Description

The Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Wound Care functions as a generalist provider to the patient population, specifically those afflicted with wounds, ostomies, or continence disorders. The NP practices in a collaborative relationship with the Medical Director of the Wound and Ostomy Program utilizing agreed upon protocols. Through expert skills, the NP is a leader in coordinating resources to facilitate achievement of optimum health and wellness for each patient.

Core Competencies

Collaborates with members of the healthcare team to facilitate coordinated delivery of care across the continuum. Incorporates complex biopsychosocial dimensions into the nursing process at an advanced level. Incorporates lifespan milestones into the care process (ie age, appropriateness, growth and development, aging). Orders diagnostic and therapeutic interventions consistent with standards of practice. Provides direct care consistent with standards of practice by identifying, managing, or referring actual or potential problems of patients. Requests consultation when specialized needs are identified. Assesses, plans, evaluates, and revises care for the population served. Utilizes prescriptive authority in a manner consistent with standards of practice. Assumes a leadership role in implementing nursing practices to promote continuous quality improvement and desirable patient outcomes. Practices in accordance with current evidence-based standards and research. Demonstrates continuous quality improvement in individual practice. Provides leadership to other nurses or the healthcare team in the use of research findings in current practice (eg development of institutional standards and staff education in the area of focus. Provides on-going education to nursing staff at the point of care Plans for educational opportunities for clinical staff house wide including all ancillary departments Participates in departmental and hospital efforts to continuously improve systems. Applies current research theories and expert knowledge in the evaluation and introduction of new products and techniques related to patient care. Provides individualized patient and family education related to health maintenance, illness, wellness, and prevention in area of focus. Develops creative, innovative mechanisms for meeting community needs and interests. Provides leadership to others on the healthcare team in the use of educational techniques. Provides looping experiences for the RN residents throughout the program schedule. Develops, implements, and evaluates community and patient education programs in the focus area. Maintains current knowledge of reimbursement issues as they apply to NP practice. Participates in the attainment of budget objectives. Seeks avenues for revenue generation in a creative, innovative manner. Improves clinical avenues to provide optimal care while maximizing the utilization of resources. Uses all information available to monitor use of resources, identify trends, and develop plans of action to ensure efficient practice. Creates an atmosphere for positive communication across all departments that play a role in the continuum of care. Designs and evaluates programs and initiatives that are congruent with the organizations strategic plan and values, regulatory agency requirements and nursing standards. Consults with other units and health care professionals to improve care. Leads/assists institutional groups to enhance the clinical practice of nurses and improve patient outcomes. Develops, pilots, evaluates and/or incorporates innovative models of practice across the continuum of care. Participates in need identification, selection and evaluation of products and equipment. Advances nursing practice through participation in professional organizations, publications and presentations. Serves organization-wide as a resource for clinical specialty.