Job Description
Job Description
Description :
Job Title : Wound Care Nurse
Department : Nursing
Location : Altus Lumberton Hospital
Reports To : Director of Nursing
Job Summary :
The Wound Care Nurse is responsible for assessing, treating, and managing patients with various types of wounds, including pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, surgical wounds, and other chronic or acute wounds. The nurse will apply advanced wound care techniques and collaborate with the healthcare team to develop and implement individualized care plans aimed at promoting healing and preventing further complications.
Key Responsibilities :
- Perform detailed wound assessments, including documenting wound type, size, depth, and characteristics of the wound bed.
- Determine appropriate treatment plans based on wound assessment, patient history, and best practices in wound care.
- Apply wound care treatments, including dressings, debridement, and other advanced therapies (e.g., negative pressure wound therapy, bioengineered tissue products).
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of wound treatments, adjusting plans as needed.
- Educate patients and their families about wound care techniques, proper dressing changes, and hygiene to ensure optimal healing.
- Provide guidance on lifestyle changes, nutrition, and other factors that can influence wound healing (e.g., smoking cessation, diabetes management).
- Offer emotional support and address concerns related to pain management, scarring, and the impact of wounds on daily life.
- Work closely with physicians, other nurses, and multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care and provide updates on wound healing progress.
- Collaborate with dietitians, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care for patients with complex needs.
- Participate in team meetings to discuss patient cases, treatment options, and progress.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of wound care assessments, treatments, and patient responses in the medical records.
- Ensure that all wound care activities are documented per hospital or clinic policies and regulatory standards.
- Prepare reports and summaries for physicians or case managers as required.
- Adhere to infection control protocols to prevent wound infections, including proper hand hygiene, aseptic techniques, and use of sterile equipment.
- Monitor for signs of infection in wounds and report concerns to the appropriate medical team members promptly.
- Stay current with the latest research, technologies, and best practices in wound care to improve patient outcomes.
- Attend wound care seminars, conferences, or continuing education opportunities to maintain certification and knowledge.
- Assist in the development and implementation of wound care protocols, policies, and procedures.
- Assess and manage pain related to wounds, using both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches.
- Provide patients with strategies for managing pain associated with wound care treatments.
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives related to wound care, including tracking wound healing rates and patient satisfaction.
- Monitor patient outcomes to identify trends and opportunities for improving care delivery.
- Some Wound Care Nurses may be required to be on call for emergency wound care, especially in hospital settings.
Requirements : Qualifications :
Education :Ø Registered Nurse (RN) with an active, unencumbered license to practice in the state.
Ø Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is preferred.
Experience :Ø At least 2-3 years of clinical nursing experience, with a strong preference for experience in wound care, dermatology, or a related field.
Ø Experience in the use of advanced wound care treatments, including but not limited to, negative pressure wound therapy, bioactive dressings, and compression therapy.
Certifications :Ø Wound Care Certification (e.g., Certified Wound Care Nurse - CWCN) is preferred.
Ø Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required; Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) may be required in some settings.
Skills :Ø Strong knowledge of wound care principles, techniques, and treatment modalities.
Ø Ability to assess and document wounds accurately.
Ø Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Ø Compassionate communication and the ability to educate patients and families effectively.
Ø Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
Ø Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
Preferred Attributes :
Passion for helping patients achieve optimal health outcomes, especially those with complex, chronic wounds.Ability to stay calm and focused on high-pressure situations.Interest in continuing education and professional development in wound care.Work Environment :
Work in a comfortable indoor area.Some evening, weekend, or on-call shifts may be required.Ability to lift, move, and position patients as needed.