Vascular Access Specialist

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 Vascular Access Specialist (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.

• Graduate of an AMA approved school of Respiratory Therapy, AAS required. 
• A minimum of three years’ experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. 
• Minimum of three years of recent hospital critical care experience required.  
• Advanced skills in critical care and in-depth knowledge of hemodynamic monitoring required.  
• Successful completion of extensive in-house vascular access training required.

Additional Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in clinical or business area preferred. 
• Ability to work flexible hours, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays required. 
• Adapts well and calmly to unpredictable situations within the patient care settings. 
• Must have effective interpersonal skills, patient assessment skills and basic computer skills. 

License/Certifications:

• Credentialed through the NBRC, registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) required. 
• Current Arizona RCP license. 
• Basic Life Support Certification is required upon hire and must be valid for 90 days or greater from start date. Maintains Basic Life Support (BLS) Competency. 
• ACLS preferred upon hire, required within six months and maintained thereafter. 
• VA-BC certification required two years after completion of in-house training. 
• PALS preferred.

Compensation Detail: Experience and tenure may be considered along with internal equity when job offers are extended. $33.39 - $50.13 per hour.