RN

About the role

The Registered Nurse (RN) primarily provides patient care and handles intake and discharge processes for the Wound Care Center patients as scheduled. The nurse coordinates treatment to provide comprehensive wound assessments and plan of care including goals, implementation of treatment, evaluation and outcomes for patients throughout the organization. The nurse also provides patient, family, and staff education regarding wound management, prevention of pressure injuries, support surfaces, dressing selections and other therapies.

Responsibilities

• Performs wound assessment, reassessment, and management for all patients and per policy.
• Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology and disorders of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and dermal systems.
• Utilizes principles of current wound management theory when providing care to patients with acute and chronic wounds.
• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of staging system of wounds, as well as the Wagner diabetic grading system.
• Develops skin care programs to prevent skin breakdown of patients.
• Knowledge of post-surgical procedures and post-operative course of patients who have undergone surgery.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skill to develop and implement policies and procedures to manage patients with draining wounds, fistulae and/or tubes, wound prevention, wound care, and incontinence.
• Work well with DME companies and home health agencies to provide continuity of patient care.
• Interprets data about the patient’s status to identify each patient’s age specific needs and provide care needed by the patient group.
• Able to revise plan of care as indicated by the patient’s response to treatment and evaluate overall plan for effectiveness.
• Able to adequately assess and reassess pain. Utilized appropriate pain management techniques. Educates the patient and family regarding pain management.
• Formulates a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning. Family is included in teaching as appropriate.
• Provides education to patients who have gone through surgery. Be able to provide education on infection control principles at home.
• Educates on Negative Pressure Wound therapy, and other advanced modalities for wound healing.
• Knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on age of the patient and clinical condition.
• Is a resource person to physicians, nursing, and other hospital staff. Instructs in prevention, wound care, ostomy care and incontinence for the nursing staff.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to Director of Nursing, nursing staff and physicians. Consults other healthcare professionals/ departments as appropriate to provide interdisciplinary approach to the patient’s needs.
• Documentation meets current standards and practices. Integrates research findings to clinical practice. Encouraged to attend seminars, conferences, continuing education classes in the areas of wound prevention, wound management, and ostomies.
• Serves as a liaison between physicians, patients, and manufacturers of clinical products.
• Knowledge of the clinical products currently available on the market. Meets with sales representatives, evaluates products; makes recommendations for products/ equipment to the product committee.
• Operates all equipment correctly and safely. Coordinates and supervises patient care as necessary.
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function in stressful situations.
• Documentation on all wound care patients into computer system in a timely manner to ensure compliance.
• Completes the Wound Care and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy education and skills training as provided by Healogics (our consulting wound care company).
• Performs hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) related duties as assigned, upon completion of all Healogics training.
• Collaborates as needed with other healthcare providers, Wound Care Center Providers, the Program Director and the Medical Director regarding clinic and patient needs.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing, licensed by the Kentucky Board of Nursing.
• BLS and ACLS certifications.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in medical/surgical nursing.
• Well motivated, organized, and able to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Able to interact effectively with a wide variety of people.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Able to serve as an example to other employees.
• Knowledge of computers and computer skills.
• Familiar with organizational policies, procedures, and department locations.