Vascular Access Nurse

Overview

As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff that are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission. EO/AA

The position is responsible for inserting and monitoring peripherally placed central venous, mid-line, and peripheral I.V. catheters. The incumbent acts as a resource and consultant for staff with regard to I.V. therapy assessment, products and procedures. This position may be required to access and administer medications within their scope of practice and according to State Law.

Corporate Overview: The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center and is nationally ranked and recognized for our academic research, quality standards and overall patient experience. Our five hospitals and eleven clinics provide excellence in our comprehensive services, medical advancement, and overall patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Inserts PICC line and mid-line I.V. catheters, determines placement via x-ray follow-up and documents the procedure.
• Assists staff by monitoring PICC and mid-lines, de-clotting, performing drug charges and discontinuing catheters with or without catheter tip cultures.
• Assists with difficult peripheral I.V. insertions.
• Plans, evaluates and implements interventions for solving I.V. related patient care problems.
• Provides I.V. therapy instruction and/or information to nursing staff, students, physicians, patients and their families.
• Participates in research and quality improvement studies related to I.V. therapy.
• Keeps current on advances in I.V. therapy.
• Meets with sales representative to evaluate new products or discuss product capabilities or deficiencies.
• At the discretion of department operational and patient care needs, this position is required to work rotating schedules, which may include variable hours, weekends, nights, and holidays to meet the staffing and patient care demands of a 24/7 complex health system. Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance during assigned shifts is considered an essential function of the role.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined above.

• Demonstrated availability to work variable and rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, in a 24/7 patient care environment.

• Demonstrated human relation and effective communication skills.

• Ability to provide care appropriate to the population served.

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

• Challenges encountered by the incumbent include allocating resources to meet patient/staff requests for I.V. line placements, complications with I.V. lines and educational issues; and interdisciplinary team collaboration to determine appropriate routes of I.V. therapy.

Qualifications

Required

• Two years of clinical experience to include I.V. therapy.

Licenses Required

• Current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah Health RQI system. The eCredential is to be obtained within 30 days of hire.

• Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Utah, or obtain one within 90 days of hire under the interstate compact if switching residency to State of Utah. Must maintain current Interstate Compact (multi-state) license if residency is not being changed to Utah.

* Additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.

Qualifications (Preferred)

Preferred

• Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree (BSN).
• Certification for PICC line insertion.
• Certification for PICC line insertion is offered through the Hospital under the direction of a Registered Nurse currently certified in PICC line insertion. This requires demonstrated knowledge of anatomy and physiology of central line placement/peripheral vasculature; aseptic technique; ability to confirm line placement via chest x-ray; successful placement of PICC three or more times under supervision; and knowledge of care and maintenance of catheters.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Employee must be able to meet the following requirements with or without an accommodation.

• This position involves intensive work that may exert up to 100 pounds and may consistently require lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling or otherwise moving objects, such as medical equipment, or patients while providing medical care. Workers in this position may be exposed to infectious diseases and may be required to function around prisoners or behavioral health patients.

Physical Requirements

Carrying, Climbing, Color Determination, Crawling, Far Vision, Lifting, Listening, Manual Dexterity, Near Vision, Pulling and/or Pushing, Reaching, Sitting, Speaking, Standing, Stooping and Crouching, Tasting or Smelling, Walking