The vascular access nurse serves as the subject matter expert in appropriate peripheral access and peripherally inserted central line access.  The vascular access nurse assists in developing IV therapy policies and protocols based on current national standards of practice. This position is responsible for the insertion of peripherally inserted central and peripheral access using ultrasound technology while maintaining current infection prevention practices related to vascular access. The vascular access nurse is responsible for evaluating line appropriateness, monitoring infusion related outcomes and line necessity.  The vascular access nurse is responsible for educating clinical nurses, members of the healthcare team, patients and families as needed and serves as a resource both in-house and in the community.  The team member will also serve as educator and mentor/preceptor for various students and nurse residents.

1. Conducts systematic and comprehensive assessments of patient’s vascular needs from admission or encounter to discharge across the care continuum to ensure patient safety, collaborating with the healthcare team, patient and family. Care addresses all aspects of the individual and family, including age, gender, spiritual, cultural, physical, psychosocial and patient preferences. Proactively uses safety surveillance to prevent adverse outcomes.
2. Independently administers vascular access procedures per licensure authority, assesses and reassesses the patient and documents interventions in a timely manner per policies, procedures and regulatory requirements. Consistently adheres to patient safety guidelines regarding all aspects of vascular access administration. 
3. In collaboration with patient and family, plans care using current scientific knowledge, theory, and care standards within the nursing interventions and outcomes framework and national patient safety goals. Constructs individualized, age specific vascular access care for optimal patient and family outcomes, as appropriate to the practice setting. Incorporates data from the interdisciplinary care team into the plan of care to assure continuity and appropriate patient teaching.
4. In collaboration with patient and family, identifies and prioritizes patient problems based on subjective and objective assessment data, patient safety considerations, patient and family goals and preferences, and nursing interventions and the plan of care.
5. Implements nursing care interventions to meet patient and family center health care needs. Demonstrates competent skills, appropriate clinical judgments and chain of command to promote patient safety and reach planned care goals and outcomes.
6. Competently and consistently assesses, conducts and evaluates the outcomes of patient and family teaching, from admission, or episode of care, to discharge. Teaching reflects sensitivity to age, learning needs and cultural background.
7. Evaluates care by performing regular and systematic reviews of patient /family responses to interventions; revises the interdisciplinary plan of care in collaboration with other care team members to promote desired outcomes. Recognizes care variances and takes steps to prevent or intervene with potential or real adverse events to promote safe care.
8. Serves as an advocate for the patient and family, demonstrates respect for their rights, responsibilities, and sensitivity to their preferences. Prepares the patient and family for discharge; obtains feedback to promote positive patient satisfaction outcomes.

Education / Accreditation / Licensure (required & preferred): Asoociates in Nursing required.

Experience 3-5 years as a Registered Nurse in acute care facility with demonstrated knowledge and experience of concepts of intravenous therapy including optimal vein use, vein preservation and difficult access placement required. Use of ultrasound technology for vein identification and line placement preferred.  Experience with assessment for and placement of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) preferred.

Current RN license in Kentucky.  Current AHA certification in Basic Life Support (BLS). Current certification or eligibility to obtain Certified Registered Nurse Infusionist (CRNI) or Vascular Access Board Certified (VA-BC) designation preferred.