Wound Care Nurse PT

Wound Care Nurse

The purpose of this position is to provide primary skin care to residents in accordance with physician orders and coordinate nursing care in compliance with facility protocols and written plans of care and take appropriate action with implementation.

Supervisory Responsibility: None-may direct the work of CNAs and PCAs as needed

Budget Responsibility: None

Essential Job Functions Principal Accountabilities

• Identify, manage, and treat specific skin conditions, such as pressure injuries; diabetic, venous, or arterial ulcers; and traumatic or complicated wounds (surgical).
• Provide wound care on affected residents, in accordance with physician orders, following manufacturer recommendations and appropriate techniques.
• Complete a thorough and accurate wound evaluation upon admission, readmission, or notification of a wound. Complete follow-up evaluations weekly and as needed. Document all evaluations in the medical record.
• Confer with the care plan team in the development of the comprehensive care plan.
• Document resident care problems, abnormal findings, and changes in resident's condition. Report to physician, supervisor, and resident/representative.
• Monitor implementation of preventative measures such as turning/positioning, pressure relief devices, nutrition/hydration measures and toileting/incontinence care.
• Provide education to resident/representative as needed on topics concerning nutrition, preventative measures, and wound healing.
• Provide status reports at the Standards of Care meeting weekly and at the Quality Assurance Performance Improvement committee monthly.
• Attend or participate in continuing education related to wound management. Complete all assigned training and skills competency, as determined by the facility assessment and facility training plans.
• Obtain physician orders for care and treatment of wounds. Transcribe and initiate orders appropriately. Order special treatment supplies and equipment, with supervisor approval.
• Administer medication, as needed, per facility policy and licensure regulations and complete the appropriate documentation.
• Assist with discharge planning through identification of discharge needs and providing resident/family education as needed.
• Serve on, participate in, and attend committee meetings as required or appointed.
• Assist with admission, discharge or care of residents as needed.
• Assure resident safety through strict adherence to protocols, policies, and procedures, open communication with residents, supervisors, and coworkers, and careful observation of residents, equipment, and environmental conditions.

Other Job Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of medical principles (symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health care).
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulations
• Knowledge of therapy methods and procedures, specifically related to wound care
• Oral and written communication skills
• Critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills
• Customer service skills
• Skills to observe resident condition
• Must display professionalism, initiative, positive attitude, and concern for others
• Must be stress tolerant, self-motivated, cooperative, team-oriented, and dependable.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Physical Demands/Environment

• Stand, traverse, ascend/descend stairs, move/transport carts weighing over 100 pounds, transport tools/equipment, grasp and manipulate tools/equipment to set up. Occasionally move equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Move resident as necessary, stretch, bend, stoop, squat, twist, crouch, kneel, and balance to access all resident body parts, observe skin color, detect vital signs and equipment alarms/messages.
• Operate computer, read, remain in a stationary position, converse with others.
• Legibly complete forms; perform data entry of information. Remain in a stationary position for extended periods.
• Converse with others, write legibly, read and comprehend written/verbal information. Communicate instructions or demonstrate tasks.
• Lift and carry up to 35 pounds frequently; up to 75 pounds occasionally.
• Stand and walk frequently, sit for extended periods; simple grasp; fine hand manipulation; near vision; far vision; hear conversation; speak

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

Education: Associate degree in Nursing, or equivalent, is required. Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or equivalent, is desired.

Experience: Experience performing the essential functions of the position is desirable.

Certification/License: Florida Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in good standing is required. Continuing education in wound care and pressure injury staging required. Certification in wound care preferred, but not required. Candidates are required to attain and maintain CPR certification within 90 days after hire. State background check standards must be maintained as a condition of continued employment in accordance with Florida Statutes Chapters 435 and 408.809 and Florida Administrative Code 59A-35.090.