REGISTERED NURSE (RN) - WOUND CARE CLINIC (PT)

JOB TITLE: Registered Nurse – Wound Care
DEPARTMENT: OP Wound Care Clinic
REPORTS TO: Practice Manager/ Clinical Nursing Director/ Physician Clinics Director

JOB SUMMARY
The RN coordinates treatment to provide comprehensive wound assessments and plan of care including goals, implementation of treatment, evaluation and outcomes for patients throughout the organization. They provide 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. Additionally, they can perform general nursing duties in all departments with adequate supervision. The RN participates in performance improvement plans 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. They must 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. They must be able to provide the care needed as described in the unit's/areas/department's policies and procedures.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
Graduate of an accredited school of nursing with current Wyoming licensure as a Registered Professional nurse. Prefer Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

EXPERIENCE
Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in medical/surgical. Certified Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse (CWOCN) or Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) preferred.

SKILLS

• Must possess a high degree of confidentiality in all matters with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations with tact, professionalism, and diplomacy.
• Knowledge of medical/surgical nursing principles.
• Knowledge of aseptic technique and infection control principles.
• Able to perform effectively in highly stressful situations.
• 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.
• Effective computer and keyboarding skills.
• Must have ability to learn and use Microsoft Office Suite products including Word and Outlook.
• Ability to learn new computer software applications.
• Able to serve as an example to other employees.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
BLS (AHA)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Ability to perform wound assessment, reassessment and management for all patients and per policy. This includes neonate, pediatric, geriatric, and the general population.
• Knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, and disorders of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary and dermal systems.
• Utilize principles of current wound management theory when providing care to patients with acute and chronic wounds.
• Demonstrate thorough knowledge of the staging system of wounds.
• Provide case management in the Wound Care Clinic to provide specific assessments according to protocols and procedures. Clinical competence in procedural skills, treatments and patient/caregiver education related to wound care management and act as a patient advocate in delivery and coordination of patient care.
• Provide efficient and effective care with the guidance of the physician during the clinic sessions and attend the clinics where scheduled. Able to manage a number of patients at the same time.
• Collaborate with other health care providers, wound care center physicians, program director and medical director, regarding clinic and patient needs.
• Knowledgeable of surgical procedures and postoperative course of patients undergoing bowel surgery.
• Demonstrate 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.
• Able to interpret data about the patient’s status to identify each patients age specific needs and provide care needed by the patient group.
• Ability to revise the 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. Educate the patient and family regarding pain management.
• Demonstrate ability to perform treatments and provide services to level licensure.
• Formulate a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and evaluate effectiveness of learning, family is included in teaching as appropriate.
• Provide education to all patients undergoing surgery that results in an ostomy. Provide pre- and post-op assessments and patient/family education.
• Knowledgeable of medications and their correct administration based on age of the patient and clinical condition.
• A resource person to physicians, nursing and other hospital staff. Provide in-services on wound prevention, wound care, ostomy care and incontinence for the nursing staff.
• Consult other healthcare professionals/departments as appropriate to provide interdisciplinary approach to the patient’s needs.
• Documentation meets current standards and practices.
• Attend seminars, conferences, continuing education classes in the areas of wound prevention, wound management and ostomies. Participate in professional societies. Stay current with changes, new advances/treatment in wound care.
• Serve as a liaison between physicians, patients and manufacturers of clinical products.
• Knowledgeable of the clinical products currently available on the market. Meet with sales representatives, evaluate products; make recommendations for products/equipment.
• Operate all equipment correctly and safely.
• Coordinate and supervise patient care as necessary.
• Demonstrate an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• Is accountable for the oversight of the clinical practice, outcomes and success of the wound care center.
• Input charges and enters documentation on all wound care patients into computer system in a timely manner to ensure compliance.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS
As assigned within scope and clearance