Wound Care Therapist Part Time

Summary

The Wound Care Therapist provides specialized care within the scope of either physical therapy or nursing focusing on the evaluation treatment and prevention of wounds and related health conditions. This role involves utilizing a range of therapeutic techniques including physical chemical and mechanical methods to address various health issues. These techniques include but are not limited to heat cold light air water sound electricity massage mobilization and therapeutic exercises. The therapist also performs and interprets tests and measurements to assess health deficits aiding in the determination of treatment plans diagnosis and prognosis.

1. Understands and adheres to the WPH Performance Standards Policies and Behaviors

2. Performs wound care for both in and outpatients within the applicable physical therapy or nursing scope of practice whichever is applicable.

3. For Physical Therapists (PT): Perform wound care either under a physician plan of care or a physical therapy plan of care (as applicable) which requires an order and includes an evaluation with or without physical therapy evaluations and treatment procedures upon physician s referral for inpatients on the hospital units and in the Wound Care Center as well as for outpatients in the Wound Care Center.

4. For Registered Nurses (RN): Diagnose and treat human responses to actual or potential health problems through such services as case finding health teaching health counseling and providing care supportive to or restorative of life and wellbeing. RNs also execute medical regimens prescribed by a licensed physician dentist nurse practitioner physician assistant specialist assistant midwife or podiatrist in accordance with New York State Education Department regulations. A nursing regimen must be consistent with any existing medical regimen. RNs practice under the supervision of a physician nurse practitioner or podiatrist. RNs will: assess patients identify unmet patient needs and plan comprehensive care to meet those needs in relation to the patient s illness condition or disability; Identify unidentified comorbidities or emergent complications and intervenes solely and also with health care team members to initiate additional exploration and treatment; coordinate care with other health care providers such as respiratory therapists social workers physicians nurse practitioners dietitians and discharge planners; and provides patient care (i.e. administer medication and perform nursing interventions).

5. Works collaboratively with Wound Care Center staff including physicians nurse practitioners hospital nurses Ostomy/Wound nurses home care nurses and technicians to promote interdisciplinary care.

6. Supports physician and nurse practitioner staff with wound care procedures both in the Wound Care Center and at the bedside in inpatient units including surgical debridement incision and drainage aspirations etc. Removes dressings and cleanses wounds.

7. Applies topical medications to wounds with a physician or nurse practitioner order.

8. Performs debridement of devitalized tissue from wounds without anesthesia including sharp selective debridement with highpressure water jet scissors scalpel and forceps with referral from a physician or nurse practitioner.

9. Applies wound dressings and bandaging including compressive wrapping negative pressure wound therapy etc.

10. Adheres to hospital infection control policies.

11. Carries out regular assessment/reevaluations develops plans of treatment modifies treatment plans/programs as necessary; determines rehabilitation potential and participates in discharge planning for wound care patients.

12. Documents comprehensive wound assessments including drainage color texture temperature vascularity condition of surrounding tissue and size of the area to be targeted for debridement as needed.

13. Notes possible need for patients to receive other services (surgical or infectious disease consultation PT OT etc.). Discusses needs with other professionals and physicians.

14. Knows and utilizes varied treatment techniques and skills for the problems / disabilities encountered.

15. Keeps uptodate records of each patient s treatment and progress and assigns appropriate billing codes for services rendered.

16. Responsible for scheduling of patients sessions and arranges for transfer of duties in the event of absence.

17. Instructs patients in the use and care of PT related equipment and apparatus such as wheelchair braces canes crutches walkers prosthetics and orthotics (as applicable).

18. Directs and supervises the activities of Wound Care Technicians students and volunteers.

19. Maintains department equipment; reports defects or problems immediately to supervisor or appropriate department i.e. Biomed Engineering.

20. Consults with other health related departments (i.e. nursing physical therapy occupational therapy etc.) to coordinate therapeutic programs and maintains communication with physicians and nurse practitioners regarding the patient s progress and response to treatment.

21. Demonstrates and teaches Wound Care therapies to students hospital nursing staff and other staff as determined by the Director.

22. Participates in periodic assessment of the quality of care provided; makes the suggestion for improvement of quality as needed.

23. Attends department meetings allied health conferences special courses seminars and applicable inservices. Reports on relevant course material to staff. Shares areas of special interest or expertise with staff.

24. Accepts rotations in assignments to bedside wound care.

25. Instructs families about the needs management capabilities and precautions related to the patient s wound care.

26. Provides information regarding billing for services and equipment.

27. Determines needs for purchase of equipment for patients and department.

28. Maintains and carriers out procedures for departmental records charge slips daily statistics etc. in a timely manner.

29. Attends hospital mandatory inservice programs.

30. Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education & License Requirements