Job Description
Wound/Ostomy Specialist RN, Lead
Job Code: RN1102
ABOUT US
We are welcoming a new era in healthcare where achieving good health is just the beginning. At UVA Health Northern VA & Culpeper, we believe in caring for the whole person by getting to know – and making connections with – our patients. By combining the talent and expertise of our people, the breadth of capabilities across our system, and our commitment to helping our communities get better and stay healthy, we are improving the patient experience.
As a UVA Health Northern VA & Culpeper team member, you will have a voice in patient care decisions, support the most advanced medical technologies and feel a strong sense of satisfaction from making a difference in people’s lives every day.
JOB TYPE
Classification: Non- Exempt
Supervises Positions: Yes
JOB SUMMARY
The Wound/Ostomy Specialist RN UVACH Lead provides specialized nursing care for patients with complex wounds, ostomies, and skin integrity concerns. Responsibilities include assessment, care planning, treatment implementation, and evaluation of outcomes for acute and chronic wounds in accordance with organizational policies and evidence-based practice standards.
This role also collaborates with physicians, nursing leadership, and interdisciplinary teams to promote optimal wound healing, prevent hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs), and support consistent wound care practices across UVACH facilities including Prince William, Haymarket and Culpeper Medical Centers.
The Wound/Ostomy Specialist UVACH Lead provides programmatic oversight and participates in quality improvement initiatives, staff education, and interdisciplinary collaboration related to wound management, skin integrity, and pressure injury prevention. This position does not include personnel supervision.
COMPETENCIES
Collaborates with healthcare team to educate patients and their support systems
Analyzes and modifies strategies to progress patients through their plan of care
Ensures completion of nursing interventions, medical orders, and related therapies
Mentors, precepts, and provides feedback to support staff development
Resolves conflicts independently when appropriate
Accepts responsibility for actions and responds constructively to feedback
Applies evidence-based practices to support safe and effective patient care
Maintains knowledge of clinical equipment and wound care technologies
Participates in ongoing professional development and continuing education
Perform comprehensive wound assessments and reassessments for surgical wounds, pressure injuries, diabetic ulcers, and other complex wounds
Document wound characteristics including size, depth, drainage, and tissue type in the electronic health record
Implement wound care treatments including advanced dressings, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), and pressure off-loading strategies
Serve as a clinical resource for physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary teams regarding wound management and skin integrity
Support hospital initiatives aimed at reducing HAPIs and improving skin integrity outcomes
Provide education to patients, families, and staff regarding wound management, pressure injury prevention, and wound care therapies
Participate in quality improvement initiatives and integrate evidence-based practices into clinical care
Coordinate scheduling and logistics for monthly prevalence surveys and Skin/Wound Assessment Team (SWAT) meetings
Support participation in the Community Health Skin Collaborative to advance pressure injury prevention initiatives
Facilitate interdisciplinary case review discussions to identify contributing factors and improvement opportunities
Assist with review of wound and pressure injury data to identify trends and quality improvement opportunities
Support coordination and facilitation of evidence-based practice (EBP) projects related to wound care and skin integrity
Identify education gaps based on case review findings, quality data, and staff feedback
Develop and implement targeted educational initiatives to address identified wound care knowledge gaps
Support communication of wound care initiatives and clinical best practices across facilities
Promote consistency in wound care practices and prevention protocols across Prince William, Haymarket, and Culpeper Medical Centers
Assist with coordination of wound care coverage across campuses when operational needs arise
Pressure Injury Prevention – supporting initiatives to reduce HAPIs through prevention strategies and staff education
Wound Care Quality Improvement – participating in outcome review and implementation of evidence-based wound care practices
Skin Integrity Program Support – promoting consistent skin integrity practices across UVACH
The incumbent may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education: BSN required
Experience: 3 years of clinical nursing experience required
Licensure: Current RN licensure in applicable state required. Certification in wound/ostomy/continence care (WOCN) required. Refer to the Life Support Training Policy for additional details.
Additional Skills/Requirements Required: Ability to complete generic and department-specific competency validation. Experience with quality improvement, evidence-based practice, or wound care education preferred.
Additional Skills/Requirements Preferred: N/A
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work Function/Activity: Medium to Heavy Physical Demand
The job requires constant standing, frequently walking, and bending/stooping. Proficient communicative, auditory, and visual skills. Attention to detail and ability to write legibly. Ability to lift/push/pull 100 lbs. For any weight over 35 lbs., use Safe Handling Equipment. This job description may not include all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described. It may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of UVACH.
OTHER
May require the use of safety equipment, such as HEPA mask, for infection prevention: Yes
On call responsibilities as directed: Yes
Ability to travel between campus buildings, remote facilities, and out of town as needed: Yes
The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.