Vascular Access Specialist ( Nights)

The Vascular Access Specialist (VAS), functions as a specialized Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) providing assessment, treatment and monitoring of patients with acute illness or cardiopulmonary compromise. This individual provides support for the equipment necessary in the care of these patients and assists physicians and other medical/surgical support staff in conducting activities necessary for interventions, physiological monitoring and direct patient care. The VAS conducts a variety of invasive, therapeutic and critical monitoring procedures primarily in the critical care setting, to include:

• Mastery of sterile technique 
• Ultrasound use to include; IV, Arterial Line, CVC insertion and Trans Esophageal Echo 
• Seldinger and Modified Seldinger line insertion technique
• PICC insertion
• Insertion, monitoring and troubleshoot of Arterial pressure monitoring lines
• Set-up, monitor and troubleshoot of all pressure transducing lines 
• Insertion, monitoring and transport of Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump 
• Removal of femoral CVCs and femoral Sheaths- groin management
• Primary resource for insertion and monitoring of PA catheters
• Assist with the insertion and monitoring of Intra-cranial and Lumbar catheters
• Instruct and monitor Resident’s training, of Central Line insertion and sterile technique
• Safe and appropriate removal of invasive lines and catheters

This individual is a technical and educational resource for patients, family members and other members of the patient care team. The VAS will assess data reflective of the patient's status and appropriately interprets information relative to the patient's age-specific needs. The VAS must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development of the life span. The VAS will be competent working with patients in the Emergency Department, PACU, and Critical Care and may also function as the shift Charge Therapist.