Wound Care Nurse

General Description

The Treatment Nurse is responsible for the skin and wound care of residents with an emphasis on prevention and treatment of skin disorders. The Treatment Nurse follows the established nursing Care Plan and makes appropriate adjustments as resident care needs and/or physician orders change. Assists with the duties of the staff RN, LPN, or CNA's when needed.

Essential Duties

1. Identifies, plans, implements, and evaluates skin care in residents.

2. Identifies, manages, and treats specific skin disorders.

3. Performs evaluation using observation and inspection techniques.

4. Confers with the Care Plan Team in the development of the Care Plan.

5. Provides and documents, including staging and treatment on skin disorders within established wound care protocol and monitors ongoing skin and wound treatments.

6. Monitors the use of preventive measures such as inspection, turning and positioning.

7. Assists in modifying the treatment region to meet the needs of the resident, in accordance with estblished medical practices, the regulatory guidelines and the policies and goals of the Facility.

8. Provides information to resident and caregivers on prevention techniques and other ways to maintain or improve the general health and psychosocial status of the residents.

Standard Requirements

1. Supports the Mission, Values and Vision of the Facility.

2. Is knowledgeable of residents rights and supports an atmosphere which allows for the privacy, dignity and well-being of all residents in a safe, secure environment.

3. Supports, cooperates with, and implements specific procedures and programs for: OSHA and safety, including universal precautions and safe work practices, established fire/safty/disaster plans, risk management, and security, report and/or correct unsafe working conditions, equipment repair and maintenance needs.

4. Adheres to:

a. Confidentiality of all data, including resident, employee and operations data.

b. HIPPA regulations

c. Quality Assurance requirement's and compliance with regulatory requirements.

d. Compliance with current law and policy to provide a work environment free from sexual harassment and illegal and discriminatory behavior.

e. Code of Conduct and Compliance Programs when preforming job functions.

5. Supports and participates in common teamwork:

a. Cooperates and works together with all co-workers; plans and completes job duties with minimal supervisory direction, including appropriate judgement.

b. Use tactful, appropriate communications in sensitive and emotional situations.

c. Follows up as appropriate with supervisor, co-workers or residents regarding reported complaints, problems and concerns.

d. Promotes positive public relations with residents, family members, and guests.

e. Completes requirements for in-service training, acceptable attendance, uniform and dress code including personal hygiene, and other work duties as assigned.

f. Participates as assigned in the orientation of new staff and demonstrates a positive, helpful, and enthusiastic attitude.

6. Immediately reports incidents of alleged residents abuse or neglect or alleged violations of residents' rights to Director of Nursing or Executive Director.

7. Knowledgeable of age specific developmental factors specific to adult and geriatric residents (i.e. physical, cognitive and socialization factors) in planning delivery of care.

8. Maintains current practice standards or changes by participating in educational opportunities provided by the Facility and outside resources.

Other Duties

Perform tasks which are supportive in nature to the essential functions of the job, but which may be altered or redesigned depnding upon individual circumstances. Performs other work duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Training: Graduate of an approved school of nursing; current license to practice as a registered nurse in the state. Experience in skin care preferred. Must have current CPR certification.

A.D.A ((Americans with Disabilities Act)(as amended)) REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to bend, stoop, push, pull, and walk and stand for most of the working day. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to provide hands-on care to residents as well as to operate standard office machines such as fax, telephone, etc. Requires normal range of hearing and vision. Must be free from communicable diseases that pose a "direct threat" to the health or safety of others and which cannot be eliminated by a reasonable accommodation. Must be able to carry and transport supplies. Must be able to pass a post-offer, pre-employment physical health examination as a condition of employment. Must be capable of preforming the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation(s).

Skill(s): Proficient reading, writing, grammer, and mathematics skills; proficient interpersonal relations and communicative skills; knowledge of drug interactions, side effects, and incompatibilities; decision-making skill; proficient assessment skills; basic computer skills; able to operate various medical and office equipment, auditory and visual skills. Must be able to communicate in English, both verbally and in writing, and possess sufficient communication skills to perform the task required.

Experience: Previous work experience in a long-term care setting preferred.