Job overview
Do you have an interest in Vascular access, and would like to consider a career in this field?
The successful candidate will be trained to insert vascular access devices under 1:1 supervision until competent to work autonomously and continue the work of the vascular access team. You will support Trust targets in reducing device related complications & demonstrate professional expertise when inserting Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters and Midlines.
A large part of this role will be training staff to care for VAD's, so confidence when speaking to small or large groups of staff is essential.
Keeping accurate records and audit is a requirement so attention to detail is very important, as well as the ability to organise own work load to set deadlines.
Are you meticulous, with a great understanding of the processes of asepsis & can you work within a small team ?
Please consider this very challenging but highly rewarding specialty as your next career pathway.
Main duties of the job
To assess the vascular access needs of patients referred to the team and to provide the most suitable device using judgement skills combined with a solid background knowledge of disease processes.
Communicate confidently with members of our multi -professional team, teach staff, and have empathetic conversations with patients who require vascular devices.
To be able to audit and produce reports for the organisation.
Ability to work autonomously and within a small team to deliver high standards of care
Working for our organisation
1. Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.
You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.
We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.
All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.
Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities
To assess the vascular access needs of patients referred to the vascular access team, provide the most suitable vascular access & act as a patient advocate in respect of patients’ vascular access and intravenous therapy needs.
To insert a suitable vascular access device (VAD) for patients receiving any form of intravenous therapy.
To work towards reducing bacteraemia rates and other complications associated with VADs and intravenous therapy via monitoring and audit.
Contribute to the development of the Trust’s vascular access service.
To demonstrate empathetic interpersonal communication skills in dealing with staff, patients and carers.
Demonstrate holistic assessment, planning implementation and evaluation for patients with complex intravenous therapy needs.
To be aware of any issues around consent and deal with effectively.
Ensures own practice is conducted within the Trust policies in order to maintain professional, clinical and patient safety in addition to monitoring staff adherence to them.
Has in-depth knowledge of infection control policies, local divisional strategy with practical experience and principles in relation to the clinical environment, patient care, the prevention of cross infection, outbreak management, good hand hygiene and environmental cleaning.
Leadership Responsibilities
To act as change agent to promote practice development and quality initiatives that promote the delivery of safe, efficient and high quality vascular access in accordance with local and national requirements and guidelines.
To act as a role model demonstrating high standards of care and clinical leadership in intravenous therapy and vascular access and provide training for staff to ensure standards are maintained.
To identify areas for improvement in practice and communicate this effectively with managers and senior staff.
Maintain competent computer skills and be able to access patient details and reports via the Trusts IT systems.
Respects the Equality and Diversity of Clients and Team.
Education & Development Responsibilities
To actively encourage and participate in sharing good practice in vascular access throughout the Trust and community partners via formal and
informal training sessions.
To deliver evidence based training to nursing & midwifery staff, including preceptorship nurses, on all matters pertaining to vascular access care.
To assist with ultrasound training for CVC insertion for medical staff
Takes every opportunity to actively develop own skills in the specialty of vascular access, including attending seminars & reading journals
Ensures own professional/educational /training needs are identified & maintains own mandatory & professional updating to maintain clinical & professional credibility.
Maintains professional portfolio.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
2. NMC registered nurse
3. Registered nurse working in acute hospital care with evidence of competency in peripheral cannulation
4. Has minimum of 4 years acute hospital experience
Desirable criteria
5. Educated to degree level or equivalent
6. Provide evidence of post registration learning
Experience
Essential criteria
7. Currently working as Band 6 nurse with interest in vascular access
8. Demonstrate high level skills in critical thinking and autonomous behaviour
9. Extensive knowledge of caring for Vascular access devices, including dressing changes
Desirable criteria
10. Experience in delivering clinical training sessions either formally or informally
11. Proven ability to implement changes in clinical practice
Knowledge
Essential criteria
12. Knowledge of vascular access speciality by previously attending seminars, reading journals
13. Has in-depth knowledge of infection control policies, with practical experience and principles in relation to the clinical environment,
14. Demonstrated computer literacy including word processing, data input and retrieval, power point and capacity to use health related information technology
Desirable criteria
15. Evidence of personal life long learning
16. Experience in conducting audit
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.