A vascular nurse (VN) is a certified and licensed professional responsible for the treatment and care of the complex network of veins arteries and capillaries that make up the vascular system. The profession provides a unique opportunity for registered nurses seeking a specialized position in nursing while opening doors to new and exciting care opportunities within the nursing profession.
If you’re interested in becoming a vascular nurse but don’t have a degree in nursing, UP’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs can help you start on your journey.
What is a Vascular Nurse?
Vascular Nurses are certified and licensed healthcare professionals responsible for assisting with the diagnosis, treatment, and management of vascular diseases.
What does a Vascular Nurse do?
VN’s are responsible for a variety of tasks and responsibilities. Alongside the core nursing functions, they specialize in accessing, diagnosing, treating, and educating patients on various vascular conditions while working alongside other health professionals to provide support and treatment.
- Diagnosing vascular diseases in patients
- Accessing and assessing patients vascular system
- Cleaning, dressing, and monitoring vascular procedure sites
- Administering medications and monitoring patient vitals
- Communicating and educating patients on vascular diseases and treatments.
Where do Vascular Nurses work?
As a specialized field of nursing, vascular nurses are most commonly found working in public or privately funded hospitals, specialty care departments in hospitals or clinics, or a private practice office specializing in vascular surgery, treatment, or management.
How to Become a Vascular Nurse?
The pathway to becoming a VN includes graduating high school, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing as a preferred degree, securing licensure through NCLEX, gaining experience in the nursing field, and seeking optional certification within the vascular care specialty.
At the center of the pathway is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a critical component that provides a quality education in the foundations and fundamentals of nursing practice – providing a strong footing for when they are ready to pursue the path. In total, it can take anywhere from five to seven years to become a vascular nurse depending on the organization and requirements.
Vascular Nurse Career Outlook
Vascular nursing is a highly specialized nursing field with a variety of career opportunities. Positions in registered nursing overall are projected to increase within the next 10 years as the profession continues to advance and new positions continue to open. Vascular nurses who secure certification can go on to pursue leadership or administrative roles in nursing. Furthermore, they can go on to pursue similar roles in advanced nursing with a Master of Science in Nursing degree.
The road to becoming a vascular nurse starts with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The University of Providence offers multiple BSN pathways designed to meet the needs of students across all different life points. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate considering nursing for the first time, a bachelor’s degree holder considering a career change, or a licensed registered nurse seeking a bachelor’s degree, UP has a pathway to fit your needs.
