Clinician, Wound and Skin Care

Detailed Overview

Demonstrates clinical expertise and leadership in evidence-based practice to staff/clients and/or families by consulting with experts, collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team and providing information based on application of specialized theories, concepts and principles related to wound and skin care and participates in direct care for clients; role models direct care skills to staff and students based on application of theories, concepts and principles to provide excellence in quality wound and skin care; delivers educational activities to staff and/or clients/families by teaching, facilitating groups, mentoring and conducting formal presentations, demonstrations and lectures; develops, implements and revises orientation and professional development programs to staff on the basis of pre-identified learning needs, patient outcomes and current theory/research; evaluates program effectiveness to ensure clinical objectives are met and resources are current, relevant and cost effective; participates in quality improvement and risk management activities and in research and special projects. Responsibilities Demonstrates expertise and provides clinical leadership in evidence-based practice related to wound and skin care to staff and/or clients/families by reviewing literature in specialty area, consulting with experts, collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team, evaluating clinical practice and recommending changes to existing standards. Role models direct client care skills to staff and students, provides information based on application of theories, concepts and principles, ensures compliance with current standards of practice and supports nursing to provide excellence in quality client/family care based on specialized theory and practice regarding wound and skin care. Delivers educational activities to staff, students and/or clients/families by teaching, facilitating groups, mentoring, conducting formal presentations, demonstrations and lectures related to wound and skin care; arranges sessions in collaboration with staff and/or clients/families to determine time, frequency and duration to ensure effective use of resources; maintains staff education records. Develops and implements education programs, orientation and professional development programs for wound and skin staff and/or clients/families by responding to requests, completing learning needs assessments and determining educational requirements related to wound and skin care knowledge; revises programs on the basis of pre-identified learning needs, client outcomes, internal/community standards of practice, introduction of new skills/procedures and current theory/research; evaluates effectiveness of programs to ensure wound and skin care learning objectives are met and to determine opportunities for quality improvement. Performs advanced nursing skills within areas of expertise in skin and wound care practice; arranges preceptorships and mentorship for students and new staff regarding wound and skin care, as required. Provides leadership and consultation to clinical staff and students to assess, plan, implement and evaluate wound and skin care of clients by reviewing client/family needs and progress, promoting staff collaboration with health care professionals, reviewing available health care professional/community agencies and discussing referral options. Promotes staff to teach clients/families about illness prevention, health maintenance and health promotion strategies by developing health teaching strategies, assessing the learning needs of clients/families, teaching and evaluating outcomes of learning and maintaining current reference material regarding wound and skin care. Participates in quality improvement and risk management activities for wound and skin care by evaluating effect of changes in wound and skin care practice, generating recommendations for alternative approaches to practice and taking corrective action; recommends changes to selected policies, procedures and protocols and provides feedback. Consults and collaborates with interdisciplinary team and other health care professionals/providers in the identification and resolution of a variety of client/family issues by encouraging staff to communicate in a confidential/professional manner ensuring relevant information is documented; identifies available resources to assist in the management and/or coordination of these issues and makes recommendations for alternative approaches and/or solutions. Participates in research and special projects in wound and skin care by collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team, promoting staff awareness and involvement in research activities, identifying practices/issues that require research, collecting and interpreting data and providing input for further analysis as required. Participates on local, regional program and professional committees regarding to wound and skin care by attending meetings, providing input, facilitating the resolution of issues and advocating the goals and objectives of the wound and skin care services. Contributes as a team member to the selection of new staff and in the performance evaluation of staff by attending panel interviews, making recommendations, assessing clinical skills and providing input. Assists the Manager or designate with determining the optimal use of budgetary resources for wound and skin care by providing input and making recommendations. Sets measurable performance goals and objectives by maintaining and updating own knowledge of clinical professional development in wound and skin care, developing plans in collaboration with the Manager or designate for professional development and ensuring goal and objective plans are achievable. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Three years' recent related clinical skin and wound care experience, including one year experience in a leadership/education role in a community health environment and completion of a recognized course in wound ostomy and continence, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Valid BC Driver's license and access to a personal vehicle for business-related purposes. Skills and Abilities Comprehensive knowledge of Skin and Wound Care theory and evidence-based practice Demonstrated ability to teach and facilitate learning of staff and/or clients/families Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, design and revise education programs utilizing adult education principles Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and work direction in a coaching/mentoring role Demonstrated ability to role model Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of an interdisciplinary team Demonstrated ability to problem solve and effectively deal with conflict situations Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and prioritize work in a continuously changing environment Demonstrated ability to deal with and promote change within a dynamic environment with changing priorities Knowledge of other health care disciplines and their role in health care Demonstrated ability to effectively work with co-workers, other health care staff, physicians and external staff Knowledge of research processes and methodology Demonstrated ability to operate related equipment including related software applications Physical ability to perform the duties of the position

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