Wound Care Nurse

Wound Care Nurse

• RN or LPN Full Time, Monday
• Friday, 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. or 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Position Summary

Is responsible for maintaining clinical competency as evidenced by application of integrated nursing knowledge and skills, leadership, and communication skills. Utilizes the nursing process in assessment, planning and implementing care. Exhibits organizational ability related to workflow, prioritizing to meet the patient care needs.

Integrates current standards of practice as well as local, state, and federal regulations related to nursing services in the care of patients. Practices continuous quality improvement thinking and problem-solving skills Specific Duties and Responsibilities Required:

• Working with the interdisciplinary care team, to assure accurate patient assessment and development/revision of individualized plans of care related to wounds and the prevention of pressure ulcers.
• Maintains open and ongoing communication with patients and families regarding the status of a patient’s wound, providing opportunity and encouragement to participate in decision making.
• Responsible for assessment of all patients for wounds on admission or return within 24 to 72 hours of admission.
• Visually inspects the skin of all patients at least weekly – may delegate the inspection to a qualified licensed provider when indicated. Works with the nursing partners, especially the CNAs, to report any new or suspicious skin issues that are detected at any time during a patient’s stay.
• Review of all admission wound care orders for accuracy and availability of dressing needs. Updates provider on the status of the wound and need for modification of wound care/dressings. Able to recommend next steps needed to aid in wound healing.
• Keeps the patient and family updated on the status of wounds and progress of healing.
• Performs accurate measurement of pressure ulcers and wounds on a minimum of weekly and records in the EHR. Reports measurements to center and regional leadership team as required, which may include presentation in center leadership meetings.
• Responsible for Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement related to wound care and pressure ulcer prevention.
• Provides center in-services when indicated related to wound care and pressure ulcer prevention. Ensures partners know the importance of pressure relief while in bed and in chair and that partners are knowledgeable of positioning aids required to assist in pressure ulcer prevention.
• Assume responsibility for assisting with meds and treatments as needed (including IV fluids and IV meds).
• Assist with admitting patients as required.
• Assist in the orientation of new nursing partners when indicated regarding wound care practices and pressure ulcer prevention including infection control related to wound care.
• Assures the personal dignity and physical safety of each patient. Assist patients to attain the highest level of self-care possible.
• Assist physician during rounds.
• Supervise LPNs and other nursing partners as assigned. Complete performance evaluations as required.
• Carry out personnel disciplinary action(s) promptly and effectively as indicated.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education

• Graduate from an accredited school of nursing.
• Maintains a current unencumbered licensed to practice in the state employed, LPN or RN
• Wound Care Certification preferred About NHC Fort Sanders: campus is home to a 140-bed post-acute 24-hour skilled nursing Health Care Center. We see many individuals who need skilled nursing care after a stroke, joint replacement surgery, a cardiac procedure or a serious illness. NHC Fort Sanders is located at 2120 Highland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916 EOE