Wound Care Nurse

WOUND CARE NURSE OVERVIEW:

The primary purpose of your job position is to provide primary skin care to residents under the medical direction and supervision of the residents’ attending physicians, the Director of Nursing Services, or the Medical Director of the facility, with an emphasis on treatment and therapy of skin disorders. You will also assist in modifying the treatment regimen to meet the physical and psychosocial needs of the resident, in accordance with established medical practices and the requirements of this state and the policies and goals of this facility.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a current, unencumbered, active license to practice as an LPN/RN in this state.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age-related needs of the residents served.
• Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of teamwork and team concept.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
• Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to long-term care.
• Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.
• Must possess the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies and procedures, etc., that are necessary for providing quality care.
• Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as the willingness to handle difficult residents.
• Must be willing to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing nursing practices.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works in office area(s) as well as throughout the nursing service area (i.e., drug rooms, nurses’ stations, resident rooms, etc.).
• Moves intermittently during working hours.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• Communicates with the medical staff, nursing personnel, and other department directors.
• Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary.
• Is subject to call back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).
• Is involved in community/civic health matters/projects as appropriate.
• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.
• Maintains a liaison with the residents, their families, support departments, etc., to adequately plan for the residents’ needs.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION CRITERIA:

• Confers with the Director of Nursing and/or other licensed nursing personnel regarding dermatologic disorders of residents in the facility.
• Examines the resident and his/her records and charts, and discriminate between normal and abnormal findings, in order to recognize when to refer the resident to a physician for evaluation, supervision, or directions.
• Inspects all new admissions for any skin care issues and initiate wound documentation forms as needed.
• Documents in the resident record any wound inspection results.
• Distributes wound care logs weekly, as directed by the Director of Nursing, for Standard of Care meetings, and MDS staff.
• Identifies, manages, and treats decubitus ulcers and other wounds as determined by the wound care team.
• Provides, within established protocols and under the supervision of the physician, treatment for decubitus Ulcers and other wounds as determined by the wound Care team as directed by the attending physician or Medical Director.
• Ensures that patients with pain are pre-medicated prior to wound care.
• Maintains the confidentiality of all resident care information including protected health information. Report known or suspected incidents of unauthorized disclosure of such information.
• Ensures that residents with decubitus ulcers receive appropriate prophylaxis and treatment, such as, turning and activity, a well-planned diet, and maintaining a clean, dry bed.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Must possess, as a minimum, a Nursing Degree from an accredited college or university, or be a graduate of an approved LPN/RN program.
• Must have, as a minimum, two (2) years of experience as an LPN/RN.
• RN is preferred.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS (WITH OR WITHOUT THE AID OF MECHANICAL DEVICES):

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to ensure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must function independently, and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility, which include a medical and physical examination.
• Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times hostile people within the facility.
• Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.
• May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.