The Wound Ostomy Nurse Trainee will function in conjunction with the Wound Ostomy Nurse (WOCN-?) to learn to serve as a clinical resource and consultant for the acute and outpatient settings within the hospital relative to the care of the patient with selected disorders of the gastrointestional, genitourinary and integumentary systems. Under the guidance of the Wound Ostomy Nurse, the trainee will learn to assess, plan, implement, evaluate and reassess the care of the patient with complex draining wounds, ostomies, fistulae, pressure ulcers, dermal ulcers, tubes and continence issues. The trainee should be prepared to complete all educational and clinical requirements to meet the WOCN-? requirements during this training period.

Under the guidance of the Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse will learn to:

Utilize and maintain current physical assessment skills and interview techniques to determine patient needs.

Determine the appropriate site for stoma placement, considering patients anatomical markings, physical capabilities and lifestyle when possible or requested by the surgeon for an outpatient.

Provide appropriate written information to patients and staff, including postoperative and discharge instructions, referrals and supply needs.

Serve as a resource for patients after discharge through telephone consultation or outpatients consultation.

Serve as a resource/clinical expert regarding pressure ulcer prevention.

Provide consultation and direct assistance to nursing staff on issues related to patients with altered skin integrity secondary to pressure necrosis, drainage or continence disorders.

Support the Outpatient Wound Center Staff with preparing patients for treatments, and discharging patients as needed.

Be responsible for review and implementation of the Joint Commission standards in collaboration with the Nurse Supervisor/Manager in the inpatient and outpatient setting.

Employ real time computer documentation when completing the patient EMR.

Provide patient education to patients undergoing ostomy surgery, specifically including preoperative and postoperative needs, with consideration of the need for physical and psychological adaptation.

Utilizing current national guidelines, participate in development and implementation of procedures and protocols related to the care of:

• Patients with colon disorders resulting in the need for an ostomy.
• Patients with conditions requiring wound management and containment.
• Patients having impaired or altered skin integrity.

Assist the nursing and medical staff in maintaining current knowledge and competence in ostomy and wound management, skin care, and continence disorders through the use of:

• Current literature review
• Inservice Education
• Clinical rounds
• Orientation sessions
• Product displays

Recommend standards for selection of cost-effective supplies and equipment for wound, ostomy and continence disorders to be utilized in the hospital. Standards should be based on product evaluations, product research studies and cost-effectiveness comparisons.

Participate in committees (shared governance) or task forces, as requested by your manager or local or national organization.

Required License/Certification: Adherence to credentialing requirements of Luminis Health's as stated in the nursing bylaws. Professional Membership in applicable specialty is expected.

Minimum Required Experience/Qualifications: Three years of experience in a wound ostomy setting. BSN completion required before enrollment in CWOCN program. CWOCN certification to be obtained within two years of program completion.