Wound Ostomy Care RN (FT/Varied) - Southeast Hospital

Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse

At Memorial Hermann, we pursue a common goal of delivering high quality, efficient care while creating exceptional experiences for every member of our community. When we say every member of our community, that includes our employees. We know that when our employees feel cared for, heard and valued, they are inspired to create moments that exceed expectations, while prioritizing safety, compassion, personalization and efficiency. If you want to advance your career and contribute to our vision of creating healthier communities, now and for generations to come, we want you to be a part of our team.

Responsible for the treatment and providing recommendations for the management of disorders affecting the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and integumentary (digestive, urinary, skin) systems. This involves treatment of ostomies, stomas, acute and chronic wounds and urinary and fecal incontinence. Serve as a clinical resource to staff on issues pertaining to patients with wounds, pressure ulcers, ostomies, fistulas and incontinence. Establishes and maintains practice standards and provides ongoing staff education. 40 hours a week/Day shift alternating days, Monday - Sunday WOCN or WCC Certification Preferred with 2 years' experience WOCN preferred, will be required to achieve within 2 years of hire. 1-year WOC RN experience preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's of Nursing degree required and Completion of an accredited Wound Ostomy Continence ET Nurse Program

Licenses/Certifications:

• Registered Professional Nurse in Texas
• Current certification in Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing (CWOCN) or
• Current certification in Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing (CWOCN-AP)
• BLS certification required

Experience / Knowledge / Skills:

• Five (5) years of experience providing direct patient care to patients undergoing ostomies surgery, patients with established ostomies and patient with skin/wound problems
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well with others
• Able to manage multiple patient visits/Good organizational skill
• Good judgment and problem solving skills

Principal Accountabilities

• Serves as a resource person for WOC patient care practices.
• Provide direct patient care to patients undergoing ostomy surgery, patients with established ostomies, and patients with skin/wound problems.
• Implement preventative actions to reduce incidences of pressure ulcers and vascular ulcers.
• Provide instructions on proper wound dressing and care.
• Educate the patient, patient's family and other support persons on ulcer prevention and treatment.
• Works collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to provide a comprehensive plan of care.
• Design pouch systems for draining wounds and fistulae. Review and modify pouch system problems.
• Provide comprehensive wound management, including reducing causative factors, controlling odor, assessing nutritional needs, and providing and applying topical therapies.
• Provide education and support for individuals who undergo surgery for colostomies, ileostomies, or urostomies.
• Take actions to prevent and address peristomal skin complications.
• Select and recommend collection devices/undergarments.
• Maintain data and reports and requested.
• Participates in quality improvement.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skill necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.
• Lead prevalence study.
• Develop practice standards for managing patients with wound ostomy and incontinence care needs.
• Monitor patient outcomes on an ongoing basis.
• Create education programs specific to wound ostomy continence patient care in collaboration with the clinical education team.
• Provides education programs to staff.
• Ensures safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adheres to all Memorial Hermann policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity and quality of service.
• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff.
• Demonstrates commitment to caring for every member of our community by creating compassionate and personalized experiences. Models Memorial Hermann's service standards by providing safe, caring, personalized and efficient experiences to patients and colleagues.
• Other duties as assigned.