Wound Care Nurse (RN)

Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse (WOCN) Specialist

The Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse (WOCN) Specialist is responsible and accountable for assessment planning development implementation and evaluation of plan of care and patient care programs throughout the hospital that enhance outcomes promote professional development or otherwise support the mission and vision of MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital (MNRH) and the Department of Nursing (DON). Collaborates and coordinates with Interdisciplinary Health Care team to establish/accomplish the provision of care. Functions primarily as a consultant; provides direct patient care and education to selected patients; Responsible for providing associate development in wound care and for product and equipment recommendations in clinical areas of expertise; Maintains records and statistics as required; Participates in committees and projects within the hospital and MedStar as indicated.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Assesses plans implements and evaluates wound ostomy and continence care throughout the hospital.
• Provides consultation to associates in the management of patients including those with potential or actual alteration in skin integrity complex wound management ostomy management draining wounds percutaneous tubes and urinary and/or fecal incontinence.
• Assists patients and families in gaining information related to wound ostomy and continence issues.
• Develops and implements education information materials and programs for associates patients and families through facilitation of support groups or education programs.
• Collaborates with nursing management in the assessment of staff competencies and learning needs. Assesses and analyzes data to identify practice environment and patient care issues to develop appropriate programs and change processes to improve clinical nursing practice.
• Engages in external and internal formal and informal teaching to nursing and other disciplines as required. Serves as a resource to nursing associates, nursing students and other disciplines in gaining knowledge and skills related to clinical practice.
• Facilitates team building within department of nursing and organization. Assists nursing staff to identify initiate and adapt to change.
• Works as an autonomous practitioner within the DON to include maintenance of department statistics establishing protocols and guidelines for appropriate cost-effective utilization of care participation in unit department and hospital-wide committees and other activities to ensure high quality care.
• Ensures product usage and patient visits are conducted to maximize patient outcomes/functioning within a cost-effective manner to include appropriate charge capture. Conducts product evaluations following hospital guidelines when indicated and submits reports and recommendations based on results.
• Participates in research evidence-based practice and performance improvement activities related to wound ostomy and continence care; supports integration of research into practice.
• Maintains knowledge of current trends and development in the field of nursing practice clinical instruction and nursing education through a variety of professional activities.

Minimal Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in nursing required
• Graduation from an accredited Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Education Program required or Satisfactory completion of program within twelve months of employment. required
• 3-4 years Nursing experience in the last four years required
• 3-4 years Progressively more responsible job related experience. required

Licenses and Certifications

• RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure in the District of Columbia required
• CWOCN - Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse by Wound Ostomy & Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB) preferred
• Certification must be obtained within twelve months of employment. required
• Other related certification requires individual consideration. required

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• A license as a registered nurse in the District of Columbia is required.
• Board Certification by Wound Ostomy & Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB) preferred.
• Certification must be obtained within twelve months of employment.
• Other related certification requires individual consideration.

This position has a hiring range of USD $89,065.00 - USD $162,801.00 /Yr.