Ostomy Nurse

Role Description

The Wound/Ostomy Nurse functions as clinical resource and consultant in the management of ostomies, complex wounds, fistulae, pressure, vascular and diabetic ulcers, and skin care problems.

Qualifications:

-The Wound/Ostomy Nurse is an RN who has graduated from a WOCN accredited program

-Registered Nurse in the State of MA

-Bachelor’s Degree Required

Responsibilities/Standards of Performance:

1. Provides pre-operative counseling, education and stoma site marking for patients undergoing ostomy surgery

2. Collaborates with Nursing staff and other members of healthcare team to:

a. devise a plan of care that promotes the ostomy patient’s physical,

psychological and social adaption

b. Provide education and counseling for post-operative ostomy patients, family, significant other.

3. Assesses the Ostomy patient returning to the hospital in regards to:

a. At home management of ostomy

b. Knowledge level re:ostomy care

c. Problems with psychological adaptation

4. Provides follow-up to ostomy patients after discharge as indicated.

5. Serves as a consultant in the management of complex wounds and fistulae

6. Provides consultation and direct assistance to nursing staff in the management of patients with altered skin integrity (pressure, vascular and diabetic ulcers, incontinence related).

7. Evaluates patient response to treatment plan and initiates alternative plans as indicated.

8. Collaborates with home care agencies to facilitate smooth patient transition from acute care to home.

9. Provides follow-up consultation to patients discharged to SEMC transitional care unit.

10. Assists staff in maintaining current knowledge and competence in the areas of stoma care, wound and skin integrity management via 1:1 instruction, inservices and CEU offerings.

11. Collaborates with Purchasing Department to evaluate and/or purchase contemporary ostomy/wound care products in a cost-effective manner.

12. Precept WOCN Students

13. Participate in the orientation of new staff/specialty programs (PCA)

14. Attends and contributes toward the Nurse Practice Council meetings

15. May sit on the SEMC institutional review board and attend the monthly member meetings

16. Engage in nursing-related clinical research, which may include recruitment, data collection, analysis and other components of IRB-approved research studies.

17. Attend WOCN-specific conferences that contribute toward furthering the wound/ostomy nurse’s knowledge and clinical performance and which may be required to keep his/her certification current.

About Steward Health Care
Over a decade ago, Steward Health Care System emerged as a different kind of health care company designed to usher in a new era of wellness. One that provides our patients better, more proactive care at a sustainable cost, our providers unrivaled coordination of care, and our communities greater prosperity and stability.

As the country's largest physician-led, minority-owned, integrated health care system, our doctors can be certain that we share their interests and those of their patients. Together we are on a mission to revolutionize the way health care is delivered - creating healthier lives, thriving communities and a better world.

Based in Dallas, Steward currently operates more than 30 hospitals across Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

For more information, visit steward.org

Steward Health Care is proud to be a minority, physician owned organization. Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are at the foundation of the care we provide, the community services we support and all our employment practices. We do not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and or expression or any other non-job-related characteristic.