WOUND CARE SPECIALIST (WOCN)

Job Locations: US-CA-Oceanside Overview:

Tri-City Healthcare District has been serving the North County region for almost 60 years and remains committed to providing high quality healthcare and community services for every individual we encounter regardless of race, color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability or socioeconomic status.

Our mission is to advance the health and wellness of the community we serve. In order to achieve our mission, we see, hear and listen to our front line healthcare workers, employees, medical staff and all community stakeholders in order to understand and meet our community’s needs.

The Wound Care Coordinator directs, organizes, and develops all wound care services in accordance with applicable federal, state, regulatory, and company standards to ensure the delivery of quality patient care is rendered at all times, and that the Plan of Care and physician orders are followed with regard to wound care treatments. This position functions independently, demonstrates above average communication skills, personal integrity, and works effectively with patients, family members, physicians, staff, and outside agencies as required. The position leads hospital wound education efforts, as well as educates patients and family members on wounds and wound care topics. While this position does not specifically supervise clinical staff, as the leader of the wound care program in the hospital this person does direct clinical team on wound care treatment. This position requires continuous updating of education and treatment techniques in the delivery of wound care.

The position characteristics reflect the most important duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential functions of the job in a fully competent manner. They should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. The characteristics of the position and standards of performance may be changed by TCMC with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.

• Maintains a safe, clean working environment, including unit based safety and infection control requirements.
  
• Provide consultation and direction on pre-op and post-op in a customize way to Patients and Family undergoing Ostomy surgery and for appropriate Family members.
  
• Serves as a clinical resource and consultant to physicians and nursing staff to ensure appropriate, coordinated care to individuals with wounds, ostomies and/or incontinence (including home health)
  
• Participates in competency and net learning development. Provides feedback to nurse supervisors and managers regarding progress and training of RN staff regarding wound, ostomy and incontinence training.
  
• Expert in the assessment and knowledge of pressure ulcers which results in the generation of a �pressure ulcer risk score†and trains RN staff on scoring.
  
• Expert in identification of staging definitions to assist physicians and nurses in the development of the plan of care, products and beds/mattresses to be used, and interventions to be assimilated.
  
• Actively involved and part of the Quality department updating, formulating, revising and reviewing of all policies and procedures related to skin integrity and Ostomy.
  
• Supervise documentation of assessment, treatment plans and Patient progress by reviewing chart.
  
• Work effectively with Directors, staff and other departments of the Hospital. Act as role model for the staff.
  
• Assist Directors by giving direction in the development of new wound care programs, implementation and evaluation.
  
• Create multidisciplinary teams to develop action plans, root cause analysis, standing orders for skin integrity and revision of policies and procedures.
  
• Interfaces with Agency Representatives (CDPH, JCAHO, etc.)
  

• Three (3) years of RN experience, required.
  
• Advanced knowledge in wound and ostomy evidence based practices.
  
• Critical thinking, able to discern grades of wounds. Consistent application of the Braden Scale with interpretation, evaluation and action.
  
• Must be dependable, have integrity, initiative, tact, ability to work on details, ability to learn and possess a sense of values and ethical standards.
  
• Computer literate in word and power point. Able to use excel and graphs for data collection, analyzing and reporting.
  
• Customer focused communication skills at all levels of interaction
  
• Leadership demonstration of openness to change thorough implementation of creative programs that support achievement of strategic initiatives.
  
• Self-learning needs and strategies to enhance current competency to respond to new leadership demands
  
• Documentation reflects appropriate interventions to increase skin integrity
  
• Ability to communicate effectively, but assertively to intervene on the patient�s behalf. Works well 1:1 and in a teams to obtain better than expected outcomes.
  
• Previous experience with computer applications.
  
• PrOven record of accomplishment of the fundamental clinical skills of planning, organizing, facilitating, coordinating, collaborating, and the ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with all levels of the organization.
  
• Must have the ability to train and develop other personnel in wound, ostomy and continence care by providing them with the knowledge gained through certification and experience on the job.
  
• Possess knowledge of the business of health care along the continuum of care, clinical decision support data analysis/synthesis, and quality improvement, regulatory and legislative issues.
  
• Familiar with JCAHO requirements to ensure Department is in compliance.
  

• BSN, required.
  
• MSN, preferred.
  
• Completion of accredited WOCN educational program, required.
  

• Current California RN license, required.
  
• Current CA driver�s license and automobile insurance, required (only if employee is conducting home care visits).
  

• Current BLS certification from the American Heart Association (healthcare provider), required.
  
• Certification as WOCN, preferred.
  

Each new hire candidate who is offered employment must pass a physical evaluation, urine drug screen and pre-employment background checks before starting work.

• Salary/Hourly Wage range based on experience.
  

To protect the health of patients and staff, and to comply with the new State of California mandates, all job offers are contingent on the successful engagement in the TCMC COVID-19 vaccination program (fully vaccinated with documented proof or approved exception/deferral.)