POSITION SUMMARY

Functions as a consultant to all staff and patients in the areas of skin prevention, wounds, ostomies and continence needs. Coordinates and facilitates discharge planning and assists with quality measures i.e.: NDNQI Prevalence study for patients as a member of the interdisciplinary team.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

1. High School education or equivalent.
2. Completion of a registered nurse degree program required.

Experience:

1. Minimum of 3 years full-time professional nursing experience with medical-surgical patients.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

1. Effectively functions as a team member and as a liaison between patient and staff.
2. Supports and encourages harmonious communication skills.
3. Uses verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills.
4. Communicates in highly professional manner at all times.
5. Demonstrates a high level of mental and emotional tolerance and even temperament when dealing with ill people; uses tact, sensitivity, sound judgment and a professional attitude when relating with patients, families, physicians, and co-workers at all times.

License/Certification/Registration:

1. Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Pennsylvania.
2. Board certification in wound ostomy and continence nursing. If not certified, must have certification within 2 years of hire date.
3. Meets the American Heart Association’s standards for Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) and renews BLS every two years.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives minimal supervision from Director, Acute Care Services and is able to perform all clinical duties in an independent manner.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

None

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. The Enterstomal Therapist for skin prevention, ostomy, and continence functions as a consultant to the staff.
   1. Level I consultation provides specific care for a patient/client that the consultee does not possess and will not be using skill very frequently.
      1. For patients undergoing ostomy surgery:
         1. Assesses patient and s/o pre and post-operatively in order to promote physical and psychosocial adaptation.
         2. Marks stoma site pre-operative per order.
         3. Educates patient and family regarding ostomy care to facilitate maximum independence in self-care.
         4. Initiates discharge plans and referrals as needed based on continuing assessment of patient status.
         5. Works with patients post discharge and new outpatients as requested.
   2. Level II consultation assists the consultee who administers the care for skin care, ostomy and continence functions.
      1. Works with staff to develop plan of care for patients with skin prevention, impaired skin integrity or incontinence.
      2. Assesses patient’s response to treatment and revises plan of care as needed for patients with skin prevention, impaired skin integrity and incontinence.
      3. Mentors staff caring for patients with ostomies.
      4. Serves as clinical preceptor for student nurses and staff. .
      5. Assists provider to facilitate patient care.
   3. Level III consultation includes presenting a variety of educational programs including orientation, in-services and seminars.
      1. Provides educational programs as needed to update staff regarding advances in wound, ostomy, continence care, and skin care for prevention.
      2. Participates in orientation of all nursing employees to explain role and specifics of scope of practice.
      3. Coordinates seminars on skin care prevention, wounds, ostomy, and continence in collaboration with vendors or other clinical resources.
   4. Level IV consultation serves the institution by facilitating changes in policies, procedures, products, related to specific scope of practice.
      1. Reviews skin care, wound care, and ostomy product inventory at least annually and requests revisions as needed.
      2. Serves on Skin and Wound Care team, Infection Control Committee PRN, Interdisciplinary Clinical Performance Council, CVAT (Clinical Value Analysis Team) PRN, and other committees to expedite revisions and improve patient outcomes.
      3. Monitors and evaluates use of specialty beds to maximize expected patient outcomes and to minimize costs to patient and hospital.
2. Facilitates the discharge planning process for the Nursing Department by:
   1. Coordinating the interdisciplinary discharge planning rounds on all inpatient nursing units.
   2. Collaborating with other departments; such as Social Services, to provide continuity of care for patients with complex discharge needs: Example: Negative Pressure Wound Therapy and plan of care for wound care and ostomy needs, etc.
   3. Facilitating continuity of care for patients discharged to extended care and rehabilitation facilities.
   4. Collaborating, as needed, with home health agencies to foster continuity of patient care
3. Facilities patient education by:
   1. Mentoring nursing staff in the development of their teaching abilities.
   2. Serving as a resource in the development or review of literature for ostomy, wound, and continence.
   3. Directing patient teaching.
   4. Assisting with other patient education activities example: Ostomy Support Group
4. Maintains proper documentation of care:
   1. Initial evaluation notes include assessment and plan of care.
   2. Progress notes include updates of patient status and care provided
   3. Discharge notes include plan of care and status.
   4. Completes fee charges on a daily basis and enter charges into the computer.
5. Fosters the research process by:
   1. Using interventions substantiated by research.
   2. Interpreting research findings and sharing the information with the staff.
   3. Designing, coordinating and conducting research studies in the areas of skin prevention, ostomies and/or continence.
6. Demonstrates leadership skills by:
   1. Mentoring staff, acting as a role model in the realms of:
      1. Patient education
      2. Skin prevention care and ostomies
      3. Discharge Planning
      4. Nursing Process
   2. Supporting changes in the health care environment that lead to improved patient outcomes.
   3. Being proactive in the development of the role of Skin Prevention, Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse.
7. Supports the goals of the Nursing Department by:
   1. Participating in Performance Improvement activities as needed.
   2. Participating in performance evaluation of nursing personnel.
   3. Facilitating cost effective, efficient, safe-patient center care.
   4. Other responsibilities as assigned to further departmental and organizational goals.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performs related and miscellaneous duties as assigned.