POSITION SUMMARY

The Wound Care Liaison coordinates and facilitates discharge planning and assists with quality measures (example: NDNQI Prevalence study for patients) as a member of the interdisciplinary team.   Facilitates the delivery of high quality care through the application of evidence based medical protocols and improves the quality of outcomes.  As a facilitator of care across the care continuum interfaces with acute care and post discharge agencies, fosters physician relationships, and assists in the coordination and facilitation of patients with wound and ostomy care. The individual provides clinical leadership, expertise, collaboration, consultation, and mentorship to provide evidence based practice. Also collaborates with other health care facilities in the development of wound care management programs. Functions as a consultant to all staff and patients in the areas of skin prevention, wounds, ostomies, and continence needs.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

1. Completion of a registered nurse degree program.
2. Bachelor’s degree in Nursing preferred.

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 patients, staff and providers.
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.
6. Provides own transportation.

License/Certification/Registration:

1. Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Pennsylvania.
2. Wound Care Certification Required. If not certified, must have certification within 2 years of hire date. This would be from the WOCN Certification Board – WOCN or a Certified Wound Treatment Associate that works under the WOCN.
3. Meets the American Heart Association’s standards for Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) and renews BLS every two years.
4. Maintains a valid driver’s license.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives minimal supervision from Nursing Supervisor / Manager of Hospital Outpatient Clinics and is able to perform all clinical duties in an independent manner.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

None

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. The Wound Care Liaison functions as a resource for the staff.
   1. They provide specific care for a patient/client that the consultee does not possess and will not be using skill very frequently. They help to guide the care for the patient/client.
      1. Works with staff to develop plan of care for patients with pressure injury prevention and impaired skin integrity.
      2. Assesses patient’s response to treatment and revises plan of care as needed for patients with pressure injury prevention and impaired skin integrity.
      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.
      6. Provides educational programs, as needed, to update staff regarding advances in wound and skin care for prevention.
      7. Participates in orientation of all nursing employees to explain role and specifics of scope of practice.
      8. Coordinates seminars on skin care prevention and wounds, in collaboration with vendors or other clinical resources.
      9. Reviews skin care, wound care, and ostomy product inventory at least annually and requests revisions as needed.
      10. Serves on CVAT (Clinical Value Analysis Team) PRN, and other committees to expedite revisions and improve patient outcomes.
      11. 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. Collaborating with other departments such as Case Management, 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.
   2. Facilitating continuity of care for patients discharged to extended care and rehabilitation facilities.
   3. Collaborating, as needed, with home health agencies, long-term care facilities, and post hospital care facilities to foster continuity of patient care.
3. Facilitates 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 wounds and Pressure Injury Prevention.
   3. Directing patient teaching.
   4. Assisting with other patient education activities
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.
5. Demonstrates leadership skills by:
   1. Mentoring staff, acting as a role model in the realms of:
      1. Patient education
      2. Skin prevention and Pressure Injury Prevention
      3. Discharge Planning
      4. Nursing Process
   2. Supporting changes in the health care environment that lead to improved patient outcomes.
6. 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 centered care.
   4. Develops and monitors best practices using national patient safety goals and other resources.
   5. Other responsibilities as assigned to further departmental and organizational goals.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performs related and miscellaneous duties as assigned.