Wound Care RN Coordinator

Advocate Health

15h • $41 - $62

About The Position

The Wound Care RN Coordinator provides specialized wound and skin integrity care for inpatient patients, including comprehensive assessment, care planning, consultation, treatment, and education for patients and families. The coordinator supports clinical outcomes by developing standards of care, applying research and evidence-based recommendations, monitoring quality, and leading interdisciplinary collaboration on wound healing. The role also educates and supports healthcare associates, coordinates continuity of care and discharge planning, and contributes to program development and resource management.

Requirements

• Registered Nurse (RN) licensure.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for hires effective January 1, 2012; hires before that date require a bachelor's degree.
• Four years of clinical experience as an RN in wound care.
• Board certification by December 31, 2015, or within two years of hire.
• Good priority-setting ability.
• Basic computer skills.
• Departmental management skills.
• Effective interpersonal communication skills.
• Commitment to patient-focused care and ability to recognize the needs and behaviors of the specific age groups treated.
• Ability to prioritize independently and respond to multiple simultaneous requests in a fast-paced environment, within time constraints and in difficult situations.
• Ability to work flexible hours according to customer needs.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance; for patient lifts over 35 pounds or when a patient cannot assist, patient-handling equipment is expected, with at least one other associate when available.
• Ability to transport objects and perform patient lifting or transfer activities; the description notes that up to 50 pounds may be required, subject to the patient-lifting requirements stated in the posting.
• May be exposed to hazardous materials and life-threatening diseases.

Responsibilities

• Respond to consultation requests in a timely manner and provide direct care to a select patient population.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients and families and develop care plans based on current theories and products.
• Demonstrate wound-care techniques and provide educational materials and supportive counseling to patients and families.
• Assess, plan, initiate, and evaluate inpatient care for patients with impaired skin integrity, complex or draining wounds, tubes, and fistulas; document care appropriately.
• Formulate standards of care for skin integrity and wound-care populations, maintain clinical knowledge, and share current trends and techniques with staff.
• Lead the Wound and Skin Committee and promote interdisciplinary collaboration in wound healing.
• Initiate or participate in studies and projects to improve patient care, and facilitate the use of research and evidence-based recommendations in clinical practice.
• Perform comprehensive wound and skin consultations and recommend plans of care; make clinical decisions and provide therapeutic measures within the area of practice.
• Coordinate prevalence studies, submit statistics, implement and monitor action plans, and identify and evaluate clinical quality issues.
• Educate healthcare professionals, caregivers, and patients about risk factors, pressure-ulcer prevention, interventions, and treatments.
• Coordinate referrals and follow-up at discharge to assure continuity of care.
• Collaborate effectively with physicians, nurses, directors, and other healthcare team members; support physician-relations initiatives and provide clinical consultation to physician staff.
• Participate in hospital committees and projects and coordinate efforts with medical staff leadership.
• Evaluate clinical management strategies, track patient progress across the continuum of care, participate in program development and implementation, and develop tools supporting continuity and coordination of wound and skin management.
• Communicate care plans, pathways, algorithms, guidelines, and revisions to physicians, nurses, and other multidisciplinary professionals.
• Collaborate with case managers and social workers to identify discharge needs and facilitate discharge planning.
• Help manage resources for patients with complex wounds, evaluate clinical products, order supplies, recommend supplies with cost containment in mind, and coordinate with suppliers and manufacturers.
• Provide patients with lists of needed supplies and manage specialty-bed utilization criteria, tracking, and charging.
• Educate and support associates in wound assessment, measurement, and treatment, including bedside consultation and assistance with wound care beyond the normal scope of the staff RN.
• Maintain professional growth through participation in professional organizations, educational seminars, and review of current literature.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off programs
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Adoption assistance and paid parental leave
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
• Educational Assistance Program
• Competitive compensation, with potential premium pay, incentive pay for select positions, and annual performance-based increases
• Career development programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level