RN - Vascular Surgery

Job Description

Summary

The RN - Vascular Surgery is competent in all skills mandated for any RN working in a Cardiovascular practice, such as possessing the providing direct patient care, performing chart abstraction, providing clinical summaries for clinicians through precise chart abstraction, reviewing test results for critical values, assessing, and intervening in clinic emergencies, and providing patient education regarding cardiovascular tests and procedures.

In addition to the above skills, the RN-Vascular Surgery is expected to have a higher level of knowledge and skills, as described below:

The Vascular RN is responsible for applying clinical knowledge to facilitate patient access to vascular surgery, and for providing support throughout the entire evaluation, intervention, recovery, and follow-up process. He/she must have advanced nursing knowledge in vascular diseases which are amenable to intervention as well as an understanding of the skills/expertise of and treatment options offered by individual surgeons. The RN identifies patients who meet criteria for surgical consults, as well as facilitates alternate pathways in cases where other specialties can better serve the patients' needs. He/she demonstrates a thorough understanding of the entire vascular system and vascular disease process, including recognition of critical disease and getting those patients scheduled urgently. He/she has detailed understanding of the diagnostic studies, as well as nuances of specific imaging studies, available at each imaging location. The RN serves as a resource to APPs, primary care providers and radiologists when questions arise regarding appropriate route of intervention to pursue to ensure that patients are referred to the area of expertise for their specific health issues. He/she also serves as a resource for other departments within Ballad, as well as other clinicians, when questions related to imaging services arise. The RN demonstrates an understanding of and provides appropriate diagnoses/CPT codes for all vascular testing and procedures (including surgeries) to facilitate payer approvals, as well as participates in peer-to-peer insurance reviews as required for insurance authorization. The RN demonstrates competency in the dialysis processes and needs of dialysis patients; working with dialysis centers to coordinate patient care, including recognizing emergent/urgent situations. The RN coordinates care with Interventional Radiology, educates and triages patients. He/she demonstrates competency in the processes and care related to fistulas and ash dialysis catheters, including removing the catheters and providing post-procedure compression and education. The RN displays an understanding of appropriateness and uses of Durable Medical Equipment (DME), such as prosthetics, and appropriately orders assist devices or physical therapy as needed. He/she functions as a liaison between surgeons and device/graft representatives and is the primary contact for cases, types of stents, and need for additional equipment. The RN provides clinical support to surgeons, APPs and physicians during patient office visits. The RN performs direct patient duties as well as indirect clinical functions.

Requirements

Associate's or Bachelor's degree from an accredited Nursing program. Knowledge of cardiovascular conditions, treatments, procedures, and medications required. Three to five years cardiovascular nursing experience preferred. Office experience helpful. Basic to intermediate computer skills required. Ability to competently navigate EHR. Demonstration of ability to work closely, competently, and professionally with patients, clinicians, other staff members and external personnel required. Sound clinical judgement and initiative with the ability to work and make clinical decisions with little direct supervision required.

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid and active RN licensure in appropriate stateCPR requiredACLS required

Work Requirements:

Shift: Day

On Call: No

Weekends: No

Travel Required: No Travel

Shift Details: 8:00-5:00

City/State: Kingsport, TN