Registered Nurse; RN -Wound

Under the supervision of the Wound Care Manager, assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates care of patients with wounds, ostomies and continence disorders. This includes complex draining wounds, fistula, pressure ulcers, incontinence, and ostomies. The Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse ensures prompt, efficient, and effective patient care and appropriate delegation of related clerical and program support activities.

The following are essential job accountabilities:

• Supports the Wound, Ostomy, Continence Care Manager in the development and implementation of the WOCN Program to meet the needs of patients and community.
• Guides and collaborates with the nursing staff, medical staff, patient, family and other members of the health team to assess, plan, implement, evaluate, and improve the nursing needs of patients with Wounds, Ostomies, fistulas, drains or altered skin integrity including physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
• Assesses the nursing and medical staff’s educational needs and collaborates with the Wound, Ostomy, Continence Care Manager to develop, implement, and conduct a variety of teaching programs regarding WOCN needs. Provides resources to clinical preceptors to enhance the learning process during clinical orientation/rotation.
• Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates the plan of care for continuity of care in collaboration with the medical staff, nursing staff, social worker, and other health care teams, including care after discharge. Evaluates patients’ response to treatments and initiates alternative treatment approach, when indicated.
• Assesses physical, emotional and social factors that may affect the patient’s rehabilitation.
• Functions as a consultant to the staff for patients with complex draining wounds, fistulas, pressure ulcers, and skin problems related to fecal and urinary incontinence.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, nursing leadership meetings, hospital-wide committee (Infection Control and QI), and maintaining high level of competence in WOCN specialty.
• Verbalizes and/or demonstrates knowledge of clinical information and practices essential to provide age-specific care for the infants through the geriatric population.
• Develops and administers departmental standards of performance, policies and procedures.
• Assists in making purchasing recommendations for ostomy and wound care supplies.
• Assists in planning and implementing program, staffing, supervision and program development.
• Assists in developing and implementing a program of professional and community contacts.
• Assists in developing and implementing professional growth activities for all staff.
• Maintains an effective liaison with physicians and other hospital personnel.
• Maintains open lines of communication between Department Staff, Administration and other departments of the hospital.
• Acts as a resource for staff regarding the contents of applicable professional codes, SRRMC/Tenet employee handbooks, and departmental P&P and hospital policies.
• Maintains current competence and skill levels required for work areas.
• Adheres to policies and practices of applicable professional organizations.
• Demonstrates knowledge of criteria/accreditation standards (JCAHO, CARF, CHFA, ETC) and assists with survey preparation as assigned.
• Assists the Wound, Ostomy, Continence Care Manager in orientation of new staff.
• Maintains accurate records, reports and statistics as assigned.
• Cooperates with other personnel in a positive manner to achieve departmental and interdepartmental objectives and maintains good employee relations.
• Demonstrates responsibility for cost containment, conservation of supplies and equipment, as well as other organizational resources.
• Demonstrates sensitivity to patient’s comfort and privacy. Adapts approaches based on recognized cultural and religious diversity.
• Participates in Pre-Admission screening as required and completes according to policy and procedures.

• Graduate of an accredited RN Program
• BSN and Wound, Ostomy and Continence Certification, and experience preferred
• Minimum of one (1) years experience in an acute clinical nursing…