RN Wound / Ostomy / Continence FT

At Houston Methodist, the RN Wound Ostomy Continence position provides expert, integrated, cost-effective, quality patient care through the coordination of clinical care for high-risk patients with complex issues across the continuum of care settings, serving as the clinical resource and consultant for acute and rehabilitative care of patients with selective disorders of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and integumentary systems. Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to, draining wounds, ostomies, fistulas, dermal ulcers, tubes, and continence disorders. The RN Wound Ostomy Continence position provides oversight to the wound treatment plans and participates in performance improvement review activities. This position maintains working knowledge of the hospital policies and procedures as well as regulatory guidelines. As a nurse clinician, the RN Wound, Ostomy, Continence position integrates knowledge of advanced pathophysiology, human responses to health problems and non-disease based etiologies (self-care behaviors, stress, coping behaviors, environmental and social demands/ resources) to assess, plan, and coordinate care, and monitor and evaluate patient outcomes. This position requires the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and appropriately interpret information relative to the patient's age-specific needs. The RN Wound Ostomy Continence position is an active participant in the collaborative practice framework.

Requirements:

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Functions directly and indirectly as a clinical resource/consultant for specialty population care delivery by working with staff, management, patients/families, and/or other groups as applicable. Identifies staff development opportunities for professional growth of colleagues, provides coaching to meet identified goals. Acts as a model and coaches staff in effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication regarding specialty populations, i.e., wound, ostomy, and continence needs.

• Utilizes the nursing process when directing or delivering care to patients identified with wound, ostomy and/or continence needs. Makes recommendations based on the patient's status, safety, age, growth and developmental needs and intervenes to meet the needs of staff, patient/families, and physicians.

• Facilitates interprofessional planning as needed to ensure patient safety and quality care and addresses clinical concerns brought forth by physicians.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Role models the patient and family-centered care standards, as outlined in the Houston Methodist Professional Nursing Practice document. Acts as a patient advocate in coordinating the interprofessional team to facilitate a holistic, goal oriented approach to care across the continuum that meets the patient's physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs.

• Develops and implements effective patient teaching strategies based on learning needs; uses appropriate resources, incorporating planning for care after discharge. Consistently evaluates the patient's comprehension and adapts teaching methods accordingly. Utilizes evidence-based knowledge applied to the patient's condition and recommends change in the plan of care.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Models the standards of care related to the nursing process, as outlined in the Houston Methodist Professional Nursing Practice document. Participates in development, implementation, and evaluation of standards of nursing care that affect nursing practice in the specialty area(s) assigned.

• Models the standards related to regulatory requirements and professional practice as outlined in the Houston Methodist Professional Nursing Practice document. Utilizes expertise and knowledge of skin integrity, wound, ostomy and continence care to develop and update standards of care. Implements nursing actions to maintain appropriate clinical outcomes.

• Documents in the electronic medical record as appropriate for their specialty and reviews interprofessional documentation to ensure/validate accuracy.

• Responsible for the oversight and conduction of the Pressure Injury Prevalence surveillance in conjunction with Quality and Patient Safety and the development of resulting action plans.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Effectively models independent time management and prioritization of referrals and treatments.

• Actively participates by providing input on wound care and ostomy products, equipment and support surfaces considering both quality patient care and cost. Insures the appropriate use of resources for efficacious patient care.

• Drives efficiencies and quality improvements, recognizing current and future resource limitations. Manages the program within documented timeframes and within budget.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develops proposals for implementation of new programs, projects, and/or nursing research. Fosters identification and implementation of innovative solutions to improve patient care or unit operations such as reduction of hospital readmissions or other department-specific measures by leading and/or participating in hospital projects and shared governance activities.

• Leads and identifies opportunities for practice changes and performance improvement. Investigates and incorporates evidence-based practices with input from shared governance and leadership when appropriate. Supports change initiatives and adapts to unexpected changes.

• Expands individual nursing knowledge, completing and updating My Development plan on an on-going basis. Coaches staff to grow in knowledge, abilities, skills, and attitudes. Serves as the clinical resource. Develops and disseminates, as appropriate, informational/educational resources and programs designed to improve quality and professional practice. Participates in the training of new graduates, orientees, and students and is viewed as a role model.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Qualifications:

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited school of Nursing
  

• Master's degree preferred
  

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Two years of clinical nursing experience in specialty or related area
  

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• RN - Registered Nurse - Texas State Licensure -- Compact Licensure - Must obtain permanent Texas license within 60 days (if establishing Texas residency) AND
• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) AND
• Magnet-ANCC Recognized Certification (HM) recognized Wound Ostomy certification or related area within 6 months

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

• Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development of the life span

• Exhibits good listening skills

• Ability to work independently and analyze and solve problems

• Demonstrates the ability to manage complex clinical and interpersonal situations

• Maintains membership in a Wound/Ostomy professional organization

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs Yes
• Business professional No
• Other (department approved) Yes

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* Yes

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No