Salary Range:

LVN: $29.52 - $40.71

RN: $47.33 - $65.23

Pay rates are determined based on experience and internal equity.

Position Summary:

This position reports to the Senior Director of Ambulatory Services. Assess the unique needs of each patient to determine appropriate treatment plans in collaboration with patient’s physician and primary Registered Nurse. Assessing complex patient wounds when they develop or when patients are admitted Teaching patients and caregivers how to treat and dress wounds to assist healing and prevent infection after discharge. Collaborate with nursing department leaders in all staff education and training in regards to wound care utilizing evidence-based practices. Educate patients and families on best practices to promote healing and wellness. Track treatments and patient progress in collaboration with patient’s physician. Fulfill other nursing duties as required.  Demonstrates quality and effectiveness in work habits and clinical practice. Remains flexible to changing systems. Treats patients, families, visitors, peers and physicians with consideration and respect. Works well under stress and with tight deadlines. Communicates concerns appropriately using the established chain of command.

District Responsibility

Supports the District mission, vision and values statements. Demonstrate respect, professionalism and courtesy to all patients, visitors, other providers and coworkers, as delineated in the LVMC “Commitment to Care”. Consistently uses C-I-CARE principles when communicating with others. Maintains all principles of confidentiality according to District policy and as required by State and Federal agencies. Follows guidelines and practices identified in the Employee Handbook.  Participates in the development of skills competencies annually and as needed. Complies with annual PPD testing.  Maintains responsibility for own professional development.

Position Duties/Responsibilities:

Is fluent in Standards of Practice in Wound Care. Is knowledgeable of CMS Standards and accreditation body CIHQ Standards, CDPH, Title 22, regulations and any other federal or state guidelines. Monitors nursing practice to assure all guidelines are met. Meets needs of District wide wound care program including acute, CCC, and outpatient clinics.  Able to perform wound care and dressing changes as needed to meet patient care needs. Provides support and guidance for staff and is responsible for sharing information appropriately. Demonstrates the knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and the skills necessary to monitor care to assure that it is appropriate to the age of the patients served. Demonstrates the ability to function as a team member.

Essential Functions:

Wound care nurses need a comprehensive knowledge of wounds, common treatment options and how to apply them. They must also know the signs of infection and how to treat them. Some treatment options, such as wound vacuum-assisted closures, can be challenging to administer, so wound care nurses need effective technical skills. Wound care nurses rely on their patience to work with busy medical care professionals, scared and frustrated patients and patients who are reluctant to comply with their treatment plans. Patience helps these nurses manage all kinds of workplace challenges and provide the best patient care Seeking care for wounds and other medical issues can be challenging for patients. Wound care nurses who are respectful and compassionate when handling their patients' situations and feelings can develop the rapport they need to provide the best possible care. Wound care nurses need strong verbal communication skills to discuss treatment options with medical care teams, patients and their caregivers. Patients and caregivers do not usually have a strong medical knowledge, so it is important to explain treatment plans in non-technical terms that are easy to understand. Strong written communication skills are also required to complete patient charts and paperwork accurately and efficiently The ability to perform all aspects of job duties, which includes standing or walking for prolonged periods of time, bending, gripping, grasping, stooping, kneeling, pushing and pulling. The ability to keyboard and use Word Processing programs Maintains nursing license following the Scope of Practice The ability to demonstrate the ability to have positive personal interactions with staff, patients, visitors and physicians. Accepts appropriate supervision.

Position Qualifications:

Education: Current California license as an LVN or RN. Experience: Experience in Wound Care preferred. Certifications: BLS required, Wound Care Certification required within 6 months of employment or from an internal transfer. Skills/Ability: Excellent clinical skills.  Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  Computer skills required.  Exhibits the ability to organize work assignments and follow through with accuracy.  Exercises good judgment, demonstrates initiative, emotional stability, tact and poise. LVMC reserves the right to modify the minimum requirements depending on the needs of the organization.