The Vascular Access Assistant (VAA) is a phlebotomist with specialized training to perform intravascular blood specimen collection. The VAA assists the Vascular Access Specialist (VAS) in the preparation and implementation of vascular access devices (VAD) on patients ranging in age from neonates through adulthood. The VAA will collaborate with the healthcare team, the patient and their family to deliver the most appropriate care and minimize discomfort based upon clinical need and developmental parameters. The Vascular Access Service department responds to vascular access needs of patients in all areas of the healthcare organization including inpatient, outpatient, surgical, emergency and ambulatory departments.

• Clinical Care for Assigned Patients
  
  Obtains blood samples as ordered by department physicians and delegated to the Vascular Access Services (VAS) department. Reviews orders for accuracy and ensures proper obtainment, labeling, and transfer of laboratory samples. Refers patients to VAS on unobtained sample attempts as necessary. Refers patient with difficult access to VAS team member for appropriate Vascular Access Device (VAD) assessment. Coordinates with physicians and medical personnel to verify orders, as necessary.
• Collaborative Care with Supervising Licensed Professional
  
  Works directly with VAS team to secure and stabilize patients for VAD insertion and associated procedures. Shares observations and outcomes with healthcare team and families to ensure timely communication and understanding of patient health status, progress, and ongoing needs. Monitors and reports safety concerns utilizing appropriate and approved facility reporting methods.
• Teamwork
  
  Contributes to team effort by accomplishing required activities within established parameters to ensure compliance with all applicable medication, storage and documentation standards, regulations, and requirements.
• Education
  
  Provides resource education to staff on VADs, and provides ongoing family/patient education in relation to VAD maintenance and monitoring to ensure familiarity with device safety and care requirements.
• Communication/Documentation
  
  Documents patient progress in appropriate charts. Works collaboratively with patient care team and family members to establish and implement access plan of care to ensure coordination of activities and ongoing communication of patient health status. Performs daily dressing site checks and scheduled/unscheduled dressing site changes based upon patient condition and necessity.
• Performs miscellaneous job related duties as requested.
  

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