The inpatient wound care nurse specialize in the proper management of wound and ostomy care by treating and monitoring wounds that are the result of diseases of gastrointestinal, genitourinary and integumentary system, injury, or medical treatments. 

Application of the Nursing Process to the care of the patient experiencing abdominal stomas, wounds , fistulas, drains, pressure injuries, and /or continence disorders Appropriate , comprehensive documentation of the Nursing Process including but not limited to educ to prevention , treatment and education within the context of the plan of care.

Secondary roles include administrator, educator, consultant and researcher.

Job Responsibilities (including but not limited to)

Job Function: 01. Provides direct care to wound healing inpatients and outpatient ostomy patients with application of the Nursing Process. Initiates specialized wound assessment, utilizing the patient’s history and all mandated departmental electronic medical record documentation as a guide. Identifies and prioritizes expected outcomes/goals in planning patient care based on wound healing best practices and program guidelines Performs all procedures and treatments according to established wound healing policies, protocols and best practice guidelines. Recognizes and evaluates patient response to treatment and nursing interventions. Revises and updates the patients plan of care as needed and readily recognizes and evaluates patient/family response to treatments and nursing interventions. Documents all aspects of patients encounter as specified in the Wound Healing Program Guidelines.

Job Function :02 . Actively interfaces & assists in maintaining a collaborative relationship. Collaborates closely with physicians, fellow WOCN’s, staff nurses,  wound program management, administration, and programs to ensure service excellence. Able to demonstrate ability/knowledge of problem solving in complex situations. Able to demonstrate ability/knowledge of problem solving in complex situations. Reports changes of any type to staff and keeps other departments informed of developments affecting their function. Allows WOCN staff  nurses to participate in problem solving. Confidently communicates department needs with superiors and peers. Maintains a supervisory role with inpatient WOCN’s and ostomy administrative assistant. Participates in hospital based and system wide committees .

Job Function: 03.  Coordinates with ANM/ Manager in maintaining a safe environment of care. Adheres to OSHA, CMS ,Joint Commission, NJ Department of Health and medical center standards. Provides leadership required for participation in NDNQI pressure injury prevalence studies as well as NJHA/QIO Pressure Ulcer Collaborative. Participates in therapeutic bed purchases

Job Function: 04. Collaborates with the ANM/ Manager in areas of daily operational and fiscal management. Maintains appropriate staffing matrix. Anticipates the needs for staff efficiency according to volume variations. Works with staff to assist Director/ Manager in ensuring that budget monitoring processes are in place and that appropriate action plans are implemented and adhered to. Communicates with Director/ Manager regarding ways to reduce and control expenses, as well as to enhance revenues. Develops wound and ostomy care policies and procedures. Able to assume super-user status when implementing new processes/equipment.                                  

Job Function: 05. Assumes shared responsibility in annual performance appraisals of unit personnel. Shares responsibility for writing and conducting staff Performance Appraisals as directed by the Director/Manager. Acts as a positive role model for staff by maintaining a neat and professional appearance and promoting professional nursing practice. Provides clinical and behavioral guidance to staff as the situation arises. Effectively uses the Peer Review process and encourages staff to do the same. Meets regulatory, licensure, annual competency and mandatory requirements. Strives to grow through continuous professional development and participation in various committees. Participates in PACT. Maintains professional competency through participation in continuing education. 

Job Function: 06 Participates in Performance Improvement Monitors, guides, supports and directs staff as indicated to achieve unit based and organizational goals including TJC Performance Improvement Measures. Incorporates the evidence-based practice and performance improvement philosophies in all actions. Supports, implements, promotes, and coordinates projects and programs around pressure injury prevention. Maintains membership on various performance improvement committees. Promotes customer service initiatives through personal example. 

Job Function: 07. Serves as a clinical resource to the health care team, patients, and their families. Acts as a mentor/preceptor. Acts as a educator and consultant to staff nurses, physicians and support staff for wound , skin and ostomy care concepts, practices, products and devices. Oversees ostomy support group. Participates in System wide research and educational programs and studies.