Wound Care Nurse - RN

Description

JOB SUMMARY Provides direct patient care in the wound care setting in collaboration with the wound care providers and care team as per state scope of practice and hospital guidelines.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contributes to interdisciplinary plan of care, in conjunction with care team and wound care provider(s).

• Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams including physicians, RNs, HBO technicians and other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care.

• Provides wound care in accordance with standards set by licensure and in accordance with clinical competency & training process.

• Conducts initial and ongoing age-specific assessments in designated time frames.

• Evaluates effectiveness of plan/of care and modifies, as appropriate in collaboration with treating providers.

• Provides patients, families, and designated care givers with education in accordance with protocol and patient needs.

• Provides care based on scientific principles and nursing theory and evidence/based practice.

• Recognizes change in the patient's condition and intervenes appropriately.

• Prioritizes nursing actions, reflecting patient needs, acuity, and desired outcomes.

• Implements physician orders accurately within appropriate time frames.

• Identifies continuing care needs of the patient for the discharge plan.

• Documents all care provided accurately & completely according to Hospital, Company, and Department policies.

• Performs HBO responsibilities as business needs require (in accordance with policy and procedures).

• Is an integral member of the quality management team and participates in the Performance Improvement Plan.

• Responsible for medical record review/weekly chart audits weekly (PI attestations) to ensure consistent documentation of best practices compliant with RXH & regulatory bodies.

• Ensures safe care of patients, staff, and visitors; adhere to all hospital policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity, and quality of service.

• HIPAA Compliance - complies with all the privacy and confidentiality policy and procedures outlined in the "Privacy, Security, and Confidentiality Agreement." Provide consultation, education and provider driven recommendations to inpatients and hospital per contractual agreements.

• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor, and resource to less experienced staff.

• May assist in the support of the management of patients with ostomy and incontinence care needs.

• Monitors patient outcomes on an ongoing basis.

Additional Responsibilities of the Outpatient Wound Care Nurse

• In the absence of a front desk coordinator, schedules patients for HBO therapy or wound care visits, utilizing hospital software/systems as well as RXH's EMR system may be required.

• In the absence of a front desk coordinator, registration is to be accomplished in accordance with hospital policy and software systems requirements as well as RXH's EMR system.

• Understands and follows department budget guidelines and expectations.

• Performs other related duties as assigned. Additional Responsibilities of the In-Patient Wound Care/Swing Bed (if applicable):

• Serves as a resource for wound care and pressure injury prevention practices.

• Provides direct patient care to patients with skin/wound problems both within the outpatient center and the hospital inpatient.

• Ensures that all key clinical indicators include treatment completion and healing outcomes fall within established parameters.

• Assists in the development and orientation of a treatment team is required. When requested, a hospital designee shall present prevention tips and techniques to new hospital staff.

• May lead prevalence study, report to hospital system regarding hospital acquired pressure injuries and participate in pressure ulcer prevention and wound care products and supplies committees.

• Attends center meetings and reports on metrics related to the care coordination of the patients along the continuum.

• Maintains data and reports requested. Monitor patient outcomes on an ongoing basis.

• Works with assigned Quality Management team to implement recommendations and action plans resulting from such meetings.

• Plans in-service education lectures to partner skilled nursing, home health, and long-term care nursing and medical staff.

• Develops, schedules, and conducts educational and presentations to physicians and other potential referral sources as instructed by the Program Director or RXH management.

• Establishes and manages effective phone inquiry response system, monitoring trends and addressing issues as appropriate.

• Utilizes telemedicine for education and outreach, if applicable.

• Maintains relationships with key referral sources via routine visits and communication.

• Monitors trends in the market area, providing educational presentations and in-services as needed and as opportunities arise while surveilling patients in Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF) or other post discharge settings.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities of the IP Ostomy CWOCN (if applicable)

• Provides education and support for individuals who undergo surgery for colostomies, ileostomies, or urostomies.

• Designs pouch systems for draining wounds and fistulae. Review and modify pouch system problems.

• Takes actions to prevent and address peristomal skin complications.

• Selects and recommends collection devices/undergarments.

• May lead prevalence study, report to hospital system regarding hospital acquired pressure injuries and participate in pressure ulcer prevention and wound care products and supplies committees.

• Develops practice standards for managing patients with wound ostomy and incontinence care needs.

• Monitors patient outcomes on an ongoing basis.

• Creates and provides education programs specific to wound ostomy continence patient care in collaboration with the clinical educational team.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Must have and maintain a valid BLS certification from the American Heart Association.

• Must have and maintain a valid ACLS certification from the American Heart Association only if the hospital requires it.

• Must have and maintain a valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state in which the nurse will work.

• Prior experience with billing and coding preferred.

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing required for Magnet Hospitals (if applicable).

• Computer skills include Microsoft Word, Excel, data entry and EMR software. ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS/COMPETENCIES

• Prior experience working with wound care patients is highly preferred.

• Administer and uphold all the Company's values and policies and procedures.

• Continuously work towards the Company's goal and vision.

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.

• Exceptional communication skills to enable communication and collaboration with physicians, patients, families, and ancillary staff.

• Excellent critical thinking skills.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment.

• Ability to prioritize and multi-task.

• Ability to make sound, independent clinical judgements.

• Act professionally as a representative of RXH.

• May be required to attend a Company approved HBO training course on specific dates or within and specific timeframe.

• Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policy; shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; promotes a harassment-free environment; builds a diverse workforce.

• Ethics - Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and principles; upholds organizational values

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have full range of body motion.

• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.

• Visions abilities are required to include close vision, distance vision and color vision.

• Must be able to speak and hear clearly.

• Must have the ability to stand, walk, bend, lean, and squat for long periods of time without hindrance.

• Must be able to maintain dexterity when pulling, pushing, and gripping emergency carts and stretchers.

• Must be physically able to perform CPR.

• Must perform all physical job duties accurately in a fast-paced environment with frequent