Registered Nurse –Specializing in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Care

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Screens, prioritizes, and processes patient referrals 

• Coordinates the assessment of patient health status and its impact on management and prevention of wounds, with other members of the interdisciplinary team 

• Works in collaboration with interdisciplinary team to provide appropriate primary care safely and effectively to patients 

• Reviews patient clinical information obtained through physician referral, laboratory and diagnostic imaging reports and medical health records 

• Conducts consultations with patients to obtain relevant information and assess client health learning needs 

• Collaborates with family physician, nurse practitioner and other team members to develop appropriate individualized care plans with the patients following current, evidence based best practices 

• Collaborates with the physician, nurse practitioner, Ontario Health at home care coordinators, and community service providers to facilitate optimal wound management for DAFHT patients 

• Reviews current literature/resources to support preparation of education materials and tools including liaising with community partners

• Documents using patient health record, refers to other resources including Ontario Health at Home and arranges follow-up as necessary 

• Manages, reviews, and makes recommendations regarding protocols and DAFHT policy for care of DAFHT wound care patients 

• Practices within the scope and according to standards of practice as outlined by the College of Nurses of Ontario 

• The NSWOC must possess specialized wound care knowledge as well as a solid understanding of general nursing concepts, patient care, and anatomy and physiology. Because they make pivotal care decisions, the incumbent must be an assertive leader and critical thinker with excellent organization and time management skills. Compassion and patience are needed to work effectively with diverse patients and family members. And as the field of wound care advances rapidly, the NSWOC must be a lifelong learner, who is able to remain current with emerging evidence and apply it to their work 

• Provide education to patients, caregiver(s), physicians and other allied health professionals on the management and prevention of wounds 

• The NSWOC is a key resource for the physicians, nurses and other members of the care team in the Dufferin Area Family Health Team 

• The NSWOC provides care for all patients of the DAFHT, and often those living with diabetes, cancer, peripheral vascular disease, venous stasis or other chronic diseases, people with limited mobility and others who are at risk for developing acute or chronic wounds 

• The NSWOC performs a careful assessment and develops a treatment plan to be carried out by the care team. This may include Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) testing, and application of compression, wound debridement (a wound cleaning process that removes dead tissue and contaminants), wound cleansing and application of specialized dressings. The wound care nurse must be familiar with current evidence based wound care. The wound care nurse works with the patient’s physician to assess the need for additional diagnostic imaging, antibiotic therapy, and referrals for sharp surgical debridement or vascular surgery.

WHY THE DAFHT: 

• Organizational commitment to work-life balance, including flexible work hours 

• Exceptional team environment with numerous staff recognition and appreciation events throughout the year 

• 4 weeks of vacation to start, floater days, paid personal and sick time, paid continuing education time 

• Allowance for continuing education and professional membership fees 

• HOOPP Pension Plan 

• Extended health care benefits including health, dental, vision, critical Illness insurance, EFAP and EAP program