Pediatric Vascular Access Nurse: PICC & IV Specialist

Job Summary

Provides evidence-based vascular access care for pediatric patients that include Intravenous (IV) Access, Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) line placement & insertion, and dressing changes. Supports nursing units, collaborates with RNs and medical staff, and educates patients and families on the procedure in a compassionate patient and family centered care environment. Supports and upholds quality standards of a Magnet designated hospital and Patient Bill of Rights. Practices under the supervision of the Nursing Manager/Director.

Job Specific Duties

• Provides Vascular Access nursing care including Peripheral Intravenous (IV), Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) line insertion, placement, monitoring and dressing changes.
• Communicates with the physician or disciplines involved regarding patient's progress, critical findings, changes in the patients' condition, and IV therapy complications and procedure.
• Educates patients and families on Vascular Access procedure, documents the teaching in the Electronic Health Record, and notifies RN and/or physician of any patient/family concerns.
• Assesses all body systems, absence of blood borne infections, surgical site infections, and observes skin integrity for prevention of skin breakdown.
• Follows physician’s orders and administers medications. Adheres to the six rights of Medication Administration.
• Plans, implements and documents the plan of care in collaboration with other disciplines and services to assure safe and efficient care.
• Delegates nursing care based on knowledge of staff qualifications and competency.
• Performs reassessments as per policy, when there is a change in the plan of care or an intervention is performed.
• Assembles medical equipment and supplies for procedure and restocks supplies.
• Accesses electronic health record independently according to hospital policy and completes accurate and timely documentation in the patient’s electronic health record.
• Promotes an 'error free' working environment by consistently providing high-quality, safe care as per hospital policies. Conducts prevention rounding and follows up on identified concerns promptly.
• Assesses all body systems, ensures safe, effective, efficient care delivery with emphasis on the absence of medication errors, avoidance of falls,ouch-free procedural pain and reduction of pain.
• Completes the hand off process at shift change, provides patient information, communicates pending IV's, PICC line insertions, and dressing changes.

Minimum Job Requirements

• RN - Registered Nurse RN Licensure within the State of Florida or Multi-State Enhanced Nursing License Compact (eNLC) – maintain active and in good standing throughout employment
• CPR BLS American Heart Association must maintain active and in good standing throughout employment
• American Heart Association PALS required within the first 3 months of employment - maintain active and in good standing throughout employment
• Proficient in IV insertion and placement

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• BSN Degree or currently enrolled in a BSN program
• 1-3 years of nursing experience preferred
• Career Development: National Certification preferably within 5 years of hire
• Pediatric Nursing and/or experience working in an Emergency and/or ICU nursing department preferred
• Experience with PICC Line placement preferred
• Strong problem solving, critical thinking, and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and strong time management skills
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Computer literate
• Works effectively in a collaborative environment
• Ability to apply principles of evidenced-based practice, analytical thinking, and service excellence in practice
• Able to analyze and interpret data and utilize the information to make judgments regarding patient care
• Able to float to various nursing units while maintaining the delivery of clinical excellence and high quality service
• On-call assignment per department and hospital policy