Department Description 

The Vascular Access Specialty Team is comprised of registered nurses that provide service to adult inpatients at the Parnassus, Mount Zion, Stanyan and Hyde campuses.  The VAST performs bedside procedures including insertion of midline catheters, peripherally inserted central lines (PICC) as well as ultrasound guided peripheral intravenous catheters (USPIV).

 

Job Summary 

Under the direction of the Unit Director and Medical Director of the Vascular Access Program, the Vascular Access Nurse provides expert consultation, assessment, placement, and management of vascular access devices across the Adult Services Division. Responsibilities include patient assessment, placement of PICCs, midlines, ultrasound-guided peripheral IVs, and peripheral IVs; post-insertion management; complication identification and documentation; product evaluation; supply standardization; policy and procedure development; and performance improvement activities.  The Vascular Access Nurse functions as a member of the interdisciplinary and nursing team and carries out established nursing procedures and performs related duties as required. 

The Vascular Access Nurse serves as a subject matter expert in vascular access, central line maintenance, and CLABSI prevention. Responsibilities include supporting quality and safety initiatives through surveillance activities, practice validation, staff education and coaching, standardization of vascular access practices, and collaboration with frontline leaders to promote evidence-based care and regulatory compliance. The Vascular Access Nurse is recognized as a leader and clinical resource who demonstrates investment in the overall forward movement of the department and the organization. 

The Vascular Access Nurse participates in program evaluation, data analysis, committee work, and educational activities to improve patient outcomes, strengthen practice consistency, and advance infection prevention and vascular access excellence throughout inpatient services.

Required Qualifications: 

• Two or more years of recent clinical RN experience in acute care settings
• Recent PICC insertion experience within last 6 months in acute care settings
• Excellent Peripheral IV skills
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Basic computer skills

• This position requires flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Medical Center locations

   

Preferred Qualifications:

• Specialty Certification related to vascular access
• BSN
• Recent experience in Vascular Access Services at large academic institutions
• Basic ECG interpretation skill

• Experience with EPIC

   

Licensure/Certifications:

• Current CA Licensure as a Registered Nurse 
• Current American Heart Association BLS Certification

% 

of time

Essential Function (Yes/No)

  

Key Responsibilities

(To be completed by Supervisor)

60

YesPerforms comprehensive vascular access assessments and places appropriate vascular access devices, including PICCs, midlines, ultrasound-guided peripheral IVs, and other peripheral vascular access devices, utilizing evidence-based practices and device selection standards.

15

YesConducts routine surveillance, rounding, audits, and data collection activities to assess vascular access devices, monitor for complications, evaluate compliance with evidence-based practices, and support quality improvement, infection prevention, and patient safety initiatives

10

YesDevelops, reviews, and maintains vascular access policies, procedures, standards of practice, and clinical guidelines. Provides education, competency validation, and ongoing coaching to clinical staff to support safe and standardized vascular access practices.

5

YesPerforms specialized care and management of vascular access devices, including catheter declotting, catheter removal, dressing management, complication assessment, and implementation of appropriate clinical interventions.

5

YesProvides expert consultation and support to bedside clinicians regarding vascular access management, central line maintenance, dressing changes, troubleshooting, and line preservation strategies.

5

YesEducates patients, families, and healthcare team members on vascular access device care, maintenance, complication prevention, and discharge planning as appropriate.

100%