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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Performs miscellaneous job related duties as requested.

Mission

To advance hope, healing and the best healthcare for children and their families

Vision

Phoenix Children's will be the leading pediatric health system in the Southwest, nationally recognized for exceptional care, innovative research and advanced medical education.

We realize this vision by:

• Offering the most comprehensive care across ages, communities and specialties
• Investing in innovative research, including emerging treatments, tools and technologies
• Advancing education and training to shape the next generation of clinical leaders
• Advocating for the health and well-being of children and families

Values

• We place children and families at the center of all we do
• We deliver exceptional care, every day and in every way
• We collaborate with colleagues, partners and communities to amplify our impact
• We set the standards of pediatric healthcare today, and innovate for the future
• We are accountable for making the highest quality care accessible and affordable