Wound Care Nurse (FT)

Description

JOB PURPOSE: Coordinates treatment to provide comprehensive wound assessments and plan of care including goals, implementation of treatment, evaluation and outcomes for patients throughout the organization. Provides patient, family and staff education regarding wound management, prevention of pressure ulcers, support surfaces, dressing selections and other therapies. They are a resource person for physicians wound team and clinical staff. Participates in performance improvement plan of the organization. Any position that has direct patient care is considered to be safety sensitive by Avem Health Partners standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Ability to perform wound assessment, reassessment and management for all patients and per policy.
• Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology and disorders of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary and dermal systems.
• Utilizes principles of current wound management theory when providing care to patients with acute and chronic wounds.
• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of staging system of wounds.
• Develops skin care programs to prevent skin breakdown of patients.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skill to develop and implement policies and procedures to manage patients with draining wounds, fistulae and/or tubes; wound prevention, wound care, ostomy care and incontinence.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and the skills necessary to provide age appropriate care to the patient population served. Able to interpret data about the patient’s status to identify each patient’s age specific needs and provide care needed by the patient group.
• Ability to revise plan of care as indicated by the patient’s response to treatment and evaluate overall plan for effectiveness.
• Ability to adequately assess and reassess pain. Utilizes appropriate pain management techniques. Educates the patient and family regarding pain management.
• Demonstrates ability to perform treatments and provide services to level licensure.
• Formulates a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning, family is included in teaching as appropriate.
• Knowledgeable of medications and their correct administration based on age of the patient and clinical condition.
• Provides in-services on wound prevention, wound care, ostomy care and incontinence for the nursing staff.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to nurse managers, nursing staff, clinical coordinators, and physicians.
• Consults other healthcare professionals/departments as appropriate to provide interdisciplinary approach to the patient’s needs.
• Documentation meets current standards and practices.
• Integrates research findings to clinical practice.
• Attends continuing education classes in the areas of wound prevention, wound management and ostomies. Stays current with changes, new advances/treatment in wound care.
• Serves as a liaison between physicians, patients and manufacturers of clinical products.
• Operates all equipment correctly and safely.
• Coordinates and supervises patient care as necessary.
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• Inputs charges and enters documentation on all wound care patients into computer system in a timely manner to ensure compliance.
• Other duties as assigned within scope of practice.

BEHAVIORIAL STANDARDS:

• The individual must support the mission, vision, and goals of Avem Health Partners and serve as a role model within the company.
• Exhibit positive customer service behavior in every day work interactions.
• Demonstrate a courteous and respectful attitude to internal workforce and external customers.
• Communicate accurately and appropriately.
• Handle difficult situations in a discreet and professional manner.
• Hold self-accountable for professional practice.
• Interact and cope effectively with diverse populations in stressful situations resulting from trauma and illness.
• Participate in performance improvement activities utilizing principles to support and improve patient care.
• Demonstrate knowledge of unit goals and is active in committees and projects to achieve these goals.
• Keep current with literature regarding changing practices, interventions and best practices in patient care.
• Assume responsibility for seeking out educational and professional opportunities for personal learning needs and growth as well as meeting mandatory education requirements.
• Act as a preceptor as requested.
• Demonstrate excellent work attendance and attend and actively participate in a variety of meetings and training sessions as required.
• Adhere to the Avem Health Partners Code of Conduct and Standards of Behavior. Complies with established policies and procedures and all health and safety requirements.

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate of accredited school of nursing.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in wound care, medical/surgical, rehabilitation nursing.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE:

• Current RN or LPN license from the State of Oklahoma Board of Nursing

• Certified Wound Nurse (WCC) preferred.
• Current BLS (or obtained within 30 days of hire)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duties satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Such accommodations must be requested by the employee/applicant to be considered.
• This job requires visual abilities, auditory abilities, must be intact to perform duties.
• Individual must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Constant standing and walking is required.
• Frequent pushing, pulling, lifting, tugging, and reaching are required.
• Individual must have the physical strength and agility to position patients for a variety of examinations and procedures.

NRSA - Nurse Corps eligible
NRSA - STAR Program eligible

Qualifications