Wound Care Therapist - PT or RN - Part Time

Wound Care Therapist

The Wound Care Therapist practices wound care within the scope of practice of physical therapy or nursing, which is defined as the evaluation, treatment and/or prevention of disability, injury, disease, or other conditions of health, using physical, chemical and/or mechanical means, including but not limited to heat, cold, light, air, water, sound, electricity, massage, mobilization, and therapeutic exercise, with and without assistive devices;

the performance and interpretation of tests and measurements to assess pathophysiological, pathomechanical, and developmental deficits of human systems to determine treatment and assist in diagnosis and prognosis.

Understands and adheres to the WPH Performance Standards, Policies and Behaviors

Performs wound care for both in- and outpatients within the applicable physical therapy or nursing scope of practice, whichever is applicable.

For Physical Therapists (PT):
Perform wound care either under a physician plan of care or a physical therapy plan of care (as applicable), which requires an order and includes an evaluation, with or without physical therapy evaluations, and treatment procedures upon physician's referral for inpatients on the hospital units and in the Wound Care Center, as well as for outpatients in the Wound Care Center.

For Registered Nurses (RN):
Diagnose and treat human responses to actual or potential health problems through such services as case finding, health teaching, health counseling and providing care supportive to or restorative of life and well-being. RNs also execute medical regimens prescribed by a licensed physician, dentist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, specialist assistant, midwife or podiatrist in accordance with New York State Education Department regulations.

A nursing regimen must be consistent with any existing medical regimen. RNs practice under the supervision of a physician, nurse practitioner, or podiatrist. RNs will: assess patients, identify unmet patient needs and plan comprehensive care to meet those needs in relation to the patient's illness, condition or disability;
Identify unidentified co-morbidities or emergent complications and intervenes solely and also with health care team members to initiate additional exploration and treatment; coordinate care with other health care providers such as respiratory therapists, social workers, physicians, nurse practitioners, dieticians and discharge planners; and provides patient care (i.e., administer medication, and perform nursing interventions).

Works collaboratively with Wound Care Center staff, including physicians, nurse practitioners, hospital nurses, Ostomy/Wound nurses, home care nurses, and technicians to promote interdisciplinary care.

Supports physician and nurse practitioner staff with wound care procedures both in the Wound Care Center and at the bedside in inpatient units, including surgical debridement, incision and drainage, aspirations, etc. Removes dressings and cleanses wounds.

Applies topical medications to wounds with a physician or nurse practitioner order.

Performs debridement of devitalized tissue from wounds, without anesthesia, including sharp selective debridement with high-pressure waterjet, scissors, scalpel and forceps with referral from a physician or nurse practitioner.

Applies wound dressings and bandaging, including compressive wrapping, negative pressure wound therapy, etc.

Adheres to hospital infection control policies.

Carries out regular assessment/re-evaluations, develops plans of treatment, modifies treatment plans/programs as necessary; determines rehabilitation potential and participates in discharge planning for wound care patients.

Documents comprehensive wound assessments, including drainage, color, texture, temperature, vascularity, condition of surrounding tissue, and size of the area to be targeted for debridement as needed.

Notes possible need for patients to receive other services (surgical or infectious disease consultation, PT, OT, etc.). Discusses needs with other professionals and physicians.

Knows and utilizes varied treatment techniques and skills for the problems / disabilities encountered.

Keeps up-to-date records of each patient's treatment and progress, and assigns appropriate billing codes for services rendered.

Responsible for scheduling of patients' sessions and arranges for transfer of duties in the event of absence.

Instructs patients in the use and care of PT related equipment and apparatus, such as wheelchair, braces, canes, crutches, walkers, prosthetics and orthotics (as applicable).

Directs and supervises the activities of Wound Care Technicians, students, and volunteers.

Maintains department equipment; reports defects or problems immediately to supervisor or appropriate department i.e. Biomed, Engineering.

Consults with other health related departments (i.e. nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, etc.) to coordinate therapeutic programs and maintains communication with physicians and…