Wound Care Nurse Specialist

The Wound Nurse Specialist is a specialized registered nurse who provides care for patients with chronic or complex wounds in the context of palliative and end-of-life care. Their primary goal is to improve the overall quality of life for patients and their families, prevent infection, and when able, promote healing.

• Wound assessment and management:
  Identifies wound etiology. For pressure injuries:
  Provides staging, and for all wounds assesses the size, depth, and characteristics of the wound bed and provides appropriate interventions including cleansing, debridement (removal of dead tissue), and determines evidence-based product selection.
• Documentation:
  Maintains accurate and detailed records of wound assessments, treatments, and patient progress.
• Collaboration:
  
  Works as part of a multidisciplinary team, including physicians, nurse practitioners, nursing staff, hospice aides, social workers, and therapists, to ensure comprehensive care and to optimize patient outcomes.
• Patient and family education:
  Provides guidance and training to patients, families, and other caregivers on proper wound care techniques, infection prevention, and pressure ulcer prevention strategies.
• Staff education:
  Orients new staff to HVH wound protocols. Updates protocols with existing staff.
• Wound care research and knowledge:
  Stays updated on the latest wound care research, techniques, products, and technologies
• Emotional support:
  Provides support to patients and their families as they navigate end-of-life care and the challenges associated with wounds.
• Orders and protocols:
  Provides recommendations for an evidence-based wound care regimen and enters orders approved by the provider.
• Knowledge and technical skills:
  Strong understanding of wound healing processes, different wound types (pressure injuries, diabetic foot ulcers, burns, etc.), and various wound care techniques and treatments.
• Communication skills:
  Able to communicate effectively and compassionately with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.
• Patience and flexibility:
  Adaptability to the needs of each patient and their unique circumstances
• Organizational and time management skills:
  Manages multiple patient cases and coordinates care efficiently.
• Interdisciplinary teamwork:
  Able to work collaboratively and effectively with other healthcare professionals
• Participates in policy making regarding wound assessment and treatment.
• Updates wound care guidelines
• Provides guidance on ostomies, fistulas and pouching drainage.

• Ability to work non-judgmentally with patients/families of any culture, religion, socio-economic background, or lifestyle.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally (in person and by phone) and in writing.
• Capability to work effectively and cooperatively independently and as a team member.
• Skill to prioritize and handle multiple tasks efficiently
• Wound assessment and treatment
• Ostomy assessment and treatment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Work in various home environments, nursing homes or hospitals that Hudson Valley Hospice is contracted with.
• Ability to lift at least 25 pounds
• Moderate/High level of possible exposure to infectious agents.
• Moderate amount of travel by car.
• Moderate to high risk of exposure to unsafe environments.
• Routine duties involve potential for direct exposure to blood or body fluids.

• Graduate of an accredited nursing school.
• Two years of nursing experience required
• One-year medical-surgery experience preferred
• Valid New York State nursing license.
• Valid New York State driver’s license
• Specialized Wound Care Certification required
• Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN), Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON), or Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse (WOCN) preferred

Hudson Valley Hospice is an Equal Opportunity Employer.