RN-Acute Wound Care Nurse II

Kaweah Health is a publicly owned, community healthcare organization that provides comprehensive health services to the greater Visalia area in central California. With more than 5,000 employees, Kaweah Health provides state-of-the-art medicine and high-quality preventive services in our acute care hospital, specialized health centers and clinics. Our eight-campus healthcare district has 613 beds and offers comprehensive health services across a broad continuum of care.

It takes a special person to work for Kaweah Health. We serve a region where the needs are great, which makes the rewards even greater. Every day, we care for people facing unique challenges and in need of healing. Throughout it all, our focus is to make a difference, and we do - in the health of our patients, our loved ones, and our community.

Benefits Eligible

Full-Time Benefit Eligible

Work Shift

Day - 9 Hour Shift (United States of America)

Department

6191 Acute Wound Care IP Services

The purpose of this position is to provide expert level nursing care, clinical assessment, and recommendations for the treatment of patients with complex wounds, ostomy, or incontinence issues. The acute wound care nurse works in partnership with other registered nurses, ancillary staff, and physicians to provide education and recommendations for an individualized plan of care for patients who require their specialized training and expertise.

QUALIFICATIONS

License / Certification

Required : CA RN license

BLS

Education

Preferred : BSN, MSN, or currently enrolled in RN-BSN program.

Experience

Required : Clinical nursing experience with acute wound care.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential

The nurse's practice is guided by the Code of Ethics. Professional behavior including interactions with co-workers. Displays our values; treats everyone respectfully. Identifies high risk patients and initiates intervention of ancillary department :

Decisions and actions on behalf of patients / residents are determined in an ethical manner.

Maintains patient confidentiality within legal and regulatory parameters.

Acts as a patient / resident advocate and assists patients / residents in developing skills so they can advocate for themselves.

Delivers care in a nonjudgmental and nondiscriminatory manner that preserves patient autonomy, dignity and rights.

Utilizes nursing process - assessed via direct observation, peer reviews, audits, documentation :

Assessment-successful completion of Physical Assessment validation.

Diagnosis

Planning

Outcome identification

Implementation

Evaluation.

The nurse uses the results of quality of care / performance improvement activities to initiate changes in nursing practice :

Collects clinical data to monitor quality and effectiveness of nursing care.

Identifies aspects of care that are important for quality monitoring and formulates recommendations to improve nursing practice or patient / resident outcomes.

Assists in development and implementation of policies, procedures, and practice guidelines to improve quality of care and nursing practice.

Participates on interdisciplinary teams that evaluate clinical practice or health services relating to patient / resident care.

Participates in QI studies : involved in task force or committee. Implements suggestions for improving outcomes per unit study results. Independently identifies problematic areas and recommends problem solving. Shares findings of studies, audits with others. Seeks improvement independently.

Collaborates and communicates with the patient / resident, family, and other health care providers. Utilizes peer review and observation. Monitors documentation for appropriate referrals :

Formulates the plan of care and involves patient / residents in decisions related to care and the delivery services.

Makes referrals, including provisions for continuity of care, as needed.

Is a primary clinical expert and resource for patients with complex wounds, or ostomy care issues, along with incontinence issues.

Is a resource for staff and physicians to provide guidance and recommendations for treatment within this patient population, helping to provide an individualized treatment plan utilizing the approved and available products within our organization. Assists staff with the use of these products and ensures the team understands how to follow the treatment plan.

Manages and prioritizes orders to ensure the service is provided to patients with the greatest need first to maximize quality of care, and minimize length of stay.

Ensures collaboration between staff, physicians, other disciplines and departments involved in the care of the patient. Keeps lines of communication open.

Provides staff with support, guidance, and educations regarding wound / ostomy / incontinence care and alerts the Nurse Manager as needed for any remediation issues.

Makes fiscally responsible decisions regarding use of time, supplies, and equipment, and considers the organizational fiscal issues when making decisions regarding treatment plans, and the prevention of increase length of stay in the hospital.

Addendum (essential for specific dept)

TEAM LEADER :

Is a primary clinical resource for staff on assigned unit. Is a role model and mentor for staff. Acts as the Nurse Manager Representative in his / her absence. Provides leadership and support for staff through effective problem solving and decision making. Is a resource for staff : Manages Staff and Patient flow : Coordinates care in high-risk / emergent situations and keeps Nurse Manager / Director / Nursing Supervisor aware of critical patients and any unit issues. Ensures collaboration between staff, physicians, other providers, and departments involved in the care of patients on their unit. Keeps lines of communication open. Ensures patient care issues are documented and reported. Assures the appropriate nurse completes a Statement of Concern. Understands and utilizes Medical Staff and Kaweah Health's chain of command. Provides employee guidance and alerts the Nurse Manager of counseling needs. Provides patient care as needed. Makes fiscally responsible decisions regarding staffing and use of patient supplies.

Additional

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and services appropriate to the population served on the assigned unit or work area. Knowledgeable of growth and development for all patient / family cultural, linguistic, spiritual, gender, and age specific needs. Able to effectively communicate and care for patient and family as reflected in the Plan for Provision of Care.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Pay Range

$44.66 -$66.99

If you want to use your talents alongside people who face each day with courage and purpose, in an environment that empowers you to do your absolute best, this is where you belong.