People-Provides acute and rehabilitative care for individuals with alterations or disorders of the integumentary, gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems. Provides direct care to individuals with abdominal stomas, wounds, fistulas, drains, pressure injuries and continence alterations. Assures that systems are in place to provide optimal care, support and education to the individual and/or family or caregiver. Provides support and education to the collaborating healthcare team members.

Cost/budget-Participates in the acute care facility’s product evaluation and/or standard’s committee for ongoing evaluation of products related to wounds, ostomies and continence conditions. Identifies areas for cost savings related to wounds, ostomies and continence conditions.

Service-Ensures that the standard of care for wound, ostomy and continence patients is consistently met through evidence-based policies/procedure/protocols, education, skills validation, data collection and dissemination and evaluation of patient outcomes.

Growth-Serves as clinical experts to various groups and organizations in the community such as support groups (Ex. United Ostomy Association of America), local home care and long-term care facilities. Works with local community health centers, schools and provides outpatient services to meet the needs of the community (ex. clinics, health fairs and wellness days).

Quality-Develops product formularies for resource allocation, cost containment and quality of care. Participate in root cause analysis related to the wound, ostomy and continence role. Formulate action plans utilizing wound, ostomy and continence initiatives.

Relationships-Initiates, leads and oversees activities through formalized councils. Maintains lines of communication with the healthcare team as well as patients and caregivers. Engages in disseminating wound, ostomy and continence nurse practice initiatives through educational programs, presentations and publications. Supports policies and procedures that permit and encourage nurses to practice professionally and be able to communicate concerns. Participates in transformational leadership by way of unit-based skin care teams, welcoming new employees and graduates and allowing for shadowing opportunities and serving as a resource to all healthcare team members in the wound, ostomy and continence scope of practice.

Staff Development-Provides formal education to all levels of staff in order to appropriately manage individuals with wound, ostomy and continence alterations. Participates in informal teaching/learning opportunities with all levels of staff. Serves as a preceptor for new wound, ostomy and continence nurses.

Role Model-Acts as a positive role model and mentor for all levels of staff. Participates in interviews and hiring of staff related to the specialty. Participates as an active member and/or leader of the system-wide wound council, site-specific wound council, product evaluation committee, as well as the safety, quality, informatics and nurse practice councils as needed.

Other-Participate in ethics committee, as needed and protects patient privacy and honors requests for confidentiality related to the wound, ostomy and continence role. Identifies innovations in evidence-based care related to the wound, ostomy and continence role. Other tasks may be required as per department and facility needs, as per the WOC nurse skills set.

Physical Requirements-As supported by the Occupational Safety policies

Required:

Bachelor's degree in Nursing or related field.

5-7 years of experience in Nursing or relevant area.

Current state licensure as a Registered Nurse.

National Board Certification for Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nurse Credentialing Board (WOCNCB).

BLS certification required.

Experience with Magnet designation, shared governance and policy and procedure development and revisions strongly recommended.

Preferred:

Masters Degree

#LI-KL1