Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse Coordinator

The ideal candidate for this position should have:

• the ability to rotate between both Midtown and Downtown campuses
• Bachelor's degree in Nursing
• graduated from a school of Wound Ostomy and Continence Nursing
• current Registered Nurse license in the State of Maryland
• certification by a national certification board
• BLS certification
• at least two years of clinical WOC experience

General Summary

Under general supervision, consult and educate in collaboration with nurses and other professionals to assess, plan, implement and evaluate the acute and rehabilitative care designed for patients with ostomies, complex wounds, pressure injuries and incontinence. Support and participate actively in quality management activities directed at evaluating the outcome of wound and ostomy care interventions.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

1. Clinical: Serves as a clinical expert in area of specialty practice within the standards established by the Wound Ostomy & Continence Nurses Society. “WOC nursing is an art that recognizes the value and diversity of all individuals resulting in the provision of care that is culturally sensitive and age appropriate. The WOC nurse provides holistic care and guides patients in quality-of-life issues which include physical, occupational, psychological, social, somatic, comfort and sexual adaptations. The WOC nurse serves patients across the lifespan from neonate to geriatric. WOC nurses are often called upon to create new products, modify existing therapies, and orchestrate multidisciplinary resources to provide a treatment plan that will help individuals, as well as groups of patients, achieve optimum health and independence.” (WOCN Society Scopes and Standards of Practice 2010)

A. Consults with nursing and medical staff regarding the care and management of patients with wounds, fistulas, pressure injuries and incontinence.

B. Interacts with the clinical staff and case managers to facilitate the identification and incorporation of discharge planning needs into the nursing plan of care. Assists in facilitating the effective transition of patients from the hospital to the home environment or extended care facility by providing educational instruction for patient, family and home agencies as necessary.

C. Fosters collaborative working relationships with other nursing departments within UMMS and case managers by providing consultative practice and presentation of educational programs.

D. Assists the clinical staff in the selection of appropriate therapeutic specialty beds for skin and wound care management.

Education

A. Provides formal and informal education on ostomy, skin and wound care for the clinical staff.

B. Contributes to the development and dissemination of specialized knowledge in Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing within the institution and community by collaborating with the faculty of the School of Nursing and Department of Nursing to develop and implement educational programs.

C. Initiates communication with the clinical staff who implement plan of care created by WOCN; plans educational programs to ensure a consistently high level of service to patients with ostomies, complex wounds, fistulas, pressure injuries and incontinence.

Quality Management

A. Assists the clinical staff with planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating quality improvement activities for the prevention of hospital acquired pressure injuries.

B. Establishes professional practice guidelines for UMMS relating to the scope of Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing. Develops the clinical staff's ability to assess and improve compliance with such guidelines by designing and implementing quality monitors.

C. Works closely with the Quality Management Committees to collaboratively develop action plans to promote pressure injury prevention and treatment.

4. Research and Product Evaluation

A. Participates in product research programs.

B. Evaluates ostomy, incontinence and wound care products for hospital utilization; makes formal product recommendation to Value Analysis Committee prior to beginning trials of product.

Education and Experience

1. Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and a graduate of a school of Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing is required. 

2. Current licensure in the State of Maryland as a Registered Nurse required.

3. Certification by a national certification board is required. 

4. BLS Certification Required.

5. Two years of clinical WOC experience is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Ability to work autonomously as a preceptor in instructing staff in the field of Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing practice.

2. Ability to utilize appropriate teaching techniques effectively in the instruction of staff, patients and families.

3. Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide appropriate care plan to the patient population(s) served. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the lifespan and ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs.

4. Ability to effectively collaborate with other disciplines.