Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse

Job Responsibilities

• Develops and provides ongoing evaluation for an effective house-wide wound ostomy program.
• Participates in the education of patient, family and staff related to wound and ostomy care and prevention of skin problems.
• Collaborates with appropriate resources to update urology standards and demonstrate current knowledge of their specialty.
• Ensures that the ANA scope and standards of practice and the code of ethics for nurses are the foundation for nursing practice.
• Promotes high quality care, outcomes, nursing research, and evidence based practice and contributes to building and maintaining a strong environment that facilitates collaboration to achieve quality outcomes.
• Utilizes a consistent, patient-focused care approach to meet patient needs and demonstrates initiatives to utilize a holistic approach to identify patient needs.
• Utilizes analytical skills and advanced assessment skills necessary to assess a patient’s condition and utilize that data through the nursing process and clinical judgement to provide comprehensive care.
• Collaborates and supports the plan of care as established by the interdisciplinary team and prescribes interventions to attain the expected outcomes.
• Evaluates the patient’s progress toward attainment of the outcomes, working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Safely administers medications following policy/procedure
• Reports errors, near misses or adverse drug reactions in a timely and efficient manner.
• Prepares and maintains a record of observations and care given.
• Documents information clearly and completely utilizing correct forms/systems and in a timely manner according to Center policy.
• Aids in medical appointments and medical procedures as requested by MD.
• Educates and prepares the patient/family for future self-management by facilitating patient movement from passive to an active partnership and eventual to a personal self-care expert.
• Serves as a clinical preceptor for new staff/students from nursing schools performing clinical/senior practicums or shadowing experience for prospective new employees.
• Ensures appropriate usage/ordering of supplies and proper charging.
• Performs consistent with Shepherd Center standards, clinical policies, and procedures.
• Practices proper safety techniques in accordance with Center and departmental policies and procedures.
• Responsible for the reporting of employee/patient/visitor injuries or accidents, or other safety issues to the supervisor and in the occurrence notification system.
• Actively participates in center-wide efforts that affect nursing practice.
• Adheres to patient/family centered principles using the communication and engagement tools (OARS/AIDECT).
• Establishes relationships with other RNs.
• Leads workgroup to evaluate trend and causals of wound and ostomy issues.
• Responsible for staging wounds on admissions and discharge.
• Participates in interdisciplinary workgroup to track and trend wound and ostomy related issues.
• Monitors and ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements, organizational standards, and policies and procedures related to area of responsibility.
• Identifies potential risk areas within area of responsibility and supports problem resolution process.

Required Minimum Education

• Graduate of an accredited WOCN program with current certification.

Required Minimum Certification

• BLS required.

Required Minimum Experience

• Minimum one (1) year RN experience preferred.

Required Minimum Skills

• Basic computer skills.
• Basic competencies are expected in nursing practice, patient and employee safety, infection control, performance improvement, practice innovation, professional nursing practice, standards of clinical nursing practice, and systems for patient safety.
• Demonstrates competency in time management, organization, prioritization and critical thinking by planning and organizing work assignments and prioritizing the specific needs of the patient.
• Ability to assess patient and family needs and coordinate appropriate nursing plan of care.
• Takes responsibility for growing professionally and seek opportunities for improving skills.
• Communicates effectively using timely verbal, non-verbal and written communication.
• Willingly adapts to changing work demands and work environment.
• Maintains congenial working relationships with RNs and others.
• Completes orientation and initial assessment of competency successfully by determined due date.
• Completes mandatory education and annual competency assessment requirements by determined due date.