RN Wound Care PD

Position Summary Under the supervision of Professional practice and Education Director, wound care serves as a clinical resource to MLKCH staff on issues pertaining to patients with wounds, pressure ulcers, ostomies, fistulas, and incontinence. Provides direct patient care for evaluation and education purposes. Establishes and maintains practice standards and provides ongoing staff education. The Wound Care Nurse demonstrates a high degree of professional competence in a specialized field of nursing and utilizes advanced theoretical and empirical knowledge and a scientific approach to problem solving. The Wound Care Nurse establishes standards for patient care and evaluates interventions to improve care. Emphasis on the role components is dependent upon the patient population and the clinical and administrative functions/needs of the unit, Department of Professional practice and Education. The Wound Care Nurse Job is defined by the scope and depth of practice as required by a specific group of patients. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: pre‑ and post‑operative incision assessment, consultation, education, prosthesis/supply acquisition, counseling as indicated, and coordination of referrals to community health agencies for post‑hospitalization care. Additional responsibilities include program development and implementation, development/revision of standards and guidelines, selection and usage oversight of wound, ostomy, and skin care supplies and sleep surfaces in Materials Management, and active participation in Quality Improvement projects. The position is hospital wide, population based rather than unit based. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Develops, facilitates and coordinates a cost effective wound care/ostomy care program. Develops protocols & practice standards for managing patients with wound/ostomy and incontinence care needs. Monitors patient outcomes on an ongoing basis. Works with the Clinical Educator/Quality Services Manager on the development of education programs specific to wound/ostomy/continence patient care. Provides educational programs to MLK staff and community groups. Participates in multidisciplinary patient‑centered case conferences, as appropriate. Maintains data and statistical reports as requested. Participates in quality improvement. Assumes responsibility to maintain and upgrade professional knowledge and skills through attendance and participation in continuing education and in‑service education programs. Demonstrates the knowledge and skill necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on their assigned visit. Performs other duties as assigned. Position Requirements Education Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (individuals hired without a BSN will be required to complete a degree program within 5 years of their hire date) Qualifications/Experience Minimum one year experience in wound care; internal candidates with at least one year of acute care nursing experience will be considered in lieu of the one year wound care requirement. Minimum one year acute care nursing experience. Wound care certification preferred. Current BLS card. Special Skills/Knowledge The Wound Care RN provides direct and indirect patient care, is responsible for the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of wound care for patients. The Wound Care nurse acts as a wound care resource person for physician and nursing staff on issues pertaining to patients with wounds, pressure ulcers, ostomies, fistulas and incontinence. The WCN collaborates with members of the healthcare team in the implementation of needed interventions to promote wound healing and prevention of skin breakdown. Additionally, the position is able to perform general nursing duties in all departments with adequate supervision. Equal Rights Employer Applicants are considered for positions without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, military service, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr Ocean State Job Lot