Position Overview: The Wound Care and Admissions Nurse plays a vital role in managing and providing expert care for patients with wounds, as well as assisting with patient admissions to inpatient units and ensuring smooth transitions into care. This nurse is responsible for prevention, identification, assessment, management, and treatment of pressure injuries in patients under their care. This role involves working closely with the multidisciplinary healthcare team to develop and implement evidence-based strategies to reduce the risk of pressure injuries and to provide appropriate wound care for patients with existing pressure injuries. They act as a resource for physicians and clinical staff for wound management. Additionally, they may perform general nursing duties in all departments with adequate supervision. The role includes performing patient admission assessments, gathering medical histories, and ensuring proper documentation. Key Responsibilities: Pressure Injury Prevention and Wound Care Management: Conduct comprehensive risk assessments for all patients, using validated tools such as the Braden Scale, to identify those at high risk for pressure injuries. Develop, implement, and monitor individualized care plans to prevent pressure injuries, in collaboration with healthcare teams. Provide education to patients, families, and staff on pressure injury prevention strategies, including proper repositioning, skin care, nutrition, and use of support surfaces. Assess, document, and manage pressure injuries and other wounds in accordance with best practices and hospital policies. Provide direct wound care, including cleaning, dressing changes, and application of advanced wound care products. Evaluate the progression of healing for pressure injuries and other chronic wounds, adjusting care plans as needed to ensure optimal outcomes. Collaborate with the healthcare team to implement specialized treatment plans for patients with complex wounds. Admissions and Patient Intake: Conduct initial patient assessments during admission, gathering relevant medical history and data. Coordinate with other healthcare professionals to ensure all necessary information is collected and communicated. Assist with completing medication reconciliations and transport of patients to inpatient units. Assessment and Monitoring: Conduct thorough skin assessments of new admission patients for early detection and documentation of pressure injuries or potential areas of concern. Monitor patients with existing pressure injuries, ensuring timely and appropriate interventions are made. Analyze patient records to identify trends and patterns related to wound care and pressure injury prevention. Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate with physicians, nurses, dietitians, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers to create and update patient care plans, with a focus on both prevention and wound care management. Participate in interdisciplinary rounds to discuss patients# progress and make necessary adjustments to wound care and prevention strategies. Communicate effectively with patients and families about pressure injury prevention, wound care, and treatment options. Education and Training: Provide ongoing education and training to nursing staff and other healthcare providers on the latest pressure injury prevention techniques, wound care protocols, and the use of appropriate equipment. Develop and distribute educational materials for staff, patients, and families on topics such as pressure injury prevention, wound healing, and nutrition. Quality Improvement: Participate in data collection and analysis related to pressure injury prevalence and wound care outcomes. Assist in the development and implementation of quality improvement initiatives to reduce the incidence of pressure injuries and improve wound healing. Contribute to audits and assessments to ensure compliance with national guidelines and hospital policies related to wound care and pressure injury prevention. Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate, up-to-date records for all patients at risk for or with existing pressure injuries, including wound assessments, treatment plans, and progress notes. Complete required reports for regulatory compliance purposes. Provide feedback to leadership regarding wound care trends, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. Document all admission assessments, interventions, and care plans in the electronic medical record system. Qualifications: Education: Graduate of an accredited school of nursing. Registered Nurse (RN) with a valid license to practice in North Carolina. Certification in Wound Care (e.g., WOCN, CWCN) preferred or required within 6 months. Experience: Minimum of 5 years of clinical nursing experience, preferably in a hospital, long-term care setting, or specialty wound care clinic. Experience in wound care, pressure injury prevention, and management of complex wounds is highly desirable. Skills and Competencies: Strong knowledge of pressure injury prevention, wound care management, and advanced wound healing techniques. Ability to assess and prioritize patient needs effectively. Excellent communication skills for educating patients, families, and healthcare teams. Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment. Familiarity with clinical documentation and quality improvement processes. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills related to wound care. Physical Requirements: Ability to lift and reposition patients as needed. Must be able to bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods of time. Ability to use medical equipment such as wound care supplies, pressure-relieving devices, and other related tools. #