Vascular access RNs are in demand nationwide. But what does a vascular access nurse do, exactly, and how can you qualify to work as one? Here’s everything you need to know about vascular access nursing jobs and where to find them.
- Interested in working as a vascular access nurse? Find open jobs here
Everything You Need to Know about Vascular Access Nursing Jobs
So, what do vascular access nurses do, what can you expect if you work as one, and how can you qualify to do so? Here's everything you need to know.
What is a vascular access nurse?
Vascular access nurses are RNs who manage intravenous (IV) lines and similar clinical procedures that deliver fluids and medications and draw blood samples. Basically, they handle any line used to access the circulatory system, including peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and central venous catheters (CVCs), among others.
What does a vascular access nurse do?
On a day-to-day basis, the main clinical task of a vascular access nurse is to insert, maintain, remove, and generally manage IV lines and catheters, including midline and peripheral catheters, PICCs, and implanted ports. This includes not just the management (and cleaning) of clinical equipment, but also the ability to find optimal patient access points.
Nurses who work vascular access jobs are also responsible for direct patient care, and for educating patients and families on what needs to be done to keep the IV lines working safely and properly. In addition, they may also be called upon to:
- Perform medical reviews and assessments, and compare that info with doctor instructions to determine the best methods of vascular access for each patient.
- Help plan patient procedures and create treatment plans.
- Assist with quality assurance and the setting of department and unit policies.
- Monitor and evaluate clinical systems and processes, and recommend improvements to workflows and productivity.
- Help manage other nursing and clinical staff, including hiring and training.
- Help assess, allocate, and manage clinical resources and inventory, particularly IV and catheter equipment.
- Review metrics and prepare reports on clinical procedures and performance.
- Communicate with, and sometimes serve as a liaison between, clinical staff, supervisors, and/or business managers.
What’s the difference between vascular access nurses and IR and PICC nurses?
Interventional radiology (IR) and PICC nurses specialize in specific types of access methods, while vascular access nurses must have the skills to handle all of them.
Where do vascular access nurses work?
Although IV lines and catheters are used in pretty much every clinical setting, jobs for nurses specializing in vascular access are mostly based in hospitals.
What skills and experience do you need to work as a vascular access nurse?
As anyone who’s worked in a clinical setting knows, these tasks aren’t as simple as they may seem! Proper line placement is a job that requires true expertise, and nurses who work in vascular access must be highly skilled to ensure safe and effective patient care.
So, vascular access nurses must be trained in appropriate clinical best practices, and understand the nuances of insertion for patients with various medical conditions. They may also be called upon to follow specific standards, such as the hospital epidemiology and infection control guidelines where they work, or those outlined by organizations like the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST).
Why should RNs consider working vascular access jobs?
Nurses who work vascular access jobs say they like the patient interaction. Line insertion can be painful and even traumatic when not properly carried out, and many patients truly appreciate nurses who are skilled in this task.
Vascular access nursing jobs are also popular job with nurse educators, since so much of it is connected to educating not just patients and families but fellow nurses and clinicians in proper IV and catheter use. It's also an increasingly in-demand job with a bright outlook for career growth.
How can you become a vascular access nurse?
Besides the skills listed above, and basic RN licensure, different employers have their own requirements for filling vascular access nursing jobs. For instance, at HealthTrust, our clients often require a minimum of one year of experience and basic clinical certifications like BLS, ACLS, and PALS, although these can sometimes be earned after starting the position. You can learn more about the requirements by browsing our vascular access job listings.
Many nurses develop vascular access skills while working in other settings where IV line and catheter insertion happens regularly, like med/surg or ICU. You might also be able to gain the skills you need by earning continuing education (CE) credits. Learn more about how to leverage CE for specialized nursing jobs here.
Find Vascular Access Nursing Jobs with HealthTrust
At HealthTrust, we’re proud to offer job opportunities that expand your clinical skills, career horizons, and personal growth — not to mention guaranteed hours, customizable pay packages, matching 401k, bonus referrals, and more. And we've got plenty of open vascular access nursing jobs, too! See what's available here.
