Clinical Nurse Specialist, Wound & Ostomy Care

SUMMARY: Under general direction, evaluates and diagnoses the nursing problems of patients. Directs appropriate patient care treatment, counseling and education of patients and their families. Assists nursing staff in the evaluation of patients and the provisions of nursing care. Provides a full range of clinical and consultative services. Acts as consultant to non-medical program directors, staff and the families of patients providing instruction and consultation regarding medical and nursing procedures. Performs related duties as required.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: NOTE: Following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual in the classification. 

1.  Assess, treat and/or provide consultation for treatment and skin care for patient who currently have or at risk for development of conditions of altered skin integrity; conduct regular skin care rounds, providing education for direct care staff with respect to skin care and wound treatment and prevention; ensure optimal care delivery with respect to wound and skin care; provide education to direct care personnel, patient and family members on appropriate wound treatment and skin care.

2.  Assist care providers in determination of treatment and adherence to treatment protocols that will optimize prevention of development or extension of wounds or skin breakdown; act as consultant for physicians, nursing personnel and other care providers with respect to wound care prevention and treatment methodologies; maintain knowledge of current prevention and treatment regimens and ensure policies and procedures are reflective of current best practice.

3.  Assists in formulating policies and procedures necessary to provide quality of care to patients in area of specialization.

4.  Assumes responsibility for the treatment of individuals, groups, and families; evaluates patients; recommends treatment plans; affects positive changes in patient behavior through diagnosis and treatment of patient illness.

5.  Collaborate with the DONs to develop, implement, hardwire and evaluate compliance with strategies that prevent development of altered skin integrity conditions while individuals are receiving care at AHS.

6.  Consults with other health care team members regarding patient progress; and develops nursing care plans I consultations with nursing staff.

7.  Contributes to the expansion of the body of knowledge in nursing within area of specialization.

8.  Establishes standards for nursing practice in consultation with nursing administrative leadership.

9.  In collaboration with Direct Care Providers, continually monitor patients who currently have or at risk for developing complications related to skin breakdown, and implement strategies to prevent this from occurring.

10. Maintains current knowledge and competency in area of specialization and in professional practice.

11. Provides administrative and educational guidance to staff; keeps abreast of current trends in area of specialization; serves on planning and evaluation committees; attends and may conduct staff meetings and training sessions.

12. Serves as consultant to nursing staff, physicians, and other health care providers in areas of specialization.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Experience: Demonstrated clinical competence and in-depth knowledge in a specialty area with at least two years of clinical experience in area of specialization and Master’s degree in Nursing from a recognized program in clinical specialization; OR four years of clinical experience in area of specialization and possession of an American Nurses’ Association Specialty Certification; OR two years of clinical experience in area of specialization and possession of an American Nurses’ Association Clinical Specialist Certification.

Preferred Education: Graduate of an accredited Nursing program required; Bachelor’s degree in Nursing preferred.

Required Licenses/Certifications: Wound, Ostomy certification (WOCN).

Required Licenses/Certifications: BLS - Basic Life Support Certification issued by the American Heart Association. Other advanced life support certifications may be required per unit/department specialty according to patient care policies.

Required Licenses/Certifications: Valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of California.