Wound Care Nurse

General Purpose

The primary function of the Treatment Nurse is to ensure effective and efficient care is provided as prescribed by the physician and as required by facility policies and procedures. The Treatment Nurse reports to and is directly responsible to the Director of Nursing. Must be in accordance with current federal, state, local and corporate standards, regulations, and guidelines to ensure that the highest degree of quality care is provided to our residents at all times.

Essential Responsibilities

• Communicate regularly with residents and their family about Plans of Care, PT, OT and other treatment protocols.
• Excellent communication skills and strong customer service for residents.
• Maintain an acceptable standard of nursing practice and professional decorum.
• Chart nurses' notes in an informative and descriptive manner that reflect the care provided to the resident, as well as the resident's response to the care.
• Provide resident care including carrying out physican's orders for care, including providing medication and treatment.
• Perform treatments in a manner that protects the dignity and self-respect of the resident.
• Accurately observe and assess wounds and pressure sores with prompt notification of physicians of lack of progress in healing or deterioration with the current treatment and or signs/symptoms of infection.
• Ensure appropriate wound care management services are included in the plan to promote healing which incudes but are not limited special mattresses and nutritional supplements.
• Assist in preparing and updating care plans for treatment-related issues.
• Assist physicians and other healthcare providers when making visits and conducting examinations.
• Communicate with physicians and other health professionals regarding resident care, treatment and condition.
• Notify family and attending physicians of significant treatments related issues regarding their residents including:
  a. Sudden and/or marked adverse changes in skin condition or wounds;
  b. Any untoward response to as well as unavailability or refusal of any medication or treatment;
  c. Any treatment error that presents a significant risk; and
  d. The inability to timely obtain or administer any treatment-related medication, equipment, supplies or services as prescribed which poses a significant risk;
• Participate in the orientation and on-going training of nursing staff.
• Report significant findings or changes in condition and potential concerns to RN Supervisor and /or Director of Nursing (DON).
• Many residents may be upset or in need of reassurances at times and will benefit from your services the most if you are patient, caring and compassionate.
• Participate in facility surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies as requested by the Administrator, Director of Nursing or Assistant Director of Nursing.

Supervisory Requirements

Assist with the overall supervision of the nursing staff.

Qualification

Education and/or Experience

• Possession of a Nursing Degree from an accredited college or university.
• Two (2) years or more experience, preferably in a long-term care facility.

Language Skills

Ability to read technical procedures. Ability to read and comprehend policy and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers and employees.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Maintain a current, unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse or Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurse. Current CPR certification.
• Knowledge and experience with PCC preferred.
• Must maintain all required continuing education for licensing.
• Must remain in good standing with the State Board of Nursing at all times.

Physical Demands

• Standing and /or walking very frequently.
• Sitting occasionally.
• Reaching with hands and arms frequently, pushing/pulling very frequently.
• Talking and /or hearing very frequently.
• Tasting and /or smelling very frequently.
• Lifting up to 50 pounds frequently.
• Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling occasionally.
• Close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception in vision: ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.