Wound Care Nurse

ABOUT US

Loretto Hospital is a safety-net hospital that serves more than 33,000 patients each year from Chicago's Austin and surrounding communities. Established in 1923 as a not-for-profit community-focused healthcare provider, Loretto offers its community a unique patient-centered healthcare delivery system that promotes general wellness and education. The hospital staff are committed to providing the best possible medical care in a holistic, safe and comfortable resident environment. By empowering patients with knowledge and resources, Loretto Hospital strives to cultivate a culture of proactive medical management within the community, with the goal of increasing the quality of life for patients and community residents.

SUMMARY

We are seeking a dedicated Wound Care Nurse to join our Med/Surg Department. Reporting to the Director, Patient Care Services, the Wound Care Nurse coordinates treatment to provide comprehensive wound assessments and plan of care including goals, implementation of treatment, evaluation and outcomes for patients throughout the organization. The Wound Care Nurse will provide patient, family and staff education regarding wound management, prevention of pressure ulcers, support surfaces, dressing selections and other therapies and is a resource for physicians, wound team, and clinical staff. Additionally, the Wound Care Nurse will perform general nursing duties in all departments with adequate supervision and participate in performance improvement plan of the organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ability to perform wound assessment, reassessment and management for all patients and per policy.
• Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology and disorders of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary and dermal systems
• Utilizes principles of current wound management theory when providing care to patients with acute and chronic wounds
• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of staging system of wounds
• Develops skin care programs to prevent skin breakdown of patients
• Knowledgeable of surgical procedures and postoperative course of patients undergoing bowel surgery
• Demonstrates knowledge and skill to develop and implement policies and procedures to manage patients with draining wounds, fistulae and/or tubes; wound prevention, wound care, ostomy care and incontinence
• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and the skills necessary to provide age appropriate care to the patient population served. Able to interpret data about the patient's status in order to identify each patients age specific needs and provide care needed by the patient group
• Ability to revise plan of care as indicated by the patient's response to treatment and evaluate overall plan for effectiveness
• Ability to adequately assess and reassess pain. Utilizes appropriate pain management techniques. Educates the patient and family regarding pain management
• Demonstrates ability to perform treatments and provide services to level licensure
• Formulates a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning, family is included in teaching as appropriate
• Provides education to all patients undergoing surgery that result in an ostomy. Provides pre and post-op assessments and patient/family education
• Knowledgeable of medications and their correct administration based on age of the patient and clinical condition
• Is a resource person to physicians, nursing, and other hospital staff. Provides in-services on wound prevention, wound care, ostomy care and incontinence for the nursing staff
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to nurse managers, nursing staff and physicians
• Consults other healthcare professionals/departments as appropriate to provide interdisciplinary approach to the patient's needs
• Documentation meets current standards and practices
• Integrates research findings to clinical practice
• Attends seminars, conferences, continuing education classes in the areas of wound prevention, wound management and ostomies. Participates in professional societies. Stays current with changes, new advances/treatment in wound care
• Serves as a liaison between physicians, patients and manufacturers of clinical products
• Knowledgeable of the clinical products currently available on the market Meets with sales representatives, evaluates products; makes recommendations for products/equipment
• Operates all equipment correctly and safely
• Coordinates and supervises patient care as necessary
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• Inputs charges and enters documentation on all wound care patients into computer system in a timely manner to ensure compliance.
• Other duties as assigned

COMPLIANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Understands and adheres to Loretto Hospital's compliance standards as they appear in the Compliance Policy, Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy.
• Keeps abreast of all pertinent federal, state and Hospital regulations, laws, and policies as they presently exist and as they change or are modified.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the personnel so classified. For purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, "Job Duties" are essential job functions.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Current Illinois RN License
• Minimum of two (2) years' experience in medical/surgical, rehabilitation nursing
• Must be a VOHRA Wound Certified Nurse
• Certified Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse (CWOCN) or Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN)
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Excellent communication skills

Preferred:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Critical Care or ED experience preferred
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification, Crisis Prevention Intervention certification preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand and walk as well as occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Using proper body mechanics, the employee may be expected to lift, pull, push or move patients and/or equipment. Fine motor skills are required when using hands and fingers to handle, feel or reach. Normal or corrected vision, hearing and ability to speak are necessary. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, sharp eye focus and ability to distinguish colors. There will be periods of stressful intense concentration with more than average pressure used in a variety of problem-solving situations.

WHY LORETTO

Competitive Compensation: Along with a competitive salary, Loretto Hospital offers a comprehensive, competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement savings plans, and paid time off.

Career Development: Loretto Hospital is a vibrant community of professionals dedicated to administering excellent patient care. Whether you are pursuing a career in allied health, support services, clinical or nursing support, or professional administration, Loretto Hospital is a tremendous place to grow as a health care professional.

Work Environment: As a not-for-profit, community-focused hospital, Loretto Hospital is truly a place where patients come first. We are seeking team members who not only support our mission, but who are customer service-driven and who desire to enhance the patient experience.