PRN Wound Care RN - Outpatient Clinic

General Summary: The Wound Care RN has the responsibility and accountability for assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of wound care. Provides direct patient care and education to assigned patients. The Wound Care RN is actively involved in department activities, transdisciplinary team activities, and LifeCare activities to ensure individualized, patient-centered health care for all patient populations admitted to LifeCare Hospital.

Patient Population: Has contact with patients in a clinical setting; understands and demonstrates appropriate behavior when interacting with patients in the adult (18-65 yrs of age) and geriatric (65 and older) populations.

Supervision: Oversees and directs delegated functions of LPN’s/LVNs, CNAs and Patient Care Technicians.

Standard Essential Functions

• The knowledge and skills necessary to perform the position requirements are demonstrated through the successful completion of competencies established for the position, to include population served and other special needs of patients or customers, served by the department.
• Adheres to LifeCare policies, procedures, all safety plans, and all standards imposed by regulatory organizations.
• Regular attendance and timeliness is required.
  
  

Job-Specific Essential Functions

• Assesses the needs of patients with basic and complex wounds. Identifies potential or actual needs and communicates changes in patient status, needs or condition to the assigned nurse and physician when applicable. Documents the assessment. Initiates Skin Care Algorithm on all wound care patients. Updates as needed.
• Develops comprehensive wound management plan and assists staff in wound care when indicated. Documents the plan and revisions. Completes daily rounds and updates the Transdisciplinary team and family on wound progress.
• Implements the plan of care by providing wound care interventions directly and/or appropriately delegating care to others, demonstrating competent and proficient nursing practice. Responds appropriately and assists others in emergencies in a calm and effective manner.
• Initiates and coordinates the evaluation of wound care provided and documents the patients’ response to wound care by providing nursing and other members of the transdisciplinary team. Obtains all pictures of wounds upon admission and weekly thereafter.
• Identifies individual learning needs of patients and families in wound care education in a manner that meets their special needs. Serves as primary wound care educator for staff.
• Communicates with the assigned nurse and physician on changing patient needs, ensuring patient safety at all times, notifying the assigned nurse of any risk factors seen, initiating and maintaining appropriate safety measures.
  
  

Values

• We COLLABORATE: We develop our treatment plans in collaboration with physicians, clinicians, and patient's families.
• We ADVOCATE: We advocate on behalf of every patient and family.
• We RESPECT: We recognize and value the dignity, rights, and resources of each patient.
• We PROVIDE: We provide complex medical care with purpose and compassion.
• We SERVE: We serve as a TEAM with integrity at all levels focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients.