Wound Care Coordinator

Full-time position with day shift hours.

About the Role

The Wound Care Coordinator will provide comprehensive wound assessments and plan of care including goals, implementation of treatment, evaluation, and outcomes for patients throughout the organization. Provides patient, family, and staff education regarding wound management, prevention of pressure ulcers, support surfaces, dressing selections, and other therapies. Serves as a resource person for physicians, the wound team, and clinical staff. Additionally, performs general nursing duties within the scope of practice.

Responsibilities

• Performs resident assessment in conjunction with Unit Manager/DON/ADON through use of direct physical assessment, behavior monitoring, various assessment forms, review of hospital records, laboratory results, resident medical records, and information provided by the interdisciplinary team, resident, and/or the resident's significant others.
• Monitors residents for changes in condition that may indicate progress or deterioration in the resident's overall status. Notifies physicians and families of changes and transcribes orders received.
• Administers medications according to facility policy and monitors residents for therapeutic and adverse effects. Notifies physician and pharmacy of suspected and actual adverse reactions. Documents medications on the Medication Administration Record immediately when given or refused.
• Inserts, monitors, and maintains intravenous catheter sites and infusions within the scope of practice and training.
• Performs phlebotomy as ordered following policies and procedures within the scope of one's training.
• Provides various treatments according to facility policy and as ordered by the physician, such as application of topical ointments/solutions, application and removal of dressings, and provision of respiratory treatments. Documents treatments on the (EMR) Treatment Administration Record immediately when completed.
• Triages emergency situations and provides appropriate first aid in a timely manner. Completes appropriate reports and consults Unit Manager/DON/ADON or charge nurse on duty.
• Admits new residents to unit performing a comprehensive assessment and provides a general orientation to the resident and/or family members.
• Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team for discharge planning of residents. Teaches and instructs residents regarding the discharge plan, medications, treatment techniques, and physician follow-up.
• Works with physicians to assure timely physician's visits, follow-up visits as indicated, signing of physician orders, and progress notes per policy and regulation.
• Attends Care Plan Conferences and participates in Resident Care Plan Process.
• Initiates and completes MDS tracking forms accurately and completely by the due date.
• Performs wound assessment, reassessment, and management for all patients per policy.
• Utilizes principles of current wound management theory when providing care to patients with acute and chronic wounds.
• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of the staging system of wounds.
• Develops skin care programs to prevent skin breakdown of patients.
• 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, ostomy care, and incontinence.
• Revises plan of care as indicated by the patient's response to treatment and evaluates overall plan for effectiveness.
• Adequately assesses and reassesses pain. Utilizes appropriate pain management techniques and educates the patient and family regarding pain management.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to nurse managers, nursing staff, and physicians.
• Inputs charges and enters documentation on all wound care patients into the computer system in a timely manner to ensure compliance.
• Supervises C.N.A.'s on their shift to assure proper timely delivery of resident care and completion of assignments.
• Participates in ongoing programs to monitor, evaluate, and improve quality and appropriateness of care.
• Ensures standard precautions and infection control, isolation, fire, safety, and sanitation practices and procedures are followed by co-workers.
• Completes routine assignments within designated shift.
• Utilizes supplies and equipment appropriately.
• Understands, complies with, and promotes all rules regarding resident rights.
• Educates and assures C.N.A.'s compliance with respect to resident rights.
• Reports all suspected, alleged, or witnessed physical, sexual, or verbal abuse immediately to Abuse Coordinator and/or designee.
• Maintains competence with specified nursing skills by performing competency training as directed by the DON.

Requirements

• Current RN Licensure with the State of Illinois.
• Current CPR Card.
• Certified Wound Care Nurse (WCC) required or be able to obtain.
• Graduation from an accredited Registered Nursing program.
• Ability and willingness to work more than usual hours when needed, possibly during a different shift, weekends, or holidays.
• Capable of maintaining regular attendance.
• Prior wound care experience is needed.
• Prefer at least one year of long-term care nursing experience.