Wound Care/Performance Improvement Nurse

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lemuel Shattuck Hospital, operated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, is seeking an experienced Registered Nurse III specializing in wound care and nursing performance improvement. The position provides clinical expertise and support to patients aged 20 and older, including people with chronic medical conditions and acute exacerbations. The nurse assesses wound conditions, recommends treatments in accordance with hospital guidelines, and ensures timely documentation and follow-up. The position provides clinical leadership, guidance, education, and recommendations to nursing staff on wound care, fall prevention, and performance improvement. It directly supervises the RN II Wound Care Nurse and provides direct wound care to patients. The nurse develops and implements clinical guidelines and programs, reviews clinical information, collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, audits care and documentation, investigates incidents, analyzes quality data, and supports regulatory compliance and patient safety. The scheduled hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with work one weekend per month. Flexibility in scheduling and work hours is required to accommodate departmental needs. Candidates must hold Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Certification (WOCN) and current, valid Massachusetts professional nurse registration. Minimum entrance requirements include at least one year of full-time or equivalent part-time registered nurse experience in a recognized hospital, clinic, or medical facility, including six months in a supervisory, administrative, or managerial capacity.

Requirements

At least one year of full-time or equivalent part-time experience as a registered nurse in a recognized hospital, clinic, or medical facility.
At least six months of the required registered nurse experience in a supervisory, administrative, or managerial capacity.
Current and valid registration as a professional nurse under the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Certification (WOCN).
Knowledge of nursing principles, practices, procedures, and techniques, including infection prevention and control, sanitation, sterilization, specimen collection, and diagnostic equipment.
Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices, including work planning and assignments, resource allocation, employee performance evaluation, staff training, and disciplinary procedures.
Ability to analyze clinical and medical data, draw appropriate conclusions, and make sound recommendations.
Ability to interpret, apply, and explain laws, regulations, policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines governing nursing practice and hospital operations.
Ability to gather and evaluate information through observation, interviews, and review of medical records and other documentation.
Effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to provide clear, accurate instructions to staff and patients.
Ability to maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with applicable laws and HIPAA requirements.
Ability to engage and motivate patients and staff to participate in nursing performance improvement initiatives.
Flexibility in scheduling and work hours to accommodate departmental needs.
Recent graduates from an approved school of nursing must have applied for the first available registered nurse examination.
A current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's license may be required depending on assignment.
Successful candidates must acknowledge and attest to COVID-19 and influenza vaccination status or required mitigation measures, as applicable.

Nice To Haves

Sensitivity to the needs of older adults and long-term care patients.
Knowledge of hospital policies, procedures, and regulations.
Familiarity with regulatory and accrediting agencies, including the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and The Joint Commission.
Knowledge of restorative and rehabilitative nursing principles.
Adherence to hospital safety policies and procedures.
Leadership skills and ability to assume charge responsibilities.
Current CPR certification, renewed annually.

Responsibilities

Provide clinical leadership, oversight, and direction to nursing staff in wound care, fall prevention, and nursing performance improvement.
Directly supervise the RN II Wound Care Nurse and provide direct wound care to patients.
Develop, update, and implement skin and wound care guidelines and the Fall Prevention Program in accordance with national standards and evidence-based practices.
Assess patients, recommend appropriate wound treatments, and document wound assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, discharge referrals, and follow-up care in a timely and accurate manner.
Participate in nursing report and review patient data to assess needs, strengths, abilities, and potential for individualized care planning.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to address wound- and fall-related concerns, resolve clinical issues, and make necessary changes to patient care plans.
Lead hospital wound and skin care and fall prevention committees as assigned; conduct wound prevalence surveys, chair monthly fall prevention meetings, and participate in weekly wound rounds.
Audit wound care practices and documentation, investigate wound and fall incidents, identify trends, and recommend corrective actions.
Collect, analyze, and prepare monthly reports on wound and fall data and nursing quality indicators for hospital quality management, nursing quality initiatives, unit-based review, and external benchmarking agencies.
Research and evaluate wound care and fall prevention products, coordinate nursing trials, and present recommendations to the Product Evaluation Committee.
Educate and train nursing staff on wound care protocols, fall prevention, and performance improvement; orient new employees to the Wound Care and Fall Prevention Program.
Collaborate with the Quality Department, Risk Management, and Infection Prevention and Control to promote best practices, regulatory compliance, and patient outcomes.
Serve on hospital committees and clinically focused teams as assigned, and comply with applicable state and federal laws, including HIPAA privacy and confidentiality requirements.
Maintain professional licensure and required certification, complete mandatory in-service education, and participate in continuing education, workshops, and seminars.