Melissa A. Vickery, LPN-B, RVT
Technical Director/Vascular Lab Manager
The Vascular Lab
(affiliated with Virginia Surgical Associates, PC)
Richmond, VA
How long have you been in the vascular technology profession?
I have been in the vascular technology profession for 24 years.
What made you decide to enter vascular technology as a career?
I was employed by a local hospital as a staff nurse and I was reading
the classified ads and came upon an ad for a nurse to perform vascular
studies in a private office. The position sounded interesting so I applied
and got the job. It seemed to me a great way to utilize my nursing experience
and do something new.
What do you like best about your current position?
I am able to participate in the clinical course of the patient by
performing the vascular studies, working with the physicians, and continuing
with my nursing skills through assessment of the patient.
When did you join SVU?
I joined SVU, then SNIVT, in 1981.
When did you become certified by ARDMS as an RVT?
I became certified by ARDMS as an RVT in 1988.
On which SVU Committees have you served or are serving on
now?
I have served on the Chapters, Ethics, Nominations, Fellows, Membership,
and Government Relations Committees. I also have served as Annual Conference
Chair, and SVU’s Northeast Regional Contact for the Legislative
Watch.
When were you elected/appointed to the SVU Board of Directors?
I was elected to the SVU Board of Directors as a Director in 1994.
What do you like best about serving on the SVU Board of Directors?
I enjoy the interaction with other societies, my peers and helping
to define the path of our Society. I have met many individuals and have
learned so much, which I feel has added to my personal talents and professional
career.
What SVU officer positions have you held?
I have served as SVU’s Secretary and Vice President, am currently
the President-Elect and will become SVU President on January 1, 2006.
Are you active in a SVU Affiliated State/Regional Chapter?
I have been a member of the Central Virginia Vascular Technologist
(CVVT) affiliated chapter since 1988. I have served CVVT as President-Elect
(1991), President (1992), along with participating as Co-Chair of the
annual CVVT Educational Symposium.
How do you think SVU and its Chapters can work better together
in the future?
I believe that the affiliate chapters are an extension of the SVU and
we need to keep the line of communication open so we can both succeed
in fulfilling each other’s expectations. Chapters can assist the
Society by helping to identify those individuals who should participate
as members of a SVU committee or as speakers, and add to the benefit
of the members. There is a wealth of knowledge and skills in our membership;
we need to identify those individuals and utilize their talents.
How do you stay up to date on changes in vascular technology?
By my SVU Board participation, reading JVU, attending SVU and CVVT
meetings, and networking with my peers.
What do you feel are the biggest issues facing vascular technologists
today?
Surviving the reimbursement and credentialing issues while maintaining
the integrity of the vascular profession are key issues for SVU and
its members. These issues have created major changes in our day-to-day
workplace.
How can SVU better serve its members in the future?
By encouraging them to participate in their society and realize the
benefits of membership and their active participation.
Any other personal comments you would like to add?
I love what I do everyday. SVU has provided me with the ability to
network, pursue educational opportunities, assisted with keeping my
job intact by battling reimbursement issues, and by being a resource
to the government for those issues that relate directly to us, while
providing me with the tools to grow in my profession.
What do you do for fun and relaxation when you are not working?
I have 2 sons and a granddaughter, which is my fun. I also enjoy painting
and crafts.
SVU members are welcome to contact Melissa at vickerym@vasurgical.com. |
