Registered Nurse - Ambulatory (Wound Care)

Job ID: 192856

About the Role

Performs an age-specific plan of care for a designated group of patients using the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care. Collaborates with physicians and other health team members in coordinating and implementing procedures and treatments. Uses leadership skills and clinical judgment in coordinating patient care and directing/delegating activities of the patient care unit team.

Responsibilities

• Conducts patient interview, explains policies and procedures to patient/significant others, reviews patient’s chart, and answers questions correctly and courteously.
• Assesses gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and neurological health status; determines mobility, sensory deficits, prostheses use, and skin condition, adjusting plan of care as appropriate.
• Assesses level of pain and pain management; communicates and documents patient’s physiologic health status and plan of care.
• Assesses patient’s psychosocial health status; elicits perception of medical/nursing care and expectations; identifies coping mechanisms, knowledge level, and ability to comprehend.
• Identifies cultural/ethnic requirements to reduce anxiety and ensure patient satisfaction; communicates and documents psychological status and care plan, including support groups, counseling, and social services.
• Identifies patient outcomes; develops criteria for measurement; identifies actual/potential patient problems and need for teaching based on psychosocial and developmental assessment.
• Develops patient outcome statements and establishes individualized patient goals; identifies care activities and priorities to achieve expected outcomes.
• Coordinates cost-effective use of supplies, equipment, and medication; documents the plan of care and collaborates with physicians and health team members.
• Implements the plan of care; maintains vigilance over patient safety (e.g., side rails up, call lights within reach).
• Exercises professional skills related to the plan of care; reassesses patients and revises plan as needed; administers prescribed treatments safely and efficiently.
• Provides emotional support to patient and significant others; applies scientific principles in performing procedures; makes accurate observations and documents patient conditions.
• Reports and records patient responses to interventions; keeps accurate documentation of treatment, activity, and condition per departmental policy.
• Acts rapidly during emergencies; manages self, patients, and employees effectively; provides a calm, restful atmosphere.
• Communicates with patient’s family or caretakers; participates in discharge planning and coordinates referrals; provides discharge instructions.
• Evaluates care provided for patient outcomes; performs variance analysis for performance improvement; designs and evaluates systems to improve unit care.
• Collaborates with care team members in planning and executing treatment regimens; provides direction to team members and collaborates with physicians on patient care.
• Accurately interprets and implements treatment regimens; assists physicians during treatments/diagnostic procedures; updates Patient Care Manager/physician on patient condition changes.
• Uses clinical judgment in delegating assignments; ensures timely completion of tasks.
• Performs grade I-IV decubitus care; applies preventive skin care measures, dressings, warm/cold compresses, and irrigations using aseptic technique.
• Administers medications correctly and safely; identifies medication actions, dosages, side effects, and implications; educates patients on drug and food interactions.
• Participates in patient and family education; explains conditions, records and verbalizes assessment data, and utilizes teaching resources.
• Provides early discharge planning and referrals; evaluates teaching effectiveness through patient/family feedback and documents outcomes.

Requirements

• Graduate from an accredited School of Nursing.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing preferred.
• Must be enrolled in an accredited BSN program within two years and obtain a BSN Degree within five years of job entry date.
• Current License to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State required, plus specialized certifications as needed.
• Previous Wound Care Experience preferred.

Pay

The salary range and/or hourly rate listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation. Factors considered include location, specialty, service line, years of relevant experience, education, credentials, negotiated contracts, budget, and internal equity.