Job Summary

Acts as a resource, mentor and consultant for staff regarding vascular access therapy assessment, performing IV starts, products, infusions and procedures. Inserts and monitors peripherally placed central venous, mid-line, peripheral I.V. catheters, if certified to do so. Is a professional member of VOICE providing feedback on issues being addressed at meetings. Participates as a member on VOICE councils as appropriate. Actively participates on unit council helping with plans to improve NDNQI nursing sensitive indicators and Patient Experience data. Works together with other care team members to recruit and retain an excellent nursing care team.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• Licensure or other certifications: Licensed to practice as an RN in Georgia.

• Educational Requirements: Associate Nursing Degree Required. Certification for PICC line insertion (obtain within six months of hire).

• Minimum Experience: Two (2) years of experience as an RN.

• Other: Membership in professional organization.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Preferred Licensure or other certifications: National certification in clinical specialty.

• Preferred Educational Requirements: Bachelor of Nursing Degree preferred.

• Preferred Experience: Acute care RN experience, with demonstrated ability to perform functions of the job.

• Other:

Job Specific and Unique Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of anatomy and physiology of central line placement/peripheral vasculature

• Knowledge and demonstration of aseptic technique

• Knowledge of care and maintenance of catheters

• Successful placement of PICC lines under direct supervision of nurse certified in PICC placement skills (optional)

• Demonstrated expertise in starting IV catheters on all age groups

Essential Tasks and Responsibilities

• Assists staff in problem solving related to IV therapy patient care issues including starting IV catheters on difficult sticks. Assesses patient infusion problems and implements interventions for resolution. Provides I.V. therapy instructions and/or information to nursing staff, students, physicians, patients and families. Administers extravasation protocol for vesicant infiltrates. Serves as expert clinician for IV starts on all age groups.

• Stays current on advances in IV therapy. Participates in performance improvement studies related to I.V. therapy. Provides updates to staff regarding advances relevant to IV therapy. Provides expertise in helping units look at IV therapy practices and makes recommendations to improve patient care. Provides input on equipment and products related to IV therapy including participation and feedback for trials of products and supplies.

• Accesses various types of I.V. ports and lines. Demonstrates skill in accessing port-a-cath. Demonstrates skill in accessing Triple Lumen catheters. Serves as a Teacher, Coach and Mentor to staff on care and use of various types of IV ports and lines.

• Mentors new RN staff related to I.V. therapy and peripheral I.V. insertions. Serves as Consultant for the management of patients with peripheral and central venous catheters. Serves as preceptors for students and new staff assist with obtaining skills in IV Therapy. Serves as a validator for IV skills for Nurses on an annual basis.

• Performs declotting, dressing changes and discontinuing of central venous catheters. Demonstrates skill in declotting of IV catheters. Demonstrates skill in discontinuation of central IV catheters, including dialysis access catheters. Demonstrates skill in central line dressing changes utilizing sterile technique.

Area/Unit Specific Essential Tasks and Responsibilities

• Evaluates, recommends and monitors effectiveness of PICC line placement. Inserts a minimum of 5 PICC lines per month with a success rate of 80%. Completes required PI monitors, and all other required documentation for all PICC line placements. Serves a resource to staff for education to all patients requiring a PICC line.

• Quality improvement. Participates in required monitoring projects for quality improvement. Provides input and consultation to units to assist with changes in practice related to IV therapy. Suggests and develops monitoring tools for use house wide or on an individual unit basis depending on issues identified with IV therapy.

  Work with various departments, Infection control, PI, nursing units, pharmacy, etc. to establish standards and guidelines for IV therapy.

Physical Demands

• Weight Lifted: Up to 100 lbs, Occasionally 0-30% of time

• Weight Carried: Up to 50 lbs, Occasionally 0-30% of time

• Vision: Heavy, Frequently 31-65% of time

• Kneeling/Stooping/Bending: Occasionally 0-30%

• Standing/Walking: Frequently 31-65%

• Pushing/Pulling: Occasionally 0-30%

• Intensity of Work: Occasionally 0-30%

• Job Requires: Reading, Writing, Reasoning, Talking, Keyboarding