The Wound Care specialist is a registered nurse, who demonstrates clinical expertise in the delivery of patient care and consultations for patients with wounds, and ostomies using the nursing process of assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation and collaboration with an interdisciplinary team to provide the patient with optimal care. The Wound Care Specialist guides and promotes growth and development of nursing practice through application of knowledge and skills for healthcare providers, patients, and families. The Wound/Ostomy/Continence care specialist participates in Quality Assurance / Performance Improvement activities and will work in inpatient and outpatient wound care settings as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Demonstrates expertise and knowledge related to skin integrity, wound care, ostomy and continence management.
• Demonstrates an ability to effectively perform skin/wound assessments, pre-op and post-op ostomy care and develop evidence-based plan of care. Provides appropriate handoff and feedback to team members, nursing leadership and staff.
• Rounds and consults on patients with sin integrity, wounds and ostomies. Intervenes appropriately with nursing staff and other disciplines to promote positive patient outcomes.
• Coordinates with nursing staff and other disciplines to ensure best outcomes for skin integrity maintenance and wound and ostomy care.
• Demonstrates leadership and role modeling for staff and other disciplines in care of patients at risk for skin breakdown, and those with wounds and ostomies.
• Participates in nursing and multi- disciplinary committees, oversee other activities such as NDNQI surveys to promote quality patient care.
• Demonstrates effective; verbal/non-verbal communications skills, non-judgmental attitude, listening skills and coping mechanisms.
• Develops a plan of care consistent with the patient's condition and documents in medical records in accordance with established procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Provides information /guidance to facilitate care, including patient, family/caregiver in the planning process.
• Evaluates and documents patients' responses to plan of care and collaborates with physician to guide plan of care.
• Collaborates with appropriate members of the health team to coordinate care for patients.
• Provides education to the patient and family regarding treatments and follow up care.
• Participates in discharge planning in collaboration with other health care providers and community resources to ensure full utilization of support services which address patient needs.
• Participates in Quality Assurance activities to ensure provision of optimum care and follow-up for patients.
• Participates in continuing education programs and in-service education in order to provide the most appropriate nursing care. Completes continuing education programs on time.
• Complies with hospital policies and procedures.
• Actively participates in the performance improvement process including data collection, analysis, plan for change and implementation of changes.
• Precepts and mentors staff
• May act as preceptor to new graduate nurses to ensure appropriate orientation to wound care unit.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:

NYS registered professional nurse. Current BLS required. Minimum of 3-5 years nursing experience focusing on skin integrity, wound, ostomy and incontinence management required. Good communication, interpersonal, and computer skills required. CWOCN certification accredited by the WOCN society or registered in a CWOCN program preferred.

EDUCATION:

Registered Professional Nurse licensed in New York State. Graduate of an accredited BSN program.

OTHER:

The individual performing this job may reasonably anticipate coming into contact with human blood and other potentially infectious materials. Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

About Us:

Good Samaritan Hospital

Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, NY, is a 286-bed hospital providing emergency, medical, surgical, obstetrical/gynecological and acute-care services to residents of Rockland and southern Orange counties in New York; and northern Bergen County, NJ. The hospital is home to a recognized cardiovascular program, comprehensive cancer-treatment services, the area's leading Wound and Hyperbaric Institute and outstanding maternal/child services that includes a Children's Diagnostic Center. Good Samaritan Hospital also provides social, psychiatric and substance-abuse services and its certified home-care agency supports residents of the Hudson Valley and beyond.