CLC Wound Care Registered Nurse

Wound Care Registered Nurse

The wound care role supports evidence-based practice, patient education, infection prevention, and quality improvement initiatives within inpatient, outpatient, long-term care in the Community Living Center (CLC). The RN has the responsibility and accountability for utilizing the nursing process in the management of patients with wounds, fistulas, drains, pressure ulcers and fecal and/or urinary ostomies and will play a pivotal role in patient care and is visible and available to the CLC staff, assisting inpatient care as necessary. Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of wounds, skin conditions, pressure injuries, ostomies, and vascular ulcers.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate individualized wound care treatment plans based on evidence-based practices.
• Perform advanced wound care procedures including dressing changes, debridement assistance, negative pressure wound therapy (wound vacs), compression therapy, and ostomy care.
• Monitor and document wound healing progress, patient responses, and treatment effectiveness in the electronic health record.
• Collaborate with physicians, surgeons, podiatrists, dietitians, rehabilitation staff, infection prevention personnel, and interdisciplinary care teams to coordinate patient care.
• Identify patients at risk for skin breakdown and implement pressure injury prevention strategies.
• Conduct pressure injury prevalence and prevention rounds throughout the facility.
• Educate Veterans, caregivers, and staff on wound care management, skin integrity, nutrition, offloading techniques, and infection prevention.
• Provide consultation and clinical expertise to nursing staff regarding complex wound care cases and treatment recommendations.
• Participate in discharge planning to ensure continuity of wound care services and appropriate follow-up after discharge.
• Maintain compliance with The Joint Commission standards, infection prevention guidelines, and VA policies and procedures.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, wound care committees, and performance improvement projects aimed at reducing hospital-acquired pressure injuries and improving patient outcomes.
• Collect and analyze wound care data for reporting, tracking, and regulatory compliance purposes.
• Assist in developing and updating wound care policies, procedures, and staff education materials.
• Serve as a clinical resource and mentor for nursing staff regarding evidence-based wound care practices.
• Ensure safe handling and proper use of wound care supplies, specialty beds, and support surfaces.
• Support Veteran-centered care by promoting dignity, comfort, safety, and individualized treatment planning.
• Participate in staff training, competency assessments, and continuing education related to wound and skin care management.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards

Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards

Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA

Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)

Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory

Work Schedule: Full-time; 7:30am-4:00pm

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Available

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

US Department of Veterans Affairs