Registered Nurse (RN) - Wound Care

Registered Nurse (RN) – Wound Care Nurse

The Wound Care Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for the assessment, treatment, management, and prevention of wounds for residents in a skilled nursing and long-term care setting. The Wound Care RN collaborates with physicians, nursing staff, therapy, dietary services, and interdisciplinary team members to promote optimal wound healing, prevent skin breakdown, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and facility regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform comprehensive skin assessments on admission, weekly, and as clinically indicated.
• Assess, stage, document, and monitor all wounds including pressure injuries, surgical wounds, diabetic ulcers, venous ulcers, arterial ulcers, skin tears, and other complex wounds.
• Develop, implement, and update individualized wound care treatment plans.
• Perform wound treatments and dressing changes according to physician orders and evidence-based practice.
• Monitor wound healing progress and recommend treatment modifications when appropriate.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurse practitioners, and consulting wound specialists.
• Ensure timely documentation of wound assessments, measurements, photographs (per facility policy), and treatments in the electronic medical record.
• Participate in weekly wound rounds and interdisciplinary care conferences.
• Monitor residents for risk factors associated with skin breakdown and implement preventive interventions.
• Educate residents, families, and staff regarding wound prevention, skin care, pressure injury prevention, and treatment plans.
• Serve as a clinical resource for nursing staff regarding wound management.
• Assist with infection prevention practices related to wound care.
• Maintain adequate wound care supplies and assist with inventory management.
• Review and ensure compliance with facility policies, CMS regulations, state regulations, and infection control standards.
• Participate in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives related to wound care outcomes.
• Respond to changes in resident condition and communicate findings promptly to providers and leadership.
• Perform other nursing duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Qualifications:

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of employment.
• Minimum of one year of nursing experience required.
• Experience in long-term care, rehabilitation, or skilled nursing preferred.
• Wound care experience strongly preferred.
• Wound Care Certification (WCC, WOCN, or equivalent) preferred or willingness to obtain within an established timeframe.
• Current CPR/BLS certification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills.
• Knowledge of wound etiology, staging, treatment modalities, and prevention strategies.
• Familiarity with CMS regulations and documentation requirements.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with an interdisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and transfer up to 50 pounds with assistance when necessary.
• Ability to perform resident assessments and treatments requiring fine motor skills and manual dexterity.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time position.
• Monday through Friday.
• Day shift (40 hours per week).
• Weekend and holiday coverage as needed based on facility needs.