Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Registered Nurse

Job Summary

Assesses plans, organizes, performs, and evaluates nursing interventions to meet the needs of the patient with disorders of the integumentary system including wounds, pressure ulcers, ostomies, and continence disorders. Prepares the patient and/or family for home care following discharge. Consults with patient's physician in planning and with Care Management regarding support at home as indicated.

Job Duties

• Provides direct patient care to patients with disorders of the integumentary system including wounds, ostomies, and continence disorders.
• Completes assessments as established by scope of practice.
• Addresses physical, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual needs of patient and family throughout the continuum of care.
• Functions as the expert clinician in assessing, planning, intervening and evaluating the care of the patient wound, ostomy, continence disorders as well as pressure ulcer treatment and prevention.
• Plans patient care to reflect realistic, measurable, and obtainable goals, adapting the approach as required.
• Initiates collaboration with physicians, ancillary personnel, and other interdisciplinary team members and takes action to proactively resolve and facilitate patient needs.
• Serves as a resource in the development of patient education material.
• Provides outpatient services within the scope of practice.
• Assists in evaluating the suitability of the home environment for return of the patient through discussion with patient, family, and members of the care team.
• Serves in advisory capacity to hospital committees and workgroups regarding best practice standards on wound, ostomy, and continence care.
• Collaborates with leadership and staff and other campuses to determine wound and ostomy needs for patients off-campus and provides consultation and care as assigned.

Work is typically performed in a clinical environment. Accountable for satisfying all job specific obligations and complying with all organization policies and procedures. The specific statements in this profile are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements considered necessary to successfully perform the job. Additional competencies and skills outlined in any department-specific orientation will be considered essential to the performance of the job related to that position.