RN, Wound Care chez Shenandoah Medical Center

1. Responsibilities for wound care nurse

• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of common wound etiologies and wound standard of care.
• Maintains responsibility for Wound Clinic and patient scheduling on a daily basis, unless otherwise approved.
• Works with the Wound Care Clinic and our General Surgery Clinic to facilitate and maintain lines of communication with the various ancillary departments utilized by the department.
• Directs, and evaluates nursing care provided to patients in the Wound Care Clinic.
• Works under the direction of the Specialty Nurse Manager and in conjunction with our General Surgeon for management of outpatient wound care needs.
• Collaborate with the patient’s primary care provider when comorbidities are contributing to or affecting the healing of a wound to determine a comprehensive plan
• Provides direct care for patients in an ambulatory setting through comprehensive assessments, and assessment of diagnostic data and wound evaluations.
• Performs ordered treatments including but not limited to vital signs, blood sugars, vascular assessments and ABIs, wound assessments, phlebotomy, medication administration, and specimen collection and handling.
• Prepares and implements a plan of care for the wound patient collaborating with the physician and other health team members.
• Act as a resource for all clinical departments throughout Shenandoah Medical Center to develop plan of care for patients, perform educational opportunities for clinicians, and advise on wound care best practices, as needed.

2. Utilizes the nursing process, for the performance of patient care, to assess, plan, intervene, and evaluate patient care to achieve prioritized patient outcomes according to the RN scope of practice.

• Performs comprehensive nursing assessments in an efficient and effective manner.
• Conducts full body system analysis.
• Reviews, discusses and implements health care provider orders appropriately and takes appropriate measures if there are questions.
• Responds to patient needs in a timely fashion.
• Recognizes abnormal symptoms/changes in patient condition, establishes priorities and takes appropriate action.
• Serves as a patient advocate.
• Demonstrates personal accountability in the delivery of patient care in a competent, professional and compassionate manner.

3. Collaborates with health care providers to coordinate medical and nursing management of patient care.

• Works effectively with ancillary areas as part of the team approach to patient care.
• Directs patient support team members effectively and appropriately.
• Demonstrates initiative and flexibility in the provision of patient care.
• Informs and involves Clinic Nurse Manager regarding patient care issues in a timely and appropriately manner.
• Completes patient and family education. 

4. Performs emergency treatment as required in accordance with RN scope of practice.

• Initiates or assists in patient care in an effective and responsive manner as each situation requires.
• Triages each emergency situation appropriately and involves other resources as appropriate.
• Administers and performs emergent care in accordance with the applicable patient population type which may range from newborn to geriatrics.
• Follows emergency policies, procedures and protocols in an effective manner.

5. Performs and maintains documentation.

• Documents accurate and ongoing assessments of patient status, patient responses, and patient teaching.

6. Communicates effectively.

• Communicates and collaborates effectively with other health team members regarding patient condition, patient satisfaction needs and recommendations for meeting identified outcomes.
• Identifies and recognizes abnormal symptoms/changes in patient condition, established priorities, and takes appropriate action. Appropriately reports condition changes to medical provider.

7. Promotes and ensures patient and staff safety in all aspects of responsibilities.

• Administers medications, treatments and procedures in a timely and safe manner according to health care provider orders and nursing policy, including appropriate performance of standard precautions, and using two patient identifiers.
• Utilizes proper body mechanics, transfer/lifting techniques to minimize fall risk to patient and injury to self.
• Implements infectious disease controls as appropriate including isolation procedures, proper use of hand washing and gloves.

8. Performs other duties as assigned.