Wound Care Ostomy and Continence Nurse (WOCN)

Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse

The incumbent in this position functions as a consultant practitioner and educator for patients, staff, and physicians concerning problems with inpatients or outpatients with ostomies, fistulas/draining wounds, pressure wounds, and incontinence care. These functions are performed in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center's philosophy, policies, procedures, and standards.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provides consultation to patients, staff, and physicians relating to pre-operative, post-operative, and routine care of ostomies, fistulas/draining wounds, pressure wounds, and incontinence care.
2. Provides pre-operative counseling to the patient/family, direct care to patients for ostomy skin and incontinence problems, and out-patient follow-up and care as needed.
3. Assesses the need for, selects methodologies, strategies, content, resources, and conducts/implements patient education and staff training programs.
4. Determines and evaluates ostomy skin and incontinent care products to be stocked for Hospital use.
5. Participates in research and other educational programs/projects relevant to the area of specialty and/or profession as requested.
6. Generates reports, patient records, and course documentation according to departmental guidelines.
7. Maintains and develops knowledge base and skills in the area of wound ostomy and continence therapy.
8. Maintains established departmental policies and procedures; attends required meetings and participates in committees as requested.
9. Develops strategies to market and maximize utilization of the Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse.
10. Performs other duties and responsibilities that are appropriate to the position and area. The above responsibilities are a general description of the level and nature of the work assigned to this classification and is not to be considered as all inclusive.

Minimal Qualifications

Education

• Graduate of a Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse program that is accredited by the Wound Ostomy and Continence Nurse Society. required
• Master's degree in Nursing preferred
• Will consider applicants who are in the process of completing WOCN certification with the expectation that it will be completed within 12 months of hire.
• Consideration will be given to an appropriate combination of education/training and experience.

Experience

• 1-2 years professional practice as a nurse which includes experience in direct patient care preferred and
• 3-4 years leadership experience in a clinical setting. required and
• Demonstrated teaching experience with children and adults required

Licenses and Certifications

• RN - Registered Nurse - State licensure and/or Compact State Licensure in Maryland required
• CWOCN - Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse by the Wound Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board. required
• Will consider applicants who are in the process of completing WOCN certification with the expectation that it will be completed within 1 year

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Ability to develop and initiate innovative techniques.
• Demonstrated knowledge of principles of Adult Education.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

This position has a hiring range of USD $37.50 - USD $54.92/Hr.