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Description

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines.

Today at Penn Medicine, someone will make a breakthrough. Someone will heal a heart, deliver hopeful news, and give comfort and reassurance. Our employees shape our future each day. Are you living your life's work?

Description

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines.

Summary

Vascular Access Nurse is a specialized nurse who focuses on the insertion of PICC/Midlines per physician order at the patient's bedside or designated area. They are experts in assessing a patient’s vein structure to determine the most appropriate type of access device for IV therapy, which may include peripheral IVs, central lines, or implanted ports. They troubleshoot/declot obstructed central line catheters. They monitor PICC/Midline and educate staff on the prevention of line infection and routine care.

Responsibilities

Clinical Practice

Follows the National Standards of Practice set by the Infusion Nurses Society.

Ensures the sterility and functionality of the access site, monitor for complications, educate patients and healthcare staff on proper care and maintenance, and troubleshoot any issues related to vascular access devices.

Assesses patients for the need of a mid to long-term vascular access device (VAD) to provide a reliable device for therapy utilizing evidence-based guidelines for VAD placement and care.

Assesses patients with difficult intravenous access (DIVA) for appropriate VAD needs. Assesses patient information via electronic chart reviews for indications, pertinent history, and lab values and medication administration record.

Verifies indications for VAD placement, coordinates with physicians and provides recommendations for selection of appropriate vascular access device.

Obtains informed patient consent for PICC placement.

Performs ultrasound-guided placement of vascular access devices under sterile or surgical aseptic technique as appropriate.

Follows up on Chest X-Ray to confirm PICC placement.

Documents placement of vascular access devices in the electronic medical record. Addresses and assists medical and nursing colleagues in troubleshooting complications of vascular access devices.

Follows up on complications encountered during PICC placement and provides recommendations for unsuccessful PICC placement.

Declots VADs or assists staff as a resource in declotting.

Provides patient teaching on vascular access device care and maintenance.

Provides resource education to staff on vascular access devices.

Assists in writing policies and procedures related to VAD insertion, care and maintenance.

Provides staff education on VAD care and management and complication management. Provides physician education and serves as an expert consultant to physicians on VADs.

Provides education and training on ultrasound-guided placement of vascular access devices to nursing and medical colleagues.

Collects VAD data and reports on the number of procedures performed independently and number of complications.

Participates in the development of internal quality improvement processes.

Maintains knowledge and competency level related to infusion therapy.

Evaluates new VAD products introduced to the hospital and assists in training staff.

Provides age-appropriate care for the population served. Gives consideration to growth & developmental phase of life, to age related factors such as thermal regulation, nutrition, medication administration, nutrition, safety and functional needs of the patient.

Uses appropriate resources for patients with special needs such as language barriers, sensory problems, altered cognition, cultural and religious needs.

Ensures attention to patient’s physical, spiritual and emotional wellbeing.

Identifies situations that warrant patient rescue and takes appropriate action, e.g. Rapid Response or Code Blue/Pink.

Adheres to the 5 rights of medication administration and uses the Medication Administration Check (MAK) system per policy and procedure.

Uses resources and references for reviewing policies and procedures, medications, and clinical information.

Adheres to CCH Joint Commission Disease specific guidelines and core measures for the care of the patients

Implements nursing process for the patient who presents with complex medical needs.

Communication

Uses effective communication

Organizes information into a meaningful format, such as SBAR.

Delegates appropriately to unlicensed personnel and team members.

Communicates patient care information to the interdisciplinary care team.

Provides patient and family education in a manner that is understood

Utilizes principles of Team Effectiveness and Commitment to my Co-Workers

Documentation

Documents patient care in an accurate, professional and timely manner using EPIC PennChart, according to policy and procedure.

Professional Role Development

Develops own nursing knowledge via practice, observation, professional literature, networking and attending continuing education programs.

Promotes best practice by demonstrating a commitment to quality patient care and the profession of nursing.

Promotes innovation and creativity in the practice environment.

Serves as a preceptor and mentor for new employees.

Mentors student nurses.

Accepts constructive feedback about performance or behaviors and shows evidence of change.

Demonstrates verbal and writing skills that are appropriate for healthcare communication.

Adheres to the Department of Nursing Dress Code.

Department of Nursing and Organization Support

Attends assigned committee meetings and contributes to the committees.

Communicates support of organizational values and strategies.

Supports the following organizational programs: Magnet®, Hospital of Distinction, Joint Commission Disease Specific Certification, Nursing Councils, and integrates their standards into clinical practice.

Reviews nursing quality data, e.g. NDNQI and identifies how to apply best practice into own practice and mentor others towards meeting quality target goals.

Maintains attendance/lateness standards in accordance with Hospital policy.

Departmental Support

Maintains equipment in working order. Uses equipment appropriately, follows department policies for equipment and supply use and maintenance.

Performs assigned duties to maintain unit in a state of survey readiness and maintain quality initiatives.

Adheres to unit programs to support patient care such as maintaining a quiet environment and customer service, etc.

Attends staff meetings on a regular basis.

Keeps patient care area and work environment neat and organized.

Credentials:

Registered Nurse - PA (Required)

Current Pennsylvania RN License

Basic Cardiac Life Support (Required)

44504

Education or Equivalent Experience:

Bachelor of Science Nursing (Required)

Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN). Graduate of an accredited Nursing Program. Certification in clinical specialty preferred.

Experience with ultrasound-guided peripheral IV, midline catheter and PICC placement preferred

We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.

Live Your Life's Work

We are an Equal Opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.

REQNUMBER: 273951