Company :Allegheny Health NetworkJob Description : 

GENERAL OVERVIEW:

The hospital-based Wound Ostomy Nurse serves as a clinical resource and consultant for the acute and rehabilitative care of patients with selected disorders of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and integumentary systems such as acute and chronic wounds (e.g., complex draining wounds, fistulae, pressure ulcers, vascular ulcers), ostomies, percutaneous tubes, and continence disorders.  Professional responsibilities are carried out through direct patient care, clinical consultation, education, research, and administration.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Utilizes the nursing process when directing or delivering care to patients with WOC needs, including assessment, diagnosis, outcomes identification, planning, and implementation (e.g., coordination of care delivery, health teaching and promotion, consultation), and evaluationUtilizes and maintains current physical, psychosocial, clinical assessment, and therapeutic communication skills to determine individual patient needs and expected outcomesParticipates in committees or task forces related to wound, ostomy, and continence issuesProvides consultation for individuals with altered skin integrity (e.g., pressure ulcers, draining wounds, fistulae) to develop individualized plans of care and attain expected outcomesProvides guidance to staff in implementing protocols to identify, control, or eliminate etiologic factors for skin breakdown, including selection of appropriate support surfacesAs applicable, with a physician’s order, provides appropriate debridement of devitalized tissue (e.g., conservative sharp debridement, silver nitrate [AgNO3] cauterization of nonproliferative wound edges, hypergranulation tissue, or to control minor bleeding)Provides appropriate education to patients, caregivers, and staff regarding skin care, wound management, care of percutaneous tubes, and draining wound/fistulae managementValidates pressure ulcer data collection for nursing quality indicators (e.g., pressure ulcers and restraint use)Provides pre- and postoperative education to patients who are undergoing ostomy surgery (and their families), with consideration of the need for physical and psychological adaptationAs applicable, marks the stoma site preoperatively by determining the appropriate site for stoma placement with consideration of the patient’s anatomical markings, physical capabilities, and lifestyleAssesses the stoma and stoma functioning and initiates appropriate procedures for stoma care (e.g., removes rod/sutures, measures/fits a pouching system, teaches care of stoma/peristomal skin and pouch)Provides appropriate educational information to patients, including postoperative and discharge instructions about care, referrals, and supply needs.Serves as a resource for patients after discharge through telephone consultation or outpatient servicesIdentifies risk factors for urinary or fecal continence disordersAssesses patients with urinary and/or fecal continence disordersEstablishes an appropriate management program to include dietary and fluid management; bowel training or stimulated defecation program; bladder retraining, prompted voiding, or a scheduled voiding program; pelvic muscle reeducation without biofeedback; indwelling catheter management; recommendations regarding containment/absorptive products and devices and skin care; and education and counseling for patients/caregivers.Identifies patients requiring referral for assessment/management of complex urinary or fecal continence disorders.Participates in developing and implementing procedures and protocols, based on current national guidelines, to deliver care to patients with the following: Urinary or intestinal disorders resulting in the need for an ostomy; Conditions requiring wound management; Impaired or altered skin integrity; Urinary and/or fecal continence issuesAssists the nursing and medical staff in maintaining current knowledge and competence in WOC care by providing the following: Formal or informal continuing education programs; Clinical rounds; Lunch and learn sessions; Orientation sessions; Collaborative practice committees; Nursing councils Attends continuing education programs related to WOC nursing to maintain current knowledge and skillsCollaborates with leadership and multidisciplinary clinical practice teams to establish protocols which support best practices to achieve optimal clinical benefits for patients needing WOC care.Maintains and submits required activity and statistical reports to the appropriate department supervisorContributes to the selection of cost-effective supplies and equipment related to WOC care, which might need to be individualized for different units/departments.Participates in policy review and development as it relates to wound, skin care and ostomies.Collaborates with frontline managers and staff on data collection including prevalence studies and the review of reports related to hospital acquired pressure injuries for purposes of determining accuracy, recommending interventions and educational opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum

BSNGraduation from a WOCN-accredited wound, ostomy and continence (WOC) nursing education program, or satisfactory completion of an accredited program within 6 months after assuming the position OR Completion and certification from a WCC, OMS program—Wound Care Certified and Ostomy Management SpecialistCurrent RN licensureCurrent certification in tri-specialty (CWOCN) by the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification BoardCurrent certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Preferred

MSNTwo to four years of recent, relevant nursing experience

Disclaimer: The job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this job title. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.

Compliance Requirement: This job adheres to the ethical and legal standards and behavioral expectations as set forth in the code of business conduct and company policies.

As a component of job responsibilities, employees may have access to covered information, cardholder data, or other confidential customer information that must be protected at all times.  In connection with this, all employees must comply with both the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) as described in the Notice of Privacy Practices and Privacy Policies and Procedures as well as all data security guidelines established within the Company’s Handbook of Privacy Policies and Practices and Information Security Policy. 

Furthermore, it is every employee’s responsibility to comply with the company’s Code of Business Conduct. This includes but is not limited to adherence to applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations as well as company policies and training requirements.

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Highmark Health and its affiliates prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation/gender identity or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Highmark Health and its affiliates take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation/gender identity, protected veteran status or disability. 

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