MSN for a vascular access RN

sonovascpro · Feb 20, 2017

I started with a private contract PICC company that employed 20+ Associate degree nurses, offered on the job training, and virtually every full time PICC RN was making well into the $100Ks. You don't need a higher educational degree to become a PICC nurse, you need a specific skill set and knowledge. Critical care nurses often have the easiest transition (ICU/ER). I started by using ultrasound in the ER for almost all my IV insertions. Eventually I was the go to guy for the entire hospital when nobody could get an IV. From there I went to the private company. My on the job training was shortened significantly by my US IV experience. You will at some point need to decide if you just want to place the lines, or if you want to place and use the lines. If you just want to place look into Vascular Access- Board Certified VA-BC status, if you want to use them after you place them look into CRNI through INS. I like to be done as soon as the line is in, so I am VA-BC. In short look for experience in certain skills, and knowledge related specifically to vascular access and infusion if you want to be a Vascular Access nurse, not degrees.

NTurley · Feb 20, 2017

Thank you for your reply! I am currently a PICC RN with about a years experience. We do PICCS and PIVS with the US. We (a team of 5) do about 100 PICCS and 550 PIVS a month at our 330 bed hospital. I'd love for there to be a MSN geared towards vascular access. I'm planning to obtain the VA-BC certification by the next testing period.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Feb 22, 2017

It sounds like you're looking at becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist. But while a CNS can specialize in any area of nursing, most degree programs you'll find will offer only specific concentrations like Geriatrics or Pediatrics. An alternative would be to enroll in a MSN Clinical Nurse Leader program. This is an MSN degree for nurses who wish to remain focused on bedside clinical care.