appropriate assessment and troubleshooting for complications of the current VAD device, and assists staff as needed in troubleshooting.
• Assist in occlusion complications associated with VAD devices as needed and assist staff as a resource in clot removal.
• Assists and places difficult peripheral IVs with or without ultrasound as needed.
• Routinely provides staff and patient education on:
  • Care and management
  • Complication/troubleshooting management
  • General venous access education as needed by clinical teams
• Serve as an expert resource to all nursing units for care and maintenance of all vascular access devices.
• Responsible for Vascular Access Education for staff through in-services, skills classes, and mentoring.
• Other duties as assigned, and a willing member of the team to assist with needed patient care to expedite treatment and throughout.

Requirements:

Education/Skills

Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications

• Valid State RN license
• Valid CPR/ACLS
• BLS
• Certification: Venous Access -Board Certified (or VA-BC) within one year
• Competency in the placement of Midlines and PICC lines

Work Schedule:

MULTIPLE SHIFTS AVAILABLE

Work Type:

Full Time