JOB SUMMARY: The Registered Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse provides individualized, age specific wound care management at bedside as well as in an outpatient center based on the nursing process, policies and procedures and current research on skin care. Communicates with physicians, direct care givers and nursing staff as appropriate about changes in the patient’s clinical condition including treatment plans and interventions. Acts as a primary education consultant to hospital employees, physicians, patients and visitors in safe Infection Control/Prevention practices and wound care management.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING
- Must have current and valid license as a Registered Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse issued by the State of Texas.
- BCLS certification upon hire and maintain current.
- ACLS certification within 6 months and maintain current.
- Minimum of three years experience in an acute care hospital setting.
- Knowledge of theory, techniques and practices of wound care management.
- Wound Care Certification preferred.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Makes patient rounds on each unit to identify appropriate treatment plan for patients with breakdown in skin integrity. |
Review and make recommendation on treatment plans based on established hospital policy and procedures. |
Does not use unacceptable abbreviations in documentation, (using read back on all telephone orders.) |
Is in compliance with information contained in the Infection Manual (i.e. OSHA blood borne pathogen standards, CDC Guidelines), and demonstrates appropriate use of personal protective equipment (i.e. gloves, gowns, masks, goggles) and hand washing techniques. |
Assists physicians with special procedures in the unit. Uses time out on all patients for any bedside procedures. |
Tactfully discusses correct wound care management protocols, policies and procedures to reinforce compliance with appropriate physicians/staff members. |
Review/revise plan of care for wound management appropriate for each individual patient. |
Avoids and prevents injury to self and patients by applying the principles of body mechanics. Maintains a safe environment, functioning with an awareness and application of safety issues identified within the unit/facility. |
Consistent with pain assessment and reassessment with the time frame after giving pain medications. |
Recognizes signs of abuse and reports appropriately to the Adult Protective Services. |
Establishes priorities of patient care based on essential needs and available resources of time, equipment, personnel and supplies. |
Formulates, maintains and updates a goal directed plan of care on patients which is prioritized and based on patient outcomes. |
Provides in-service education to hospital personnel at least annually wound care management, treatment plan and documentation / principles and infection control practices, etc. |
Serves as a resource consultant in wound care management for all departments within the hospital. |
Tracks patients with wound and provides data to Quality Department at least quarterly. |
Monitors staff compliance related to wound care management and improvement. #WNJ |