Reports to the Wound Care Clinical Coordinator. Provides professional nursing wound care in support of medical care as directed by the physician. Prepares patients for examinations and wound treatment, preps wounds for debridement, takes vitals as indicated, takes pre-and post-debridement photographs, assists physician in all aspects of care and completes dressing changes to include negative pressure wound therapy. Communicates with patients and physicians routinely in a courteous manner. Performs other activities necessary to the operation of the clinic.
MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS
- MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
- VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
- SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.
Provides professional nursing care for wound patients and assists physician in all aspects of care following established standards and practices by:
- Performing general nursing care to patients and administering prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with nursing standards.
- Checking rooms for supplies, preparing equipment and assisting physician during treatment, examination, and testing of patients.
- Maintaining orderly and timely flow of patients; ensuring preferences are given to patients in emergency situations.
- Greeting patients and preparing them for examination/treatment and taking basic history, obtaining vital signs, and collecting specimens (cultures, etc.) as indicated.
- Scheduling patient testing, admissions, and referrals and providing patients pretesting instructions.
- Maintaining and reviewing patient records and charts, posting test results after review by physician, tracking test results. Informing patient of test results and recommendations. Charting all phone calls, advice, and other contact with patients.
- Responding to and referring incoming phone calls (nursing home, pharmacy, patient, etc.). Calling in prescriptions and/or orders to hospital at direction of or upon physician's order. Advising patient under doctor's supervision. Instructing patient and family regarding medications and treatment instructions.
- Completing HMO referral forms; transmitting information to insurance companies for preadmission screening or utilization review.
- Assisting in patient education as needed, i.e., insulin teaching, self-wound care, home blood pressure monitoring, etc.
- Assisting doctor in billing for hospital services, turning in charges.
Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:
- Preparing and maintaining trays or carts for wound procedures.
- Ensuring proper consent forms are completed and signed prior to procedures or surgeries.
- Maintaining cleanliness of exam rooms, proper clean-up of spills with special attention to body fluid precautions and contaminated waste per OSHA guidelines; following universal precautions.
- Informing proper personnel when medications and supplies need to be ordered.
- Completing other job-related duties and projects as assigned.
ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:
- Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
- Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
- Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
- Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
- Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR), and other certifications as required by position/department.
- Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
- Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
- Complies with established organization and department policies.
- Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.
Education and Experience:
- The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through successful completion of a nursing program from an accredited school of nursing. A current license to practice as a Registered Nurse. CPR certification, and one year of related nursing experience is preferred. One year of medical office nursing experience is preferred.
Knowledge & Skills:
- Requires comprehensive knowledge of professional nursing theory and practice to provide and evaluate patient care and competency in performing nursing care procedures, observations, treatments, and techniques used at the clinic.
- Requires knowledge of medical equipment and instruments to administer patient care and knowledge of common safety hazards and universal precautions to establish a safe working environment.
- Requires analytical ability to identify patient problems, interpret data, and to assess patient conditions.
- Demonstrates ability to communicate, both verbally and in writing, in a clear and concise manner.
- Demonstrates high level interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members, medical staff, patients, family, and the public.
- Requires the ability to work independently, take initiative and be self-motivated.
Working Conditions:
- Works in a clinic environment with frequent exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, bodily fluids, and blood borne pathogens.
Physical Demands:
- Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e. to walk/stand for prolonged periods of time, push carts/wheelchairs up to 50 pounds, to position/lift patients at a maximum of 35 pounds unassisted, over 35 pounds requires assistance, provide CPR, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position.
