NSWOCC is a CNA Affiliate Plus of the Canadian Network of Nursing Specialties
Job Description
The Skin Wound and ostomy (SWO) clinician applies a specialized and expanded body of knowledge of the integumentary wound, ostomy and continence systems in the care to the patient experiencing issues in these areas. The clinician provides an advanced assessment of skin, burns, wound, incontinence and ostomy issues and develops a plan of care in conjunction with the patient, family and interdisciplinary team. The SWO Clinician supports the development of a culture of prevention of skin breakdown and pressure ulcer development and is well versed in best practices related to skin, wound and ostomy care. Essential to the role is an understanding and expertise with advanced wound care products; negative pressure wound therapy, therapeutic surface and adjuvant therapies. The SWO Clinician is well versed in the best practices related to the prevention and management of pressure ulcers and care of patients with an ostomy. The Clinician teaches, counsels, troubleshoots, and advises patients and their families with skin, wound, burn, and stoma care. The Clinician will coach and support staff in being able to assess and problem solve basic wound care issues, as well as provide recommendations in navigating complex wounds.
Requirements/Qualifications
Baccalaureate level Nursing degree required
Active license as a Registered Nurse with the College of Nurses of Ontario.
Certificate as a Nurse Specialized in Skin, Wound and Ostomy care (NSWOC) or an equivalent program recognized through the Canadian Association of Enterostomal Therapy.
Experience with the management of burn patients is an asset.
3-5 years of recent experience in the management of abdominal fistulae, stomas and complex wounds.
Commitment to ongoing professional development with demonstrated proof of continuing education.
Demonstrated ability to provide education to patients and health professionals regarding skin, wound, burns and stoma care, as well as mentor clinical staff.
Knowledge of full scope of treatment modalities for skin, wound, burns and stoma management and preventative skin care techniques.
Knowledge and experience in implementation of the principles of adult teaching and learning.
Demonstrated ability to effectively apply current research knowledge to clinical practice.
Demonstrated ability to function effectively as part of an Interprofessional team.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex psychological needs of patients and families.
Demonstrated ability to assist unit staff to problem-solve patient skin care issues including pressure reduction surfaces, utilizing fiscal resources responsibly.
Ability to focus on corporate skin, wound and ostomy initiatives by participating in activities that champion best practices.
Company/Organization Description
As one of Canada’s largest and most diverse hospitals, we’re providing advanced care to people of all ages from across the province.
You can explore advancement opportunities, take professional development courses, and stretch yourself as a leader, all at HHS. We are the largest employer in the greater Hamilton region, and play a vital role in training the next generation of health professionals in collaboration with our academic partners, including McMaster University and Mohawk College. We are a world-renowned hospital for healthcare research—consistently ranking within the top 5 research hospitals in Canada—and we focus on improving the quality of care for our patients through innovation and evidence-based practices. There are over 1,400 inpatient beds across multiple hospital sites and we offer world-leading expertise in many areas, including cardiac and stroke care, cancer care, palliative care and pediatrics. Open the door to a career that evolves with you. Start exploring opportunities now and join our team of over 15,000 dedicated staff, physicians, researchers and volunteers.
The Post-Acute, Clinical Practice, and Education Portfolio includes population health, seniors' strategy, ambulatory, complex and palliative care, and contributes to system wide transformative change. As part of this portfolio, this program has a specialized focus on enterprise-wide clinical services including; skin, wound and ostomy care, vascular access therapy, and authorizing mechanisms and policy document management; providing expert internal and external support to acute and community providers, and supports the Care Transformation strategy across HHS.