Wound Care Nurse

Job Summary

The Wound Care Nurse is a crucial member of the healthcare team, specializing in wound care support for residents within our Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF). This position requires a dedicated and compassionate individual with a strong understanding of wound care principles and a commitment to promoting the healing and well-being of residents.

Key Responsibilities

1. Wound Assessment:
   • Assist in the assessment of residents with wounds, under the supervision of the nursing and wound care team.
   • Document wound characteristics, progress, and any observed complications.
2. Wound Dressing Changes:
   • Perform routine and complex wound dressing changes according to the established care plan and under the guidance of licensed healthcare professionals.
   • Ensure aseptic technique is maintained during all wound care procedures.
3. Skin Integrity Monitoring:
   • Regularly monitor and assess the skin integrity of residents at risk of developing wounds.
   • Report any changes or concerns to the nursing and wound care team.
4. Wound Prevention:
   • Collaborate with the healthcare team to develop and implement preventive measures for residents at risk of developing wounds.
   • Provide education to residents and their families on wound prevention strategies.
5. Communication:
   • Communicate effectively with the nursing staff, wound care team, and other healthcare professionals regarding residents' wound care needs.
   • Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive care planning.
6. Record Keeping:
   • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of wound care interventions and outcomes.
   • Assist in the completion of documentation related to wound assessments and care.
7. Patient and Family Support:
   • Provide emotional support and education to residents and their families regarding wound care procedures, healing processes, and expectations.
   • Address resident and family inquiries regarding wound care in a compassionate and informative manner.

Qualifications and Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of LPN/RN program and valid nurses license.
• Previous experience in wound care or related healthcare role is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and a compassionate approach to patient care.
• Certification in Wound Care or completion of a wound care training program is preferred.
• Familiarity with electronic health record systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Working Conditions

• Works in office area(s), warehouse, pharmacy, and some positions work in a long-term care environment (i.e. nursing home, drug rooms, nurses’ stations resident rooms, etc.).
• Moves intermittently during working hours.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Is involved with customers, and customer representatives, family members, residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel, and visitors.
• Communicate with the designated facility staff, nursing personnel, residents, or family members.
• Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary.
• Is subject to call back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).
• Is involved in community/civic health matters/projects as appropriate.
• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.
• Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workday, as well as reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants.
• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS, COVID-19, and Hepatitis B viruses.
• May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Specific Requirements

• Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of teamwork and team concept.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with customers, personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Physical and Sensory Requirements (with or without reasonable accommodation) (With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices)

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must be able to read, speak, and understandably write the English language.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must function independently, and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with customers, residents, personnel, and support agencies.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this company, which include a medical and physical examination if the position requires.
• Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 50 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.

All Other Duties as Assigned.
I understand this job description and its requirements; I understand that this is not an exclusive list of the job functions and that I am expected to complete all duties as assigned; I understand the job functions may be altered by management without notice and that I am an at-will employee.