What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wound Care Nurse position at Loretto Hospital?
SUMMARY
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. Is a resource person for physicians wound team and clinical staff. Additionally, is able to perform general nursing duties in all departments with adequate supervision. Participates in performance improvement plan of the organization.
The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the unit's/area's/department's policies and procedures.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned
1. Ability to perform wound assessment, reassessment and management for all patients and per policy.
2. Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology and disorders of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary and dermal systems
3. Utilizes principles of current wound management theory when providing care to patients with acute and chronic wounds
4. Demonstrates thorough knowledge of staging system of wounds
5. Develops skin care programs to prevent skin breakdown of patients
6. Knowledgeable of surgical procedures and postoperative course of patients undergoing bowel surgery
7. 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
8. 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 in order to identify each patients age specific needs and provide care needed by the patient group
9. Ability to revise plan of care as indicated by the patient’s response to treatment and evaluate overall plan for effectiveness
10. Ability to adequately assess and reassess pain. Utilizes appropriate pain management techniques. Educates the patient and family regarding pain management
11. Demonstrates ability to perform treatments and provide services to level licensure
12. Formulates a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning, family is included in teaching as appropriate
13. Provides education to all patients undergoing surgery that result in an ostomy. Provides pre and post-op assessments and patient/family education
14. Knowledgeable of medications and their correct administration based on age of the patient and clinical condition
15. Is a resource person to physicians, nursing, and other hospital staff. Provides in-services on wound prevention, wound care, ostomy care and incontinence for the nursing staff
16. Communicates appropriately and clearly to nurse managers, nursing staff and physicians
17. Consults other healthcare professionals/departments as appropriate to provide interdisciplinary approach to the patient’s needs
18. Documentation meets current standards and practices
19. Integrates research findings to clinical practice
20. Attends seminars, conferences, continuing education classes in the areas of wound prevention, wound management and ostomies. Participates in professional societies. Stays current with changes, new advances/treatment in wound care
21. Serves as a liaison between physicians, patients and manufacturers of clinical products
22. Knowledgeable of the clinical products currently available on the market Meets with sales representatives, evaluates products; makes recommendations for products/equipment
23. Operates all equipment correctly and safely
24. Coordinates and supervises patient care as necessary
25. Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
26. Inputs charges and enters documentation on all wound care patients into computer system in a timely
manner to ensure compliance.
COMPLIANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
SKILLS: Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in medical/surgical, rehabilitation nursing. Certified Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse (CWOCN) or Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) required. Must be a VOHRA Wound Certified Nurse.
Must be well motivated, organized and able to prioritize multiple tasks. Must be able to interact effectively with a wide variety of people. Excellent communication skills. Able to serve as an example to other employees. Must be a VOHRA Wound Certified Nurse.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Works in clean, well-lighted, heated and air-conditioned area. Exposure to unpleasant sights, smells and infectious diseases possible.
Credential(s) Required:
- Graduate of an accredited school of nursing with current Illinois licensure as a Registered Professional nurse or a Licensed Practical Nurse. Prefer Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
- Critical care or ED course preferred.
- Critical Care experience preferred. Current Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Crisis Prevention Intervention certification preferred.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the personnel so classified.
For purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, “Job Duties” are essential job functions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Work requires the ability to walk throughout the hospital and to be standing or walking most of the designated shift. The individual must be able to lift or carry objects 35-40lbs. and lifting and positioning patients, some of whom may exceed 300lbs. The ability to use systems to document, retrieve data or analyze reports is required.
