Psychiatric/Wound Nurse

Psychiatric Nurse With Wound Care Expertise

The Psychiatric Nurse with Wound Care expertise provides comprehensive mental health nursing care while also assessing, treating, and managing acute and chronic wounds. This role supports patients with complex psychiatric conditions who may also have medical comorbidities, impaired mobility, self-injury–related wounds, or skin integrity risks.

Psychiatric Nursing Duties

• Conduct mental health assessments, including risk evaluations for suicide, self-harm, aggression, and elopement.
• Administer psychiatric medications and monitor for therapeutic effects and adverse reactions.
• Implement individualized care plans in collaboration with psychiatrists, therapists, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Provide crisis intervention, de-escalation, and trauma-informed care.
• Facilitate therapeutic groups and patient education sessions.
• Document behavioral observations, progress notes, and treatment responses.
• Support safe milieu management and promote patient engagement in treatment.

Wound Care Duties

• Perform comprehensive wound assessments (type, stage, size, drainage, infection risk).
• Develop and implement wound care treatment plans in collaboration with wound care specialists or physicians.
• Clean, dress, and monitor wounds using evidence-based protocols.
• Manage pressure injuries, diabetic ulcers, surgical wounds, and wounds related to self-harm.
• Identify early signs of infection or deterioration and escalate appropriately.
• Educate patients and staff on skin integrity, wound prevention, and proper hygiene.
• Maintain accurate wound documentation, including measurements and progress tracking.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Work closely with psychiatry, primary care, wound care specialists, dietitians, and social workers.
• Participate in care conferences and discharge planning.
• Communicate changes in patient condition promptly and clearly.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong assessment and critical-thinking skills.
• Knowledge of psychiatric disorders, psychotropic medications, and behavioral interventions.
• Proficiency in wound assessment, staging, and evidence-based wound care techniques.
• Ability to manage complex patients with both psychiatric and medical needs.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and teamwork abilities.
• Compassion, patience, and resilience in high-acuity environments.

Qualifications

• Active LPN/RN license (state-specific).
• Experience in psychiatric/behavioral health nursing preferred.
• Wound care certification (WCC, CWCA, CWCN, or similar) preferred but not always required.
• BLS/CPR certification.