Summary
The WOCN Registered Nurse provides professional and comprehensive nursing care within the scope of agency services. The target patient/client population for this position are those requiring skilled clinical home care services. Activities of this position are patient/client focused and utilize the nursing process of assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation in accordance with nursing practice standards, physician orders, and agency policies and procedures.
Responsibilities
(50%)* Provides nursing care (or arranges services through specialized staff) through ongoing visits to a group of patients/clients, sharing the patient/client case load with specific focus on needs of ostomates, draining wounds, fistulas, pressure ulcers, and skin care associated with incontinence.
(30%)* Initiates plan of care and coordinates patient/client care by evaluating outcomes and providing on-going feedback to others involved in care relative to patient status and changes needed on patient care plan including notifying the physician of changes in patient/client condition and care needs and obtains new orders as needed.
(10%)* Will assist in program development, as well as community, physician and staff education as relevant to wound, ostomy and incontinence specialty.
(5%)* Performs all relevant quarterly audits pertaining to wound and ostomy documentation and aides in the creation of process improvement pertaining to results as appropriate.
(5%)* Coordinates care provided by Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and Home Health Aides and supervises LPN as needed.
Other Duties And Responsibilities
Writes new protocol and updates old as needed/assessed.
Evaluates and updates equipment for ostomates and wounds.
Orients new personnel on ostomy care, wound/skin care and tube care.
Provides in-services and lectures for residents, nursing personnel and students.
Functions as case manager for assigned caseload if assigned.
Utilizes Agency documentation system to record services provided according to agency, professional, and program standards.
Assists in maintenance of patient/client records.
Provides patients/clients/caregivers/physicians with the necessary information to promote informed decision-making leading to the achievement of optimal level of independence as required by regulatory agencies.
Establishes a Home Health Aide care plan and supervises the Home Health Aide according to Agency guidelines.
May make joint visits with other disciplines to assure consistency of care.
Functions as part of a multi-disciplinary team in coordinating care including planning for discharge.
Acts as a preceptor to provide educational visit opportunities for students and will participate in orientation of new staff as assigned.
Participates in Agency, community, and/or Home Health organization activities as assigned.
Participates in staff meetings, in-service education programs, and other opportunities for learning.
Complies with documentation requirements for employee personnel and activity records as defined in Agency policy.
Carries out work according to Agency policies and procedures in such a manner as to appropriately reflect Agency standards for timeliness, accuracy, and productivity.
Maintains confidentiality of patient/client and Agency information.
Adheres to the Agency standards related to personal appearance and behavior.
Participates in Agency performance improvement process.
Assists in Agency community education activities as requested.
Participates in weekend and holiday rotations and on-call duties as identified in personnel policies.
Adheres to the Agency standards related to personal appearance and behavior.
Certifications and Licensures
WCC: Wound Care Certification
- Graduate of a Wound Ostomy Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) accredited school of enterostomal therapy within 6 months of hire or transfer. Ongoing certification in specialty.
BLS: Basic Life Support
- Within 1 month of hire or transfer.
VEH INS: Vehicle Insurance
DRIVERSLIC: Drivers License
RN: Registered Nurse
FINGERPRIN: Fingerprinting
Required Education
Associates degree is required
- Bachelor's Degree in Nursing preferred. For those hired with an Associate's Degree, must obtain Bachelor's Degree in Nursing by 1/1/2025.
Other Information
Experience, Training, And Skills
Able to function as part of a team.
Knowledge of nursing practices and procedures as normally acquired through 2 years' in a Medical Center or similar setting with involvement in supervision, charge nurse, project implementation, professional development program, shared governance leadership role, or equivalent.
Knowledge of nursing skills working with ostomies, wounds, and fistulas.
Successful completion of Agency orientation and competency programs.
Ability to communicate effectively, verbally, and in writing and able to understand the English language.
Ability to adapt to frequent changes.
Ability to recognize the needs and concerns of people and maintain constructive interpersonal relationships.
Ability to work independently, demonstrating problem-solving and organizational skills.
Ability to drive under hazardous road conditions.
Ability to work where employee may be exposed to communicable diseases in unpredictable home situations.
MyMichigan Health is a technology driven organization and employees need to demonstrate competency in Microsoft Windows. Employees may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MyMichigan Health.
Physical/Mental Requirements And Typical Working Conditions
Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as, trauma, grief and death.
Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitute if required for your position.
Is able to move freely about facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description.
Overall vision and hearing is necessary with or without assisted device(s).
Frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time. May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching.
Some exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious material. Must follow MyMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen and TB testing as required.
Ability to handle multiple tasks, get along with others, work independently, regular and predictable attendance and ability to stay awake.
Overall dexterity is required including handling, reaching, grasping, fingering and feeling. May require repetition of these movements on a regular to frequent basis.
Physical Demand Level: Medium. Must be able to occasionally (0-33% of the workday) lift or carry 21-50 lbs., frequently 34-66% of the workday 20 lbs. and or Walk/Stand/Push/Pull of Arm/Leg controls and constantly (67-100% or the workday) 10 lbs.