General Purpose
The Registered Nurse (RN) – Wound Care Nurse is a healthcare professional specializing in the care and management of patients with acute or chronic wounds. The Wound Care Nurse plays a pivotal role in promoting healing, preventing infection, and improving the overall quality of life for patients. This position includes assessing and evaluating wounds, developing and implementing individualized treatment plans, performing specialized wound care procedures, educating patients and families, and collaborating with the interdisciplinary care team to promote optimal outcomes for patients.
Responsibilities
Clinical Care & Wound Management
- Assess and evaluate patient wounds to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
- Develop and implement individualized wound care plans.
- Clean and dress wounds, ensuring sterile techniques are followed.
- Perform debridement and other wound care procedures as required.
- Conduct regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing and make necessary adjustments to care plans.
Monitoring & Documentation
- Monitor and document patient progress, updating treatment plans as necessary.
- Maintain accurate and complete wound assessments and treatment records.
Patient & Family Education
- Educate patients and their families on wound care best practices and infection prevention.
- Provide emotional support and education to patients and their families.
Collaboration & Coordination
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including physicians and other healthcare professionals, to optimize patient care.
- Stay updated with the latest wound care research, techniques, and products.
- Manage wound care supplies and ensure their availability.
Compliance & Safety
- Adhere to all healthcare regulations and safety standards.
Qualifications
- Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) or equivalent certification.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Experience in wound care nursing or a related field.
- Advanced knowledge of wound care treatments and technologies.
- Strong clinical assessment skills.
- Ability to perform wound care procedures, including debridement.
- Proficiency in wound assessment and documentation.
- Experience in patient education and support.
- Leadership skills for training and mentoring junior staff.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Attention to detail.
- Commitment to continuous education and training in wound care.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.
- Ability to lift, push, pull, or assist with moving residents and equipment (up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance).
- Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to assess resident conditions and read medical documentation.
- Manual dexterity required to administer medications, perform treatments, and operate medical equipment.
- Ability to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
- Direct of indirect exposure to residents with medical conditions or communicable illnesses.
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to infection-control protocols.
- Work performed in a healthcare or long-term care environment.
Disclaimer
Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.
