The Wound Care RN is responsible for identifying the patient's alterations in health, assessing the patient's human response to actual and potential health problems, implementing nursing interventions based on theoretical concepts from nursing and other arts and sciences to achieve desired outcomes for the patient that facilitate resolution of alterations in health and actual and potential health problems. The RN determines the effectiveness of nursing interventions by evaluating outcomes in relation to evidence-based interventions. This position functions within the scope and standards of nursing as defined by the American Nurses Association and the Nurse Practice Act of Virginia.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

These duties and responsibilities described below represent the general tasks performed on a daily basis. Any other duties as needed to drive to the vision fulfill the mission and abide by the values of the organization.

• Attend required hospital-wide orientations, meetings, and in-services
• Demonstrate a commitment to flexible work scheduling when necessary to ensure patient care
• Completes comprehensive assessment based on admission nursing history and appropriate standards of care/protocols
• Collects, gathers available data, makes knowledgeable interpretations and appropriate nursing diagnosis.
• Routinely utilizes this plan as the basis for nursing care and documentation
• Plans, provides, and documents individual patient/family teaching and evaluates understanding.
• Initiates and implements plan for discharge upon admission
• Organizes and reprioritizes work based on staff needs, patients’ needs, available resources, and department requirements
• Functions independently with most procedures/protocols and those which require assisting a physician
• Documents patient care per hospital protocol
• Fosters team spirit with assigned work area
• Contributes to reduction of infections and adheres to infection control guidelines
• Initiates and participates in quality improvement activities
• Provides patient education to patients undergoing ostomy surgery, specifically including preoperative and perioperative needs
• Determine the appropriate site for stoma placement, considering patients anatomical markings, physical capabilities, and lifestyle
• Provide appropriate written information to patients and staff, including postoperative and discharge instructions, referrals, and supply needs
• Utilizes current national guidelines to develop and implement procedures and protocols related to care of patients with colon disorders resulting in the need for an ostomy and altered skin integrity
• Serve as a resource for patients after discharge through telephone consultation and outpatient service
• Assist the nursing and medical staff in maintaining current knowledge and competence in ostomy, wound management, and skin care
• Provide consultation and direct assistance to nursing staff on issues related to patients and altered skin integrity
• Recommend standards for selection of cost-effective supplies and equipment for wound and ostomy disorders
• Maintain and submit required activity and statistical reports to Manager of Nursing Support Teams

Education and Experience

Minimum Required Education: Successful completion of a Registered Nursing Program

Preferred Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Experience: One or more years in the hospital setting is preferred. Wound care experience preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Applicant must be licensed to work as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Virginia and must hold a current BLS certification; ACLS Required within 120 days; WOCN certification preferred or achieved within 6 months of hire.