RN - Vascular

Shift Details

Shift 8 hour nights

Job Order Details

Start Date 2025-03-10

End Date 2025-06-09

Duration 13 Week(s)

Client Details

City Ithaca State NY

The Registered Nurse (RN) – Vascular specializes in the care of patients with vascular conditions, which affect the circulatory system, including veins, arteries, and lymphatic vessels. This nurse works in a variety of settings, including vascular clinics, hospitals, outpatient centers, or surgical units, providing care for patients undergoing treatments such as vein procedures, vascular surgeries, or managing chronic vascular diseases. The RN in this role supports patients with diagnostic testing, pre- and post-operative care, and long-term management of vascular conditions like peripheral artery disease, aneurysms, and varicose veins.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Patient Assessment and Monitoring:

   • Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients with vascular conditions, including gathering health histories, vital signs, and physical examinations.
   • Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of vascular issues, such as swelling, discoloration, pain, or changes in circulation.
   • Assist in preparing patients for diagnostic procedures such as ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, or angiograms, ensuring they understand the process and feel comfortable.

2. Preoperative and Postoperative Care:

   • Prepare patients for vascular surgeries or interventions, explaining the procedure, answering questions, and ensuring informed consent is obtained.
   • Administer medications as prescribed, including pain management, anticoagulants, or antibiotics before and after surgery.
   • Provide postoperative care, including monitoring vital signs, managing incisions, and preventing complications like infection, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or graft failure.
   • Educate patients on recovery plans, restrictions, and signs of complications post-surgery or intervention.

3. Wound Care and Dressing Management:

   • Perform dressing changes and wound assessments for patients recovering from vascular surgeries or interventions, ensuring proper healing and preventing infection.
   • Provide specialized care for patients with chronic wounds or ulcers, including those caused by poor circulation or diabetes.
   • Implement strategies to promote circulation and healing, such as positioning, compression therapy, or skin care.

4. Patient Education and Counseling:

   • Educate patients about their vascular conditions, including lifestyle modifications, exercise, dietary recommendations, and smoking cessation to improve vascular health.
   • Provide information on managing chronic conditions such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and venous insufficiency.
   • Instruct patients on self-care techniques, such as how to check for signs of circulation issues, how to manage swelling, and the importance of medication adherence.
   • Counsel patients on the importance of regular follow-ups, diagnostic tests, and the potential for recurring or progressive vascular issues.

5. Interventional and Surgical Support:

   • Assist during vascular interventions or surgeries, including endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), vein stripping, stenting, angioplasty, or bypass surgery.
   • Prepare the patient and the procedure site for the surgery, ensuring the sterile environment is maintained.
   • Provide direct assistance to surgeons and other specialists during procedures, ensuring that all instruments, medications, and equipment are ready for use.
   • Ensure the patient is comfortable and monitored throughout the procedure.

6. Collaboration with Healthcare Team:

   • Work closely with vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, cardiologists, and other healthcare providers to develop and implement comprehensive treatment plans for patients.
   • Participate in multidisciplinary care team meetings to discuss patient progress, make treatment adjustments, and plan for discharge or long-term care.
   • Assist in coordinating patient referrals to physical therapy, rehabilitation, or other specialists as needed to improve vascular health and recovery.

7. Monitoring and Risk Management:

   • Assess for signs of complications, such as bleeding, clot formation, or infection, and take prompt action to address concerns.
   • Monitor patients for adverse reactions to medications, especially anticoagulants or blood thinners, and manage any complications that arise.
   • Ensure that patients are educated on risk factors for vascular diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol, and collaborate with the care team to manage these conditions.

8. Documentation and Compliance:

   • Accurately document patient assessments, care plans, treatments, progress notes, and any changes in the patient's condition in the electronic health record (EHR) system.
   • Ensure all documentation complies with hospital policies, healthcare regulations, and standards of care.
   • Maintain up-to-date records of medications, procedures, and follow-up plans for each patient.

9. Long-term Management and Follow-up Care:

   • Assist in creating and implementing long-term care plans for patients with chronic vascular conditions, ensuring that they understand the importance of lifestyle changes and regular check-ups.
   • Schedule and follow up on appointments for diagnostic testing, monitoring, or additional treatments.
   • Provide ongoing education to patients and families regarding self-management strategies to prevent complications or recurrence of vascular issues.