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Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work as a vascular access nurse and what this job offers? Here are the basics that you need to know.

Rebecca Myers , MSN, RN, VA-BC, NPD-BC, is a Vascular Access Nurse (aka PICC nurse). Her hospital experience includes critical care, education, and vascular access.

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Rebecca Myers, MSN, RN, VA-BC, NPD-BC

How did you get interested in being a vascular access nurse? What drew you to it? How long have you been doing it?

I started my nursing career in ICU and was always interested in learning new skills. In 2011, there was an opportunity to join an all-ICU RN PICC team. We trained with a seasoned team from a sister hospital. We rotated as the PICC nurse for the hospital and outpatients for a week at a time and worked in ICU the rest of the time. In addition, we placed lines for our hospital patients and outpatients needing long-term IV therapy. 

Now, I am a full-time vascular access nurse.

Explain what a vascular access nurse does. What types of patients do you serve? What do you provide for them?  

As a vascular access nurse, I consult to determine the best vascular access for a patient. I work in an inpatient setting and provide ultrasound-guided peripheral IVS, midlines, and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) to patients requiring IV therapy.

I educate nurses about vascular access, choosing the best option for a patient, and advocating for a patient’s vein preservation and health. In addition, I educate patients about their access and what to expect before and after the procedure and answer any questions.

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Did you need to get additional education for this position? Please explain.

Yes. There is an educational component required before any hands-on training. The classroom portion is an 8-hour course with successful completion needed before moving on to simulated hands-on training.

Once competence is achieved with simulated insertion techniques, we trained with a seasoned partner at a sister hospital. The requirements are to place a minimum of 10 lines successfully under supervision before moving into placing lines independently. 

My hospital system uses a uniform approach for all vascular access nurses. We use Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice to guide our practice and incorporate Michigan Appropriateness Guideline for Intravenous Catheters (MAGIC) to aid in choosing the right line for each patient.

What do you like most about working as a vascular access nurse? 

I love participating with patients, nurses, and physicians. I love being an expert in my field and having the knowledge and experience to help a patient through a procedure that has uncomfortable moments.

My master’s degree is in education, so I also love the education part of my position. There is an element of autonomy to my position that is professionally satisfying. I have been a nurse for more than 15 years and enjoy using my experience in this way.

What are your biggest challenges as a vascular access nurse? 

Challenges change with time. When I started, the challenge was consistency and gaining the staff’s trust. I have now been at my current hospital for over four years. There is always an element of education that needs to be ongoing. Nurses and physicians are changing, and keeping the information readily available is key. 

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I send out a newsletter about 4x a year with summary tables for MAGIC, reminders, updates, and clickable links for more information. The more everyone knows, the better for all of our patients. The biggest challenge is to keep the communication flowing and fresh.

What are your greatest rewards as one? 

The greatest reward of being a vascular access nurse is when a patient says I did a good job. Or family tells me they can see that I am experienced and trust me.

Anytime I can do something that makes a positive difference is the best reward.

Is there anything else that is important for our readers to know?

I want readers to know it is never too late…for anything! I became a nurse after my children were adults. It is the most satisfying and enriching thing in the world. It took me a minute, but I found my tribe in nursing. So whatever your dream is, go after it!

Nursing provides so many varied opportunities! It is still a great field. If you are feeling overwhelmed at the bedside, try something else.

Michele Wojciechowski
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