The Wound/Ostomy Specialist, under the direction of the Wound/Ostomy Coordinator, incorporates activities and responsibilities as clinical expert, educator, resource person, role model, and patient advocate to advance the delivery of comprehensive, quality patient care. The specialist fosters staff competency in practice and educates patients. The specialist, as a clinical leader and management liaison, shares in the mission of Benefis as a consultant, communicator, committee/special projects member, and process improvement participant and cost containment advocate.

NON-EXEMPT

Ability to perform wound assessment, reassessment and management for all patients and per policy. This includes neonate, pediatric, geriatric and the general population.

Knowledgeable of the anatomy and physiology and disorders of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary and dermal systems.

Utilizes principles of current wound management theory when providing care to patients with acute and chronic wounds.

Demonstrates thorough knowledge of staging system of wounds.

Serves as a team member to both Diabetes and Wound Coordinators

Knowledgeable of surgical procedures and postoperative course of patients undergoing bowel surgery.

Demonstrates knowledge of policies and procedures to manage patients with draining wounds, fistulae and/or tubes; wound prevention, wound care, ostomy care and incontinence.

Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and the skills necessary to provide age appropriate care to the patient population served. Able to interpret data about the patient's status in order to identify each patient's age specific needs and provide care needed by the patient group.

Ability to revise plan of care as indicated by the patient's response to treatment and evaluate overall plan for effectiveness.

Ability to adequately assess and reassess pain. Utilizes appropriate pain management techniques. Educates the patient and family regarding pain management.

Demonstrates ability to perform treatments and provide services to level licensure.

Formulates a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning, family is included in teaching as appropriate.

Provides education to all patients undergoing surgery that result in an ostomy. Provides pre and post-op assessments and patient/family education.

Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families. Functions as liaison between administration, patients, physicians and other healthcare providers.

Knowledgeable of medications and there correct administration based on age of the patient and clinical condition.

Follows the five (5) medication rights and reduces the potential for medication errors.

Identifies and addresses psychosocial needs of patients and families; communicates with social service/discharge planner as appropriate.

Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.

Is a resource person to physicians, nursing and other hospital staff. Provides in-services on wound prevention, wound care, ostomy care and incontinence for the nursing staff.

Communicates appropriately and clearly to nurse managers, nursing staff and physicians.

Consults other healthcare professionals/departments as appropriate to provide interdisciplinary approach to the patient's needs.

Documentation meets current standards and practices.

Assumes responsibility for own personal continuing education and developmental needs

Integrates research findings into clinical practice.

Attends seminars, conferences, continuing education classes in the areas of wound prevention, wound management and ostomies Participates in professional societies. Stays current with changes, new advances/treatment in wound and ostomy care.

Serves as a liaison between physicians, patients and manufacturers of clinical products.

Knowledgeable of the clinical products currently available on the market. Meets with sales representatives, evaluates products as a team member.

Operates all equipment correctly and safely.

Coordinates and supervises patient care as necessary.

Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.

Participates in performance improvement, including utilization and promotion of familiarization with performance improvement standards and programs

Works with medical staff to coordinate medical and nursing management of patient care

Serves as a resource to others

Assumes the role of patient advocate respecting guidelines found in patients bill of rights

Provides follow-up for patients with ostomies or continent diversions thru out patient visits and / or phone consults. Initiates appropriate referrals for medical or surgical interventions.

Adheres to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.

Completes annual education requirements.

Maintains regulatory requirements.

Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.

Reports to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within designated time.

Wears identification while on duty, uses computerized punch time system correctly.

Completes in-services and returns in a timely fashion.

Attends annual review and department in-services, as scheduled.

Attends department staff meetings as required within the department.

Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.

Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.

Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.

Communicates the mission, ethics and goals of the facility, as well as the focus statement of the department.