Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Wound/Ostomy Nurse functions as clinical resource and consultant in the management of ostomies, complex wounds, fistulae, pressure, vascular and diabetic ulcers, and skin care problems.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

• Provides pre-operative counseling, education and stoma site marking for patients undergoing ostomy surgery 
• Collaborates with Nursing staff and health care team to create care plans, education and counseling for post-operative ostomy patients and care givers
• Serves as a consultant in the management of complex wounds and fistulae
• Provides consultation and direct assistance to nursing staff in the management of patients with altered skin integrity (pressure, vascular and diabetic ulcers, incontinence related). 
• Evaluates patient response to treatment plan and initiates alternative plans as indicated.
• Provides follow up care of discharged patients and assessment regarding selfcare, knowledge and adaptation
• Collaborates with home care agencies to facilitate smooth patient transition from acute care to home
• Supports staff in maintaining current knowledge and competence in the areas of stoma care, wound and skin integrity management via 1:1 instruction, in-services and CEU offerings. 
• Collaborates with Purchasing Department to evaluate and/or purchase contemporary ostomy/wound care products in a cost-effective manner.
• Precept WOCN Students 
• Participate in the orientation of new staff/specialty programs (PCA)
• Attends and contributes toward the Nurse Practice Council meetings
• Engage in nursing-related clinical research, which may include recruitment, data collection, analysis and other components of IRB-approved research studies.
• Attend WOCN-specific conferences that contribute toward furthering the wound/ostomy nurse’s knowledge and clinical performance and which may be required to keep his/her certification current.   

EDUCATION:

• Nursing degree: Diploma, ASN or BSN (preferred), Ability to obtain BSN within 4 years required

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Licensed to practice professional nursing as a registered nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• WOCN Certification (Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse Society Certification )

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• 2 years caring for wound and ostomy patients required

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: 

• Basic computer proficiency is inclusive of the ability to access, enter, and interpret computerized data/information.
• Effective interpersonal skills to facilitate communication with various members of the health care team, patients, and families.
• Analytical ability to solve clinical nursing issues and conduct quality improvement projects.
• High level interpersonal skills for effective communication and education with a wide array of clinicians, patients, families and outside providers.
• Physical ability for continuous standing and walking and occasional lifting and turning of patients.

St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. If you need accommodation for any part of the application process because of a medical condition or disability, please send an e-mail to Talentacquisition@bmc.org or call 617-638-8582 to let us know the nature of your request.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

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