Registered Nurse - Hyperbaric/Woundcare

POSITION PURPOSE

• The registered nurse in the Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Department provides wound care for outpatients in the hospital outpatient department at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital, as well as to observation and inpatients in the hospital. This registered nurse works in collaboration with physician and mid-level providers to provide care to patients with wounds, including those who are undergoing hyperbaric medicine treatments. The individual serving in this position acts as a liaison between patients, physicians, family members and other healthcare providers.

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIRED

• Associate Degree: Nursing

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• 2 years as a registered nurse performing direct patient care in an acute care hospital or equivalent experience obtained another setting.

LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Licensure to be eligible to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Wisconsin

• Current BLS and/or CPR certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross or the ability to obtain certification within 6 weeks of hire

• Completion of a course approved by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, if work involves the care of patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen treatments

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Demonstrated ability for high degree of analysis, critical thinking, and judgment in the provision of patient care

• Demonstrated ability for effective verbal and written communication with individuals and groups

• Strong interpersonal skills to interact with leadership, patients, physicians, and interdisciplinary team members

• The ability to read, write, speak, hear and comprehend the English language and facilitate communication with patients and others for whom English is not the primary language

• The ability to use computerized equipment and documents, including the electronic medical record

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Assesses the condition and identify the needs of each patient including the status of wounds utilizing available and pertinent information, direct observation, and examination of the patient and available medical records.

• Reviews, assesses, measures, and evaluates wounds and wound progress; interprets diagnostic data; assigns grade and stages of wounds; determines appropriate dressing, applies and changes dressing as required.

• Provides consultation and assistance for physicians and other healthcare providers regarding management of patients with wounds, including fistulas and established ostomies, and/or alteration in skin integrity.

• Develops individualized plans of care relevant to patient needs associated with wounds and/or ostomies consistent with the medical plan of care for each patient, including discharge planning.

• Evaluates patient progress toward expected outcomes, revising plan of care as indicated.

• Provides follow-up for wound and, as trained, ostomy patients through outpatient visits and phone calls, as well as for inpatients, as directed, ordered or deemed appropriate.

• Consults and collaborates with physicians to provide wound debridement and other advanced wound care modalities.

• Provides education to selected patients in accordance with physician orders, recognized nursing techniques, policies, and procedures.

• Provides staff development in areas of expertise.

• Utilizes established policies, procedures, objectives, quality assurance guidelines and standards, safety standards, environmental and infection control guidelines in daily nursing practice.

• Maintains documentation that meets current standards and policies, reflecting the care provided to the patient and the patient’s condition.

• Maintain an effective, friendly working relationship with health professionals, physicians, patients, and family members.

• Maintains confidentiality of patient and other protected information in accordance with HIPAA and relevant policies and procedures.