II. POSITION SUMMARY:

The Wound Care Nurse is a specialized position that is designed specifically to assist with treating and managing patient’s wounds. Under the direction and supervision of the Chief Nursing Officer, Wound Care Nurse responsibilities include assisting with coordination of treatment goals, implementation of treatment, and evaluation of clinical outcomes for patients throughout the organization. Additional responsibilities include providing patient, family, and staff education regarding would management, prevention of pressure ulcers, support surfaces, dressing selections, and other would management therapies. This position report to the Chief Nursing Officer or his/her designee.

III. RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serves as an active participant in departmental, interdepartmental, multi-department or house-wide process improvement forums/task forces/committees.
• Offers and implements solutions to challenges/problems.
• Participates in departmental activities / projects and contributes recommendations and/or assists in implementing new or revised processes/procedures that improve work efficiency and/or enhanced service.
• Participates in activities that contribute to professional growth and development in ways that enhance value to the organization.
• Utilizes competent interpersonal skills and conflict resolution techniques.
• Role models and fosters high quality and continuous excellence in patient care delivery.
• Promotes an environment in which the patient care team is motivated to work cooperatively toward common outcomes.
• Precepts new hires and nursing staff to perform evidence-based practice wound care practice.
• Actively participates in hospital wound care management and performance improvement councils and other patient care and safety committees/task forces as assigned.

IV. ESSENTUAL FUNCTIONS

Under the direction and supervision of the Chief Nursing Officer, the Wound Care Nurse is responsible for the following responsibilities:

• 
  Assist with evaluating the skin of new admission and existing patients’ to prevent the onset of pressure ulcers.
• Apply medicated salves/ointments and provide other treatments as ordered to patient wounds.
• Educate patients about evidence-based care of surgical incisions and stomas.
• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of staging wounds. Stages wounds according to hospital protocol.
• Provide wound care treatment according to physician orders.
• Collaborate with physicians and nursing staff to provide evidenced based wound care treatment plans for patients.
• Educate patients and families on skin and
• Take photos of the wound and assist nursing staff and physicians with determining a treatment plan.
• Assist with the evaluation of wounds, monitor patients for wound infections, and clean wounds as needed.
• Ensure skin and wound photos are taken according to hospital protocol.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the anatomy and physiology and disorders of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and dermal systems.
• Utilizes principles of current wound management theory when providing care to patients with acute and chronic wounds.
• Knowledgeable of surgical procedures and postoperative course of patients undergoing bowel surgery and wound debridements.
• Ability to adequately evaluate and re-evaluate pain. Utilizes appropriate pain management techniques. Educates the patient and family regarding pain management.
• Demonstrates ability to perform treatments and provide services within the scope of licensure.
• Provides education to all patients undergoing surgery that result in an ostomy. Assist with performing pre-operative and post-operative patient/family education evaluations.
• Knowledgeable of medications and their correct administration based on age of the patient and clinical condition.
• 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.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to department manager/director, nurse managers, nurse directors, nursing staff, and physicians.

20. Consults other healthcare professionals as appropriate to provide interdisciplinary approach to the patient’s needs.

21. Documentation meets current wound management standards and practices.

22. Operates all patient care equipment correctly and safely.

23. Demonstrates the ability to be flexible, organized, and functions under challenging/stressful situations.

24. Documents all wound care and treatments in patients’ medical record according to hospital protocol.

25. Perform other work responsibilities/duties/tasks as assigned.

V. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Is a Licensed Vocational Nurse in the State of California, with a minimum of two years skilled nursing or acute care primary nursing experience. Certified Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse (CWOCN) or Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) preferred. BCLS.

VI. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical Activity – Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for light to medium work.

Working Hazards or Risks – routine hazards and risks involved in performing nursing activities, including potential exposure to infectious processes, potential exposure to hazardous substance, potential musculoskeletal injuries.

OSHA Blood Borne Risk Category I.