RN - PCU

Wound and Ostomy Registered Nurse

The Wound and Ostomy RN is responsible for providing direct and indirect patient care in inpatient care areas. The RN is expected to competently perform the patient care responsibilities within the assigned work setting. Responsibilities include the systematic collection and assessment of data in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team to provide therapeutic care for the patient and/or family. The RN performs all required elements of a nursing assessment, functional assessment, and utilization of patient/family specific assessments as required. The RN considers factors related to safety, effectiveness, and cost in planning and delivering care. The RN's decisions and actions on behalf of patients are determined in an ethical manner. Care is provided in collaboration with other nursing staff members. The RN delegates and supervises care in accordance with nurse practice acts and the professional nursing role. The Wound and Ostomy RN establishes satisfactory interpersonal relationships with co-workers, colleagues, patients, families, and significant others. The RN provides wound and ostomy nursing care while demonstrating expertise in the nursing process through the provision of nursing care. The RN provides direct care in the hospital. They systematically assess the needs of the patient through interviews, observations, and physical examinations. Securing information about the medical plan of care and previous healthcare experience is also essential. The RN notes progress in meeting defined outcomes on the multidisciplinary plan of care. They plan and organize individual nursing care for an identified group of patients. The RN administers individual nursing care, independently applying both simple and complex techniques and processes that are specific to the needs of the patient. The RN evaluates the nursing care administered to patients by self and delegates care in accordance with nurse practice acts and care guidelines. Patient responses to prescribed interventions are evaluated and documented. They complete delegated patient and family teaching, including information about unit policies, procedures, and provisions for self-care and participation in decision-making. The RN elicits patient and family participation in care in keeping with physiological and psychological readiness. Instruction is provided to the patient and/or family on topics such as disease process, risk factors, and prevention of complications. The RN anticipates potential nursing and/or medical problems and initiates preventive measures. They assess the nutritional status of patients and communicate with the healthcare team. The RN reports patient and family progress in meeting defined outcomes to physicians and members of other healthcare disciplines. They skillfully use the range of equipment, medicines, and other modalities relevant to the assigned work area. The RN possesses knowledge of the principles of growth and development for the appropriate age groups. They demonstrate the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status in relation to the appropriate age groups. The RN is expected to effectively communicate in English, both verbally and in writing. Good interpersonal and communication skills are essential in this role. Physical demands involve standing, walking, sitting, talking, hearing, and bending. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions without compromising patient care. The position requires the RN to assist with assessments, interventions, and evaluations for patients with wound or ostomy problems. Activities include dressing changes and assisting with Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC) devices. The RN implements plans of care created by the Wound and Ostomy RN and assists in managing pressure injuries and other wound/skin problems. The role also involves participation in quality improvement and clinician education activities related to wounds and skin care.