Wound Medicine Nurse Practitioner

Definition and Role

The Wound Medicine Nurse Practitioner, in collaboration and consultation with physicians, staff RN's and other health care professionals, provides comprehensive wound management to patients.

Under the supervision of a physician, the Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) is responsible for providing high quality wound care services for patients residing in all levels of care and may include responsibilities staffing outpatient wound care clinics, hospital-based settings, and home visits.

The Nurse Practitioner provides leadership by serving as clinical expert, educator and liaison between the patient and the medical, nursing, and interdisciplinary staff with the goal of wound healing and improved patient outcomes

Job Responsibilities and Duties

• Must be dependable and keep scheduled appointments in facilities as assigned.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skill in assessment and performing local wound care including debridement techniques, cleansing, dressings, pressure relief, pain control and odor control in nursing facility or clinic settings.
• Ability to evaluate, recommend, and facilitate the need for DME (Durable Medical Equipment) for patients with debility and rehabilitation needs.
• Understanding and application of current infection control techniques, wound care supplies and treatment protocols.
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation of patient encounters in electronic medical record.
• Analytical ability and clinical knowledge necessary to make recommendations concerning the development and management of departmental programs, policies, goals, and staffing needs as it relates to wound care.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate with peers and other inter-disciplinary health care providers.
• Ability to complete assignments with minimum supervision.
• Professionalism
• Ability to work and schedule appointments independently
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Assist in the wound care/Pressure Ulcer Prevention Program in order to improve clinical outcomes

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher; Wound care experience preferred but not mandatory.
• Graduate of an approved school of nursing with a current unencumbered Registered Nurse license
• Minimum of 1 year of clinical experience in patient care environment with direct wound and ostomy assessment and treatment skills preferred.
• Completion or active enrollment in a wound certification program, i.e., American Academy of Wound Management (CWS), Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing (WOCN), Wound Care Education Institute (WCC), or equivalent program preferred. Candidates will be encouraged to complete one of aforementioned programs when eligible after employment.
• Strong communication skills.
• Professional presentation and outgoing personality.
• Knowledge and experience working with computers and electronic health records.
• Driver's license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles
• Ability to practice autonomously, valid, and unrestricted driver's license Excellent verbal and written communication skills in a professional environment, ability to set priorities while managing multiple tasks, detail oriented with excellent communications and organizational skills

Physical Requirements

• Mobility and Lifting: Frequent sitting for extended periods of time; frequent standing; kneeling or stooping for prolonged periods of time in awkward bent over positions; frequent lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Visual: Constant ability to read information, including close up; constant ability to use a computer screen; frequent use of good overall vision, including color perception.
• Dexterity: Constant eye and hand coordination and manual dexterity to write, operate a computer keyboard and finely manipulate small objects.
• Emotional/Psychological: Constant ability to make decisions and concentrate.