Wound Care Nurse: Job Description, Salary, and How to Become One
Embarking on a journey to play a crucial role in promoting the health and well-being of patients with complex wounds, certified wound care nurses bring unique skills and knowledge to the healthcare industry. Their specialized training, comprehensive care plans, early detection of complications, patient education, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams significantly contribute to better wound healing, improved patient outcomes, and enhanced overall healthcare delivery.
For those interested in pursuing a career in wound care nursing, comprehensive information about the job description, responsibilities, salary expectations, and steps to becoming one is provided below.
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Wound Care Nurse Job Description
A wound care nurse, also known as a certified wound and ostomy care nurse (CWOCN) or a wound and ostomy care nurse (WOCN), plays an essential role in the healthcare industry by assessing, treating, and preventing various types of wounds. This includes the management of ostomies and continence care. Complex patient wounds may include ulcers, burns, pressure injuries, pressure ulcers, diabetic foot wounds, and skin tears.
These advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are skilled professionals who care for patients with chronic or acute wounds, developing effective strategies to promote faster healing and minimize potential complications. They excel in recognizing early signs of infection, choosing appropriate treatment methods, and educating patients and their families on proper wound management techniques.
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Wound care nurses collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals and patient care teams, such as licensed practical nurses (LPNs), nurse practitioners (NPs), physicians, dieticians, occupational therapists, and physical therapists.
Wound care nurses can be found in various inpatient and outpatient settings, including hospitals (acute care and critical care units), clinics, long-term care facilities, hospices, and home health. There is a growing demand for wound care services in long-term care and home care settings, specifically to address complications from chronic conditions like diabetes.
Benefits of becoming a wound care nurse include professional independence in creating treatment plans, regular daytime working hours without the expectation to work nights, weekends, or holidays, and an intellectual challenge. Treating wounds requires holistic knowledge of the body’s systems, including cardiovascular circulation, pathophysiology, metabolic balance, pressure offloading, chronic disease management, and nutrition.
Wound Care Nurse Responsibilities
Typical responsibilities of wound care nurses include:
1. Educating staff nurses on wound care protocols
2. Creating, updating, and managing care plans
3. Performing specialized procedures (e.g., removing dead tissue/debridement, cleaning wounds, and bandaging)
4. Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to plan skin care interventions
5. Performing diabetic foot care
6. Educating patients and their caregivers on wound care procedures and preventative measures
7. Charting information for insurance reimbursement
8. Writing nursing orders that promote wound healing or prevent skin breakdown
9. Staying up to date with current wound treatments
Wound Care Nurse Salary
According to PayScale, the average yearly rate of pay for wound care nurses is around $67,663. The salary can vary based on factors like city and state of employment, organization, educational credentials, and years of experience. Becoming a travel nurse in areas with a significant shortage of certified wound care nurses can further increase the salary potential.
Wound care nurses also enjoy employment benefits packages that generally include medical, vision, dental, and prescription insurance coverage. Some may even have the chance to opt for life insurance policies. Most full-time wound care nurses receive annual time off, typically around two to four weeks.
How to Become a Wound Care Nurse
Becoming a wound care nurse involves fulfilling specific educational and professional requirements while developing the necessary skills to provide specialized care for patients with wounds, ostomies, skin injuries, and continence concerns.
1. Obtain a Nursing Degree:
Complete either an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program. The BSN is often preferred for broader career opportunities.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN:
After completing your nursing degree, pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain your registered nurse (RN) license.
3. Gain Clinical Experience:
Gain at least one to two years of clinical experience as a nurse in a medical setting, preferably in wound care or a related specialty.
4. Complete a Wound Care Program:
Take a wound care program to develop the skills necessary for specialized care.
5. Obtain Certification:
Obtain certification through accredited programs such as The Wound Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB), The National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy (NAWCO), or The American Board of Wound Management (ABWM). Certification requires 50 related continued education hours and 1500 hours of clinical exposure over the last five years.
- The Wound Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB)
- The National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy (NAWCO)
- The America Board of Wound Management (ABWM)
6. Pass the Certification Exam:
After completing the program and obtaining certification, pass an in-depth exam to measure academic and technical competence. Upon passing, nurses may use the initials “WCC” to inform employers of their new specialty.
As a certified wound care nurse, staying updated on the latest advancements in the field through continuing education courses, attending conferences and workshops, and engaging in professional nursing organizations focused on wound care education and research is crucial.
The demand for competent wound care nurses is expected to increase across the U.S. as the population ages. If you have a passion for wound care and healing, and are interested in a challenging and in-demand nursing career, consider pursuing this advanced nursing certification.
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