WOUND CARE NURSE

Job Summary The Wound Nurse provides skilled nursing care to residents at the facility, focusing on prescribed treatments and medical interventions for wounds and other skin conditions, in addition to nursing interventions to prevent skin breakdown. The Wound Nurse is responsible for monitoring and documenting treatment progress and patient response to care. This includes direct resident care, collaborating with other departments, referring to community resources and/or utilizing resource materials as needed. This position also participates in case conferences and staff meetings, completes paperwork in a timely manner, and confers and meets with physicians, discharge planners and other community persons as needed or directed. This position reports to the Director of Nursing. Responsibilities Educating staff nurses on wound care protocols. Creating, updating, and managing care plans, as they pertain to skin breakdown prevention and wound care. Performing diabetic foot care and specialized wound care procedures (e.g., cleaning and treating wounds; managing a vacuum‑assisted closure or negative pressure wound therapy device); working with a multidisciplinary team to plan skin care interventions. Educating patients and their caregivers on wound care procedures and preventative measures. Documenting treatment provided and progress of wound healing. Collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals to obtain appropriate treatment orders. Implementing nursing orders that promote wound healing and/or prevent skin breakdown. Assists physicians in making wound rounds and communicates changes of conditions of residents based on ongoing assessments; conducts resident rounds as assigned to assess the skin condition of residents and reports to the Nursing Supervisor or Director of Nursing. Maintains infection control practices, current knowledge of facility policies, procedures & implementation. Controls supplies and equipment utilization as it applies to skin treatments. Assesses on a weekly basis the skin condition stage, size (measurements), site, depth, color, drainage and odor of condition. Submits weekly skin report. Documents ongoing notes on each resident reflecting skilled care, resident instruction and patient/family response, doctor notification, and specific plans for ongoing care. Submits written plans of treatment reflecting resident status and nursing care plans in a timely and accurate manner. Submits required documentation which consistently meets guidelines within the time frames established by the facility. Follows documentation procedures as required by Title XXII and OBRA rules and regulations. Uses accurate medical terminology. Participates in orientation programs for new nursing employees, students, or selected individuals designated by the facility. Participates in internal committees/projects when requested and participates in staff meetings on a regular basis. Communicates information regarding residents’ skin and wound treatment and progress at team meetings. Establishes short term and long-term goals for total resident care and management. Complies with all HIPAA provisions and Corporate Compliance Policy. Promotes compliance with the HIPAA Policy among subordinates. Assists clients in a timely manner (call lights, telephones, requests, etc.). Resolves client concerns or confirms that the appropriate party resolves the concerns. Makes referrals to the appropriate supervisor of resident's needs. Follows safety guidelines with emphasis on the use of proper body mechanics and safe work practices; wears appropriate safety gear. Promptly reports noticeable environmental or equipment repair needs to the maintenance department. Qualifications BS in nursing, diploma from a school of nursing or an associate degree nursing program. Valid California licensed vocational or registered nursing license. CPR certification. One‑year recent skilled nursing experience preferred. Demonstrates physical assessment skills for initial and follow‑up appraisal of wound status and the ability to perform nursing treatments and procedures as prescribed; ability to administer treatments in an appropriate manner. Requires knowledge of nursing care which includes clinical disease entities, physical assessment skills, medications, treatments, specialized diets, preventive care and safety, comfort and protection of residents. Demonstrates prevention and restorative measures, the ability to document nursing services and the ability to create and implement a plan of care with specific, measurable objectives and approaches to maximize the residents’ care needs. Ability to work with all levels of nursing staff. Excellent verbal and written English skills. #J-18808-Ljbffr