Vascular Access Clinical Lead (RN) at Froedtert South, Inc. – Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

Position Purpose and Responsibilities

•While functioning within the standards of the Wisconsin Nurse Practice Act, serves as a primary clinical nursing resource to nursing staff on the inpatient and outpatient units for all vascular access needs. Participates in the identification of vascular access best practices and serves as a hospital-wide spokesperson for the vascular access program. Shares best practice vascular access knowledge and expertise through teaching and coaching. Serves as a clinical champion in promoting best practice vascular access initiatives of nursing and outpatient services. Maintains competency in nursing practice by coordinating and administrating vascular access related nursing care to patients utilizing the nursing process. Provides clinical support to various departments as needed to maintain competencies. Supports and promotes the achievement of identified goals for nursing practice and quality metrics. Remains involved to the degree necessary in patient care to assure patient needs are met. Reflects a positive presence to both patients and co-workers to impart a lasting impression of exceptional and compassionate care.

Principal Accountabilities and Essential Duties

•Assess patients identified to have difficult access for the need of a mid- to long-term vascular access device (“VAD”)

•Recognize patients who need a mid-to long-term VAD at the onset of therapy and provide a reliable access device consistent with provider orders

•Work with Medical Providers, nursing staff and Case Management to identify patients who may need mid- to long-term VAD’s

•Provide resource education to staff on VADs:

â–ªprovide staff education on VAD care and management

â–ªprovide staff education on VAD complication management

â–ªbe available for consultation services to enhance the IV skills of nursing staff through bedside teaching

•Place and assist in maintaining the appropriate VAD for patients in accordance with provider orders

â–ªinsert PICCs, midlines and other IV lines at the bedside on selected inpatients and scheduled outpatients

â–ªtroubleshoot complications of VADs or assist staff in troubleshooting

â–ªobtain patient consent for PICC line placement

â–ªaccess ports, central lines, PICCs, or other devices as needed for inpatient, ambulatory or other outpatient services

â–ªprovide surveillance on all hospital central access lines or those inserted with ultrasound guidance

â–ªperform dressing changes or oversees the performance of this activity on central lines on bedded patients

•Provide education to patients and families about VAD line care and maintenance

â–ªassesse learning needs of patient and family and provides education based on age, culture, and willingness to learn

• identifie patients who may not be appropriate for VADs based upon the assessed capabilities of the patient and/or family

•Perform administrative duties related to VADs

â–ªcollaborate on data collection for vascular access device outcomes and present to leadership quarterly

â–ªwork with leadership in the ongoing performance improvement and quality metrics projects as assigned

â–ªmaintain knowledge and competency level with continuing education

Minimum Education Required

•Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

Minimum Experience Required

•proficiency and demonstrated and documented competency in using ultrasound technology at bedside to place vascular access devices

â–ªcompletion of a training program in placing PICCs and Midlines

•proficiency as evidenced by demonstrated success in teaching fellow staff members how to use ultrasound technology at bedside to place vascular access devices

â–ª “Super user” status within Ultrasound Guided Peripheral IV Program preferred

Licenses/Certifications Required

•Current BLS/ACLS/PALS certification from the American Heart Association

•Licensure to be eligible to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Wisconsin

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• The ability to read, write, speak, hear, and comprehend the English language, and interact with those who cannot.

•The physical, technical, and cognitive ability as well as the manual dexterity to use patient equipment

•The ability to provide positive support to inexperienced or new staff, staff in need of additional training or demonstration of competence, and staff to whom new processes or procedures are being taught

•The ability to adapt to changing circumstances in a positive manner to assure the needs of patients and/or staff are met.
•analytical skills for review and interpretation of data with the ability to identify barriers to improvements and develop a plan to address those barriers

•effective interpersonal skills