LPN/RN - Wound/Treatment Care Coordinator

JOB SUMMARY

Provides wound and skin care to patients under the medical direction and supervision of the patients attending physicians, the Director of Nursing Services, or the Medical director of the nursing center, with an emphasis on prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers and other skin disorders of the elderly. You should also assist in modifying the treatment regimen to meet the physical and psychosocial needs of the patient, in accordance with established medical practices and requirements of this state and the guidelines and goals of the organization.

ESSENTIAL SKILL/KNOWLEDGE FUNCTIONS

• Monitors any skin problems that the patients may have and treat as ordered by physician.
• Administers and records all treatment medications.
• May be required to prepare catheters.
• Charts information regarding patients progress, ailments, medication, symptoms and observations.
• Stocks and prepares treatment cart.
• May be required to observe and instruct the nursing assistant staff.
• May be required to provide all information regarding patients to the supervising RN as to their progress and care.
• Notifies family of any new skin problems the patient may have.
• Notifies family of any change in treatment.
• Notifies family in change of condition of a wound.
• Notifies family when wound is healed.
• Performs monthly skin assessments on patients.
• Assists with performance improvement/quality assurance activities as requested.
• Maintains and effective communication network with the appropriate individuals.
• Demonstrates an understanding of wound care algorithms.
• Completes appropriate wound care documentation in the medical records, reports, etc.
• Recommends purchase of supplies and equipment as necessary.
• Assists in identifying, managing and treating acute and chronic wounds and skin lesions, pressure ulcers, skin tears, skin infections, etc.
• Performs patients assessments using techniques including observation, inspection and palpation.
• Consults with physician concerning assessment and obtains appropriate orders.
• Participates in the care planning process.
• Monitors patient outcomes to provide an effective plan of care.
• Initiates request for consultation services as appropriate.
• Performs wound care treatments utilizing standard/universal precautions.
• Assists in providing and monitoring nursing staff, within established protocols, to provide that appropriate preventative skin care is provided.
• Provides patient education to patient and families as appropriate to the plan of care.
• Assists in Admission and/or discharge of patients as needed.
• Assists in rehabilitation activities as appropriate/requested, ROM, ambulation, etc.

ESSENTIAL ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS

• Participates in Nursing Center surveys (Licensure / JCAHO) and any subsequently required reports.
• Conducts performance improvement/quality assurance activities as required/requested.
• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs to keep abreast on changes in your field as well as to maintain current license/certification, as required.
• Attends and participates in mandatory in-services.
• Honor patients rights to fair and equitable treatment, self-determination, individuality, privacy, property and civil rights, including the right to wage complaints.
• Complies with Corporate Compliance Program.
• Reports job-related functions/tasks that involve occupational hazards including exposure to blood and body fluids and others as necessary.
• Follows established safety regulations, to include fire protection/prevention, smoking regulations, infection control, etc.
• Performs other related duties as necessary and as directed by supervisor.
• Complies with all Privacy and Security programs.

ESSENTIAL GENERAL FUNCTIONS

• Attendance
• Punctuality
• Professional Appearance
• Communicates well with patients and family members providing warm and friendly greeting and an approachable attitude to family/visitors/patients and responds to expressed concerns while displaying a helpful, caring demeanor and answers questions when appropriate in a professional manner.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION/EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

An LPN nursing degree from an accredited college or university as evidenced by primary source of verification required.

OTHER TRAINING, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Current LPN License in the State of Georgia required as verified by primary source of verification. American Heart Association or American Red Cross BLS CPR required.

PRIMARY ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS

Primary Physical Requirements:

• Lift up to 10 lbs.: Occasionally required when lifting patient medical files weighing approximately 5 to 10 pounds.
• Lift 11 to 25 lbs.: Occasionally may be required when carrying tray filled with treatments remedies.
• Lift 26 to 40 lbs.: Occasionally required to assist in transfers of patients (100 pounds between two nurses). The correct use of transfer belt is required to avoid injury to the patient or nurse.
• Lift over 40 lbs.: Occasionally may be required to transfer a lager patient with the assistance of another staff member.
• Carry up to 10 lbs.: Occasionally required when carrying patient medical files weighing approx. 5-10 lbs.
• Carry 11 to 25 lbs.: Occasionally may occur during course of work when stocking medical supplies or medication/treatment cart.
• Carry 26 to 40 lbs.: Not required.
• Carry over 40 lbs.: Not required.
• Reach above shoulder height: 4 feet
• Reach at shoulder height: Constantly required when treating patients.
• Reach below shoulder height: Occasionally may occur when administering medication to patients who are bedridden.
• Push/Pull: 20 feet.
• Hand Manipulation:
• Grasping: Frequently grasping pen/pencil when documenting information into medical chart, various medical supplies.
• Handling: Constantly handling pen/pencil, papers, medical equipment, stethoscope, thermometer, medications, syringes, etc.
• Torqueing: Not required.
• Fingering: If center implements the use of a computer, may occasionally be required to use computer. Occasionally required to use a telephone.
• Controls & Equipment: Blood pressure gauge, thermometer, stethoscope hydroxulator, Hoyer lift (hydraulic system), splints, trap, wheelchair, exercise wheel, parallel bars, transfer belt, walkers, canes, free weights, Restor bikes, suction machine, IV pumps, tube feeding equipment, TENS unit, specialty beds. May need to move Clinitron bed (300 pounds).

Other Physical Considerations:

• Twisting: Occasionally may occur when providing medical care to bedridden patients, or assisting in transfer.
• Bending: Frequently required when providing medical care to bedridden patients, or assisting in transfer.
• Crawling: Not required.
• Squatting: Occasionally required.
• Kneeling: Not required.
• Crouching: Not required.
• Balancing: Not required.

During an 8-hour day, Associate is required to:

Consecutive Hours Total Hours

Sit 2 2

Stand 2 3

Walk 2 3

Work Surface: Varies from carpeting, linoleum and tile.

Cognitive and Sensory Requirements:

• Talking: Necessary for communicating with patients and other aides.
• Hearing: Necessary for taking instructions from others and while performing physical assessments.
• Sight: Necessary for doing job correctly and effectively.
• Tasting & Smelling: Smelling is required for accurate maintenance and detection of wounds, urinary tract problems, etc.

SUMMARY OF OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURES

Tasks assigned to position may involve potential and/or direct exposure to blood, body fluids, infectious disease, air contaminants and hazardous chemicals. May be subject to hostile and emotionally upset patients, family members, associates and visitors.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

In this position, the associate must be able to tolerate a high pace that is typical for a nursing center. Must be able to take and give instructions well and enjoy working with the elderly. Although associate is able to sit when charting medical information, must be able to tolerate prolonged standing and walking.

Drug-Free Workplace