Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse

The Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse has the authority, responsibility, and accountability for Center oversight of ostomy and wound care through nurse licensure, certification and experience in this specialty. This role functions as a consultant for patients with complex wounds, fistulas, draining wounds, and skin problems related to fecal and urinary incontinence. In this role, the RN coordinates and implements the skin, wound, and ostomy program for the Shepherd Center. This role interacts with and contributes to the professional development and image of all unit staff practicing in a Shared Governance model of nursing practice.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develops and provides ongoing evaluation for an effective house-wide wound ostomy program.

• Participates in the education of patient, family and staff related to wound and ostomy care and prevention of skin problems.

• Collaborates with appropriate resources to update urology standards and demonstrate current knowledge of their specialty.
  Ensures that the ANA scope and standards of practice and the code of ethics for nurses are the foundation for nursing practice. 

• Promotes high quality care, outcomes, nursing research, and evidence based practice and contributes to building and maintaining a strong environment that facilitates collaboration to achieve quality outcomes.

• Utilizes a consistent, patient-focused care approach to meet patient needs and demonstrates initiatives to utilize a holistic approach to identify patient needs.

• Utilizes analytical skills and advanced assessment skills necessary to assess a patient’s condition and utilize that data through the nursing process and clinical judgement to provide comprehensive care.

• Collaborates and supports the plan of care as established by the interdisciplinary team and prescribes interventions to attain the expected outcomes.

• Evaluates the patient’s progress toward attainment of the outcomes, working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary healthcare team.

• Safely administers medications following policy/procedure Reports errors, near misses or adverse drug reactions in a timely and efficient manner.

• Prepares and maintains a record of observations and care given. Documents information clearly and completely utilizing correct forms/systems and in a timely manner according to Center policy.

• Assists with medical appointments and medical procedures as requested by MD.

• Educates and prepares the patient/family for future self-management by facilitating patient movement from passive to an active partnership and eventual to a personal self-care expert.

• Serves as a clinical preceptor for new staff/students from nursing schools performing clinical/senior practicums or shadowing experience for prospective new employees.

• Ensures appropriate usage/ordering of supplies and proper charging.

• Performs consistent with Shepherd Center standards, clinical policies, and procedures.

• Practices proper safety techniques in accordance with Center and departmental policies and procedures. Responsible for the reporting of employee/patient/visitor injuries or accidents, or other safety issues to the supervisor and in the occurrence notification system.  

• Actively participates in center-wide efforts that affect nursing practice.

• Adheres to patient/family centered principles using the communication and engagement tools (OARS/AIDECT).

• Establishes relationships with other RNs.

• Leads workgroup to evaluate trend and causals of wound and ostomy issues.

• Responsible for staging wounds on admissions and discharge.

• Performs regular quality checks for the LTCP.

• Participates in interdisciplinary workgroup to track and trend wound and ostomy related issues.

• Practices proper safety techniques in accordance with Center and departmental policies and procedures. Responsible for the reporting of employee/patient/visitor injuries or accidents, or other safety issues to the supervisor and in the occurrence notification system.  
• Monitors and ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements, organizational standards, and policies and procedures related to area of responsibility. Identifies potential risk areas within area of responsibility and supports problem resolution process.

• Performs other duties as required/requested/assigned.

REQUIRED MINIMUM EDUCATION

• Graduate of an accredited WOCN program with current certification.

REQUIRED MINIMUM CERTIFICATION

• BLS required.

• Active Georgia RN license or NLC/eNLC Multistate License.

• Certified Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse required

REQUIRED MINIMUM EXPERIENCE

• Minimum one (1) year RN experience preferred.

REQUIRED MINIMUM SKILLS

• Basic computer skills.

• Basic competencies are expected in nursing practice, patient and employee safety, infection control, performance improvement, practice innovation, professional nursing practice, standards of clinical nursing practice, and systems for patient safety.

• Demonstrates competency in time management, organization, prioritization and critical thinking by planning and organizing work assignments and prioritizing the specific needs of the patient.

• Ability to assess patient and family needs and coordinate appropriate nursing plan of care.

• Takes responsibility for growing professionally and seek opportunities for improving skills.

• Communicates effectively using timely verbal, non-verbal and written communication.

• Willingly adapts to changing work demands and work environment.

• Demonstrates critical thinking skills and makes sound judgments to monitor and respond to patient needs or changes in condition.

• Maintains congenial working relationships with RNs and others.

• Completes orientation and initial assessment of competency successfully by determined due date.

• Completes mandatory education and annual competency assessment requirements by determined due date.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience with patients with Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, and/or behavioral health preferred. Wound care strongly preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Uses body, tools, or special devices to safely, effectively, and efficiently to move, guide, or place patients. Involves some latitude for judgement with regard to precision attained and the selection of what adaptive device(s) to utilize.

• Ability to transfer and position patients, consistent with lifting up to 50 lbs.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Normal patient care environment.

• Some potential for exposure to blood and body fluids.

• Some potential exposure to infectious viruses.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified.