The Clinical Wound Specialist will serve as an expert clinician and consultant for wound prevention and in all aspects of wound management. This position will operate as an educator, a resource and as a partner in the delivery of expert care in collaboration with the interprofessional health care team consisting of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, therapists, and nurse aides. The Clinical Wound Specialist will deliver direct and indirect patient care utilizing evidence-based practices to treat and develop a comprehensive plan for the prevention, reduction, and management of all types of wounds. This position is responsible for evaluating and recommending changes in wound care products, supplies and equipment.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

To perform this job, an individual must accomplish each essential function satisfactorily, with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Provide a high level of quality clinical care to residents/patients using current clinical practice guidelines with adherence to the standard of care.

• Provide wound care education for advanced practice nurses in the initial training period and periodically thereafter in a classroom setting and/or at the bedside. Provide ongoing feedback to the trainee and their supervisor throughout the initial training period and periodically thereafter.

• Develop an ongoing education program for advanced practice nurses that is appropriate for the novice, competent or expert practitioner.

• Provide education regarding prevention strategies and treatments.

• Provide care and treatments within the scope of practice of a Physical Therapist/Certified Wound Specialist.

• Perform bedside sharps and mechanical debridement when appropriate using the appropriate supplies and aseptic technique. Obtain appropriate consent prior to the procedure.

• Implement negative pressure wound therapy when indicated.

• Assist in identifying residents/patients at risk for skin integrity impairments and facilitates the creation of appropriate treatment plans.

• Ensure the resident/patient is comfortable and has the appropriate analgesics administered prior to wound treatment, as necessary.

• Work collaboratively with physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, nurse aides, therapists and nursing leaders.

• Contribute to facility performance improvement efforts regarding preventing and reducing acquired pressure injuries.

• Develop and implement in-service for staff for identified improvement opportunities as appropriate.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of products, supplies and equipment used for wound treatment and prevention and makes recommendations for change as needed.

• Identify opportunities for in-service education related to wound care treatment and product use.

• Analyze data regarding acquired wound rates, wound healing rates; recommend/implement appropriate action as indicated. Provide reports to interdisciplinary team and corporate leadership team as indicated.

• Apply knowledge and demonstrate competency in the care of the elderly including age-related changes and conditions as well as dementia care.

• Assist in the development, monitoring and evaluation of protocols for wound care treatment and strategy.

• Participate in the development of standards of care for the resident/patient population.

• Partner with purchasing to make recommendations for products and supplies and facilitates implementation of the products, using best practice and financial data.

• Assist in the development and maintenance of a clinical algorithm for beds/mattresses and appropriate wound care products.

• Communicate the appropriate information regarding the treatment plan to the resident/patient and their representatives in a timely manner.

• Inform the resident/patient of the procedure prior to implementation.

• Optimize the resident/patient wound care experience through appropriate communication and respect of the resident’s/patient’s individual rights.

• Consult with the wound care supervising physician when indicated.

• Effectively communicate and build effective working relationships with physicians, advanced practice nurses, nursing leadership, nursing staff, and therapy staff.

• Communicate with providers involved in transition of care upon admission or discharge from the facility when indicated.

• Ensure facility leadership is aware of program implementation and scheduled visit dates and times.

• Arrive at each facility at the scheduled time on scheduled days or ensures the alternative schedule is communicated.

• In cooperation with nursing home administration and company policies, review and respond to any complaints and/or grievances and recommends or implements corrective action where appropriate.

• Serve as an active member of the team, collaborating with colleagues to provide optimal care and improved outcomes.

• Participate in responding to resident/family phone calls. Explain treatment regimens to residents/family when indicated.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• This individual must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and demonstrate the ability to learn, teach others and be a team player.

• Maintain professional credentials and education to maintain status as a clinical expert in wound care.

• Adhere to appropriate infection control practices at all times.

• Sensitive to and maintain the privacy and dignity of the resident/patient while performing wound care.

• Demonstrate the ability to function independently; possess superior organizational and time management skills, and an understanding of adult learning principles.

• Demonstrate leadership in the professional community by participating in activities of professional organizations.

• Demonstrate proficiency in use of computers and technology.

• Demonstrate knowledge of standard office equipment (fax, photocopier) and personal computer and computer software skills (MS Windows, Microsoft Teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, internet, email, virtual conferencing).

• Ability to effectively utilize telemedicine equipment to provide remote consultation as indicated.

• Demonstrate the appropriate behavior, conduct and communication when representing American Health Partners inside and outside of facilities.

• Adhere to federal and state regulations for long-term care facilities and the Joint Commission Nursing Care Center standards.

• Ensure the appropriate use of wound photography with consent.

• Maintain privacy and confidentiality of all resident records.

• Abide by all rules, policies and procedures of American Health Partners.

• Inform the appropriate facility or corporate leaders of unsafe practice, practice outside the scope of service for any provider, unethical conduct, adverse outcomes or near misses.

• Practice within the scope of practice as defined by the professional board and certifying agency for Physical Therapy and Wound Care.

• Ensure timely and accurate completion of medical records.

• Adhere to appropriate coding practices as indicated.

• Review email correspondence daily; respond in a timely manner.

• Recognize and identify own learning needs and accepts responsibility for continual development; strive to increase knowledge and identify goals for professional growth.

• Demonstrate support of and carries out the mission, vision, and values of American Health Partners.

• Demonstrate the ability to share clinical knowledge with other members of the health care team and has superior communication skills.

• Successful completion of required training

• Handle multiple priorities effectively

• Independent discretion/decision making

• Make decisions under pressure

• Reliable transportation

• Current automobile insurance according to company policy

Required Computer Software/Equipment used:

• Various operating systems

• Standard office equipment

• Microsoft Suite applications

• Desktop, laptop and/or iPad

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Standard medical equipment

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience:

o A minimum of five (5) years of experience as a Wound and Skin Care Specialist or similar position.

• License/Certification/Education:

o Bachelor's degree or higher (completed and verified prior to date of hire) from an accredited institution.

o Licensed Physical Therapist in the state of Tennessee

o Current certification(s) as: Certified Wound and Ostomy Care Nursing (CWOCN), Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) and/or Certified Wound Specialist (CWS).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITES:

• Does not have supervisory responsibilities

• Occasionally needs manager’s direction due to extraordinary circumstances

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Audio-Visual: Hearing: Good

• Ability to lift to 50 pounds

• Subject to standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, kneeling, pushing and pulling

• Work is typically performed in a standard office environment; well-lit; comfortable temperature-controlled

• Above-average conversational noise is frequent

• Position may require flexible hours, unscheduled overtime or occasional week-end work

• Extensive travel to facilities across the state of Tennessee and northern Alabama.

• Overnight stays may be necessary.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

This Organization is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or any other characteristic(s) protected by federal, state, and local laws. This Organization will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities should a request for an accommodation be made. A key part of this policy is to provide equal employment opportunity regarding all terms and conditions of employment and in all aspects of a person's relationship with the Organization including recruitment, hiring, promotions, upgrading positions, conditions of employment, compensation, training, benefits, transfers, discipline, and termination of employment.

This employer participates in E-Verify.

Education

Preferred

Bachelors or better

Licenses & Certifications

Preferred

APRN Advanced Practice RN
CWCN Wound Care Nurse
CWOCN Wound/Ostomy Care
Physical Therapist
Registered Nurse