Wound/Ostomy Nurse

Job Summary :

To provide nursing care that is patient and family centered in an environment that exemplifies best practice and customer service; fosters relationship based care; and maintains the integrity of professional nursing standards. Nursing care guidelines are based on the ANA Code of Ethics (1), Indiana Nurse Practice Act (2), Nursing Process, and regulatory agency standards by which the RN provides patient care and shared leadership for the unit.

Job Description

A. Assessment – Specific to all ages/stages

• Performs comprehensive assessments and reassessments. Including identification of actual or potential physical, psychosocial, cultural, religious, safety, infection control and environmental components for teaching.
• Incorporates data obtained from patient or significant others or other health care provider. Addresses health promotion, maintenance and restoration.
• Applies unit-specific advanced assessment skills and knowledge to patients with medical and nursing care needs. 
• Changes teaching format based on clients significant others learning capabilities.
• Interprets assessment findings, documents findings as described per education protocols and teaching checklist criteria.
• Responds to assessment findings, as directed by patient condition diagnosis, laboratory findings.
• Confers with Unit Director on unit education budgetary needs and submits annual Patient Education budget.
• Reviews and maintains current resource literature, equipment, supplies, packets and notebooks.

B. Planning – Specific to all ages/stages

• Upon initial assessment, collaborates with other health care providers regarding the teaching plan and/or discharge/transfer follow up.
• Incorporates pharmacological interventions.
• Incorporates dietary interventions.
• Incorporates physical/occupational therapies.
• During health care visits collaborates with other health care providers regarding the teaching plan and/or discharge/transfer follow up.
• Develops individualized teaching plan based on teaching checklists and Standards of Care/Standards of Practice to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Sets up client/significant others for outpatient teaching as needed.
• Revises teaching plan based on patient physical and emotional changes and/or needs. Revises teaching plan based on patient and significant other input.

C. Implementation – Specific to all ages/stages

• Complies with OSHA regulations as observed in daily practice.
• Knows OSHA Exposure category.
• Applies safety principles to patient education.
• Follows HRH safety, fire and disaster plans.
• Follows Hazardous Waste Flow.
• Complies with regulatory agency standards.Documents patient/family education per standards.
• Documents on Multidisciplinary Education form.
• Documents on Narrative notes.
• Completes teaching checklist.
• Communicates with physician regarding specified data.
• Significant changes in patient condition based upon assessments.
• Significant changes for potential or suspected complications.
• Patient/family response to education.
• Obtains/Clarifies physician orders.
• Verifies medication doses and treatment orders.
• Schedules and notifies clients of outpatient programs.
• Acts as patient education liaison with medical staff.
• Acts as a public education resource and provides information as requested.
• Assists with community education programs as requested.

When applicable, questions, medications, doses and treatments.

Education and Experience Required:  
1. Graduation from an accredited School of Nursing is required for employment. Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree, (BSN), preferred.
2. Computer skills required.

Mandatory Licensure/Certifications:  
1. Current licensure by the Indiana State Board of Nurses’ Registration and Nursing Education as an active Registered Nurse.
2. Area specific required education may be obtained upon hire and is to be maintained, e.g. ACLS, BLS, PALS, specialty certification, etc.

Work Shift :

1st Shift (United States of America)

Scheduled Weekly Hours :

0