Job Description

UConn Health is looking for an experienced

Wound Ostomy Nurse

to work

PER DIEM

in the Epidemiology Department.

SCHEDULE:

This is a per diem position, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. as needed.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

Utilizes the nursing process when directing or delivering care to patients with Wound/Ostomy needs including assessment, diagnosis, outcomes identification, planning and implementation (e.g., coordination of care delivery, health teaching and promotion, consultation), and evaluation. Utilizes and maintains current physical, psychosocial, clinical assessment, and therapeutic communication skills to determine individual patient needs and expected outcomes. Participates in committees or task forces related to wound, ostomy, and continence issues. Collaborates with leadership and multidisciplinary clinical practice teams to establish protocols, which support best practices to achieve optimal clinical benefits for patients needing Wound/Ostomy care. Provides consultation for individuals with altered skin integrity (e.g., pressure ulcers, draining wounds, fistulae) to develop individualized plans of care and attain expected outcomes. Provides guidance to staff in implementing protocols to identify, control, or eliminate etiologic factors for skin breakdown, including selection of appropriate support surfaces. With a physician's order, provides appropriate debridement of devitalized tissue (e.g., conservative sharp debridement, silver nitrate [AgNO3] cauterization of nonproliferative wound edges, hypergranulation tissue, or to control minor bleeding). Provides appropriate education to patients, caregivers, and staff regarding skin care, wound management, care of percutaneous tubes, draining wound/fistulae management and postoperative and discharge instructions about care, referrals, and supply needs. Validates pressure ulcer data collection for nursing quality indicators (e.g., pressure ulcers and restraint use). Provides pre- and postoperative education to patients (and their families) who are undergoing ostomy surgery, with consideration of the need for physical and psychological adaptation. Marks the stoma site preoperatively by determining the appropriate site for stoma placement with consideration of the patient's anatomical markings, physical capabilities, and lifestyle. Assesses the stoma and stoma functioning and initiates appropriate procedures for stoma care (e.g., removes rod/sutures, measures/fits a pouching system, teaches care of stoma/peristomal skin and pouch). Serves as a resource for patients after discharge through telephone consultation. Participates in developing and implementing procedures and protocols, based on current national guidelines, to deliver care to patients with the following: Urinary or intestinal disorders resulting in the need for an ostomy; conditions requiring wound management; impaired or altered skin integrity; urinary and/or fecal continence issues. Assists the nursing and medical staff in maintaining current knowledge and competence in Wound/Ostomy care by providing the following: formal or informal continuing education programs; clinical rounds; lunch and learn sessions; orientation sessions; collaborative practice committees; nursing councils. Attends continuing education programs related to Wound/Ostomy nursing to maintain current knowledge and skills. Maintains and submits required activity and statistical reports to the appropriate department supervisor. Contributes to the selection of cost-effective supplies and equipment related to Wound/Ostomy care, which might need to be individualized for different units/departments. Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Knowledge of the principles and practices of nursing; knowledge of relevant health center policies and procedures; considerable interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to establish priorities and manage effectively.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Master's preferred. Three [3] years of recent relevant nursing experience Graduation from an accredited wound and ostomy nursing education program, or satisfactory completion of these accredited programs within 6 months after assuming the position. Wound and Ostomy Certifications from an accredited institution. (Please upload at time of application) Must possess and maintain a current during employment license to practice nursing in the State of Connecticut. Current certification in Basic Life Support [BLS].

HOURLY RATE:

$70.00

Why UConn Health

UConn Health is a vibrant, integrated academic medical center that is entering an era of unprecedented growth in all three areas of its mission: academics, research, and clinical care. A commitment to human health and well-being has been of utmost importance to UConn Health since the founding of the University of Connecticut schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine in 1961. Based on a strong foundation of groundbreaking research, first-rate education, and quality clinical care, we have expanded our medical missions over the decades. In just over 50 years, UConn Health has evolved to encompass more research endeavors, to provide more ways to access our superior care, and to innovate both practical medicine and our methods of educating the practitioners of tomorrow.