VENOUS ACCESS RN / RT - VENOUS ACCESS

Status : PRN - As Needed

Shift : Monday - Friday with rotating weekend coverage. Hours vary

Exempt : No

Summary :

Performs Venous Access procedures in accordance with established professional and departmental standards and procedures.

Other information :

A. Experience, Knowledge and Skill

1. Previous Experience Required : 2 years' experience as a Registered Nurse or Radiologic Technologist.

2. Specialized or Technical Education Required :

Must be a graduate of an accredited school of nursing, and be currently licensed by the State Board of Nurse Examiners or be currently licenses by the Louisiana State Board of Radiology Technology as a Radiologic Technologist and current certification by the ARRT. Membership in a professional organization is encouraged. Will demonstrate knowledge of anatomy and physiology of central line placement / peripheral vasculature; aseptic technique, and knowledge of care and maintenance of catheters. Will demonstrate competency by successful placement of PICC three or more times under supervision; within 60 days of hire.

3. Manual or Physical Skill Required :

4. Physical Effort Required :

Must possess good physical health. Required to stand for long periods of time. Lifting and transporting of patients is required. Motor coordination and manual dexterity are necessary.

Strength : Medium Push : Occasionally Pull : Occasionally

Carry : Occasionally Lift : Occasionally Sit : Occasionally

Stand : Frequently Walk : Frequently

Responsibilities :

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

The Vascular Access Registered Nurse / Radiologic Technologist inserts and monitors peripherally place central venous, mid-line, and peripheral IV catheters. Acts as a resource and consultant for staff with regard to IV therapy assessment, products and procedures.

This position has the authority to provide IV therapy instruction and information; plan, evaluate and implement interventions for solving IV related patient care problems; and participate in research and quality improvement studies.

1. Inserts PICC line and mid-line IV catheters.

2. Assist staff by monitoring PICC and mid-lines, declotting, performing dressing changes and discontinuing catheters with or without catheter tip cultures.

3. Assist with difficult peripheral IV insertions.

4. Plans, evaluates and implements interventions for solving IV related patient care problems.

5. Provides IV therapy instruction and / or information to nursing staff, students, physicians, patients and their families.

6. Participates in research and quality improvement studies related to IV therapy.

7. Keeps current on advances in IV therapy.

8. Meets with sales representatives to evaluate new products or discuss product capabilities or deficiencies.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES :

1. Insure the maintenance of quality patient care.

A. Utilize nursing process (assess, plan, implement and evaluate) for each patient on an individual basis.

B. Assist with QA audits.

C. Perform proactive venous assessments.

D. Contact attending physician of those patients who meet criteria of diagnosis, medication or condition for insertion of appropriate vascular access device per physician's order.

E. The Venous Access RN / RT will also monitor existing patients for changes in medications that would warrant a PICC line.

F. The Venous Access RN / RT will also be added to the IV Starts Algorithm to help identify patients that could benefit from a PICC line.

2. Adhere to policies and procedures.

A. Responsible for adherence to hospital policies and procedures for self and personnel under his / her supervision.

B. Adhere to acceptable dress code.

C. Report incidents and injuries.

D. Demonstrate professional manner.

D. Comply with attendance policy.

F. Knowledgeable of all hospital safety codes, and perform duties during drills and actual emergencies.

G. Report unsafe conditions and incidents.

H. Provide clean environment.

I. Account for narcotics.

4. Assist in operational functions.

A. Assist department manager in maintenance of policies and procedures.

B. Assist department manager in data collection.

D. Monitors equipment function.

5. Maintain satisfactory communication.

A. Promote satisfactory relationships.

B. Share knowledge with others.

C. Will demonstrate human relations and effective communication skills.

6. Participate in professional development activities.

A. Attend committee meetings as designated.

B. Attend inservice programs.

C. Maintain certification in Basic Life Support and / or Advanced Cardiac Life Support as required.

D. Maintains knowledge of computerized systems within the healthcare system as needed for job performance.

7. Perform other duties as requested.

8. Follows North Oaks Health System's Compliance Program and Federal and State Regulatory guidelines.