RN-STAFF - Wound Ostomy

The Inpatient Wound Care Nurse will provide clinical oversight and coordination for inpatient wound care services. Consultation, educational support and staff development activities that provide the bedside nurse with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to manage wounds will be critical to the success of this position. In addition, the wound care nurse may provide consultative and educational services to patients and their family members to assist them in the management of their individual wound care needs. Ultimate responsibility and accountability for day to day patient care will continue to rest with the individual nurse responsible for the patient, unit based resource nurses and the Nurse Manager of each unit. The Wound Care Nurse will also serve as a resource to the hospital regarding: -National Patient Safety Goals related to pressure ulcers. -Cost effective, appropriate utilization of wound care dressings, supplies, and pressure reduction specialty beds.

Adheres to established medical/nursing practice standards and hospital policies and procedures.
Provide clinical support and coordination for inpatient wound care services on a consultative basis.
Provide wound care consultations and educational support to inpatients and their family regarding wound care management.
Facilitate and coordinate consultations by specially trained wound care physicians as necessary.
Participate in nursing orientation with a focus on basic skin and wound care, skin assessment, documentation and prevention of skin breakdown.
Develop and provide staff training to develop wound care skills for the bedside nurses, as necessary.
Participate in annual nurse competency assessment regarding skin and wound care.
Coach bedside nurses as needed, in using advanced wound care therapies.
Works with Manager in the review and revision process for hospital policies and procedures relating to wound care.
Initiate referrals as appropriate to assure continuity of care across inpatient and outpatient service lines
Coordinate the appropriate use of specialty beds using criteria approved by the hospital.
Participate in risk management/performance improvement activities aimed at reducing the incidence and severity of hospital acquired pressure ulcers, including but not limited to completion of incidence and prevalence studies on high risk patient care units.
Assists Manager in the review and selection of all specialty supplies, dressings, and materials for wound care to facilitate cost effective utilization and compliance with vendor contracts.
Participate in discharge planning meetings on units managing patients with wounds. 15. Assists Manager as needed with staff education in skin and wound care management. 16. Ensures documentation and charges are entered in the medical record in a timely manner. 17. Assists Manager in daily charge reconciliation. 18. Focuses Annual Continuing Education Hours in area of expertise. 19. Willing to complete a wound care certification and/or complete additional casework through a nationally recognized certifying board if deemed necessary by the Department Manager or Director. 20. Participates in the Quarterly Wound Healing Center panel meetings.
Responsible for the provision of routine ostomy care and collaborates with and functions under the direction of the supervising Certified Wound Ostomy and Continence Nurse
Evaluates and manages common peristomal and/or stomal complications and refers patients with complex problems to a Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse or other healthcare provider.
Manages percutaneous tubes and fistulas
Provides individualized education to team members, caregivers and patients with percutaneous tubes, fistulas, and ostomies.

Valid Alabama or MSL RN license. BLS required

1 year experience in acute care and/or wound care preferred.