Vascular Access Plus (VA+) is a nurse-owned independent company that provides nursing services for ultrasound guided PICC line placement, midline placement including Power Glides, difficult IV insertions, and vascular access education. VA+ services acute, long term care, and critical care access hospitals around and outside the Omaha Metro. Andrea Swanson is the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for VA+.
How did you get started in the business? – I became a RN and worked in the ER at a Trauma Center for 7 years, then worked in a Women’s Health Care Clinic for 5 years as a Lead Nurse. I was very interested in learning how to place PICC lines and Jamie Hamm, the owner of VA+ trained me. Now I am proficient in ultrasound guided PICC placements using ECG tip confirmation technology and I have the opportunities to collaborate with all aspects of the healthcare field. We go to the acute care hospitals, critical care access hospitals and nursing homes to provide vascular access insertions and education.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – The aspect of understanding the different reimbursement and regulations within all the different facilities we are in has been the most challenging aspect. Understanding this aspect of my job is very important in making sure VA+ can provide a cost effective approach to their specific vascular access needs.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – My most important achievement professionally is becoming the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) of Vascular Access Plus recently. I am honored to be a part of such an innovative company.
Tell me a little about your family. – I have been married for 13 years and have three young children.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – The biggest turning point in my life was getting to work for VA+, when I chose to stop working in a clinic and really commit to learning how to be a vascular access specialist. There are many different fields in nursing, but vascular access is one I enjoy and strive to learn more about every day.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Having quality time with my kids.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I am a twin. She is also a nurse and she is my best friend.
What are you the most proud of? – Professionally I am most proud of helping Jamie Hamm Owner of Vascular Access Plus get our biggest account. We worked so hard and it paid off! Oh, and when Jamie and I obtained our Board Certification in Vascular Access!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Remember to take time for myself and sometimes things are not in my control.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Kind.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – Designing and decorating a room.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Marketing
What is your favorite movie? – Les Miserables
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Lo Sole Mio
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – By phone at (855)PICC-VAP or by email at info@vascularaccessplus.com. You can also visit our website at www.vascularaccessplus.com or stop by our office at 12165 West Center Road, Suite 72.