Outpatient infusion/transfusion vs Vascular Access Team?

[skydancer7, BSN, RN]

Hello all, I would love some perspective!

I am looking at two potential jobs: assuming I get an offer for each, which do you think might be better?

One is an outpatient IV infusion/transfusion clinic attached to a major area hospital. It would be 0.6 FTE with benefits, with weekend hours available, which is good for my schedule.

The other is a resource/per diem position on the vascular access team at a major level 1 trauma center in the area (that pays better, btw). I am not clear on the call situation or too many other details yet; I was interviewing with the same nurse manager for an apheresis RN position, and we both agreed the VAT might be a better fit for me, but the position hasn't been posted yet (darn holidays).

I have done a bit of IV therapy in an oncology setting for a few months, and in a naturopathic/integrative clinic for a few months, plus many IV starts throughout my 9 years as an RN, and 3 years as a phlebotomist. I can access ports but have never started central lines, PICCs, etc, though I am very interested. I enjoy hyper-focused detailed tasks that require my full attention, rather than the multi-tasking flurry of med-surg or operating room.

I am in full time grad school and need something flexible and with relatively little stress compared to the operating room (my current "specialty"). Honestly I am not certain I can manage a 0.6 FTE with school, but, health insurance....

I am less familiar with the VAT nursing vibe but I think I would LOVE going from room to room and helping people get the vascular access they need. Can you tell me about this kind of job, especially in a major hospital? High stress? I imagine you get plenty of miles on the ol' FitBit. Do you think a nurse with 9 years experience, mostly OR with some IV therepy and a phlebotomy background, could rock a VAT nurse position, or do I need some other experience first?

I like the outpatient infusion/transfusion option as well; possibly less stress? This one would give me health insurance as well, so I have to consider that. It might also be better experience for a VAT position in the future.

Any thoughts on comparing the two types of jobs would be much appreciated! I love doing IVs and have been wanting something like this for years, but not sure which would be a better fit for being in school the next 3.5 years.

[scribblz, BSN, CNA, LPN]

Hi skydancer,

If you are looking for casual per diem home infusion would be quite easy for someone with your skill set. IVIG infusions for example can be 4 or 5 hours. Once you mix the med, establish access, you could literally do homework for hours just taking a few vital signs as needed. Then just work enough hours somewhere else to provide you with insurance.

Take care!

Scribblz

[Wuzzie]

You say you have IV experience but how good are you at them? Seriously not trying to sound like a snot but it really is a thing. VAT nurses need to be better than the average bear.

[scribblz, BSN, CNA, LPN]

6 minutes ago, Wuzzie said:

You say you have IV experience but how good are you at them? Seriously not trying to sound like a snot but it really is a thing. VAT nurses need to be better than the average bear.

You're right they do, and I'm working my way there. I dangle that arm, apply that tourniquet and pray for a good vein. Often times I see the same clients for their weekly or monthly home infusions so I know where their good spots are. In patient if I can't get a line in our IV team has been wonderful in giving me feedback on what I can do to improve. I'm probably all things considered average at the moment, but someday I hope to be excellent.

[skydancer7, BSN, RN]

I'd say I am pretty solid and definitely better than average at starting IV's but not "the best"; we still always grab one of two anesthesia docs for the incredibly hard sticks. I was the only RN on shift at an IV therapy clinic, and I always got the IV in and working, for every patient, almost always just one poke. That plus 3 years as a phlebotomist has me feeling very confident starting IVs, but I know the VAT and infusion nursing involves more than just short peripheral lines.

I don't have ultrasound guidance experience yet, and I know they do US guided access at one of these hospital VAT gigs.

Would you say outpatient infusion is less stressful than hospital vascular access team?