The Wound Care Program Coordinator (WCPC) provides leadership to nursing staff in all aspects of wound, ostomy and continence nursing. The WCPC supports the Nurse Managers in the development, implementation and management of the Wound Care and Pressure Injury Prevention Program within Nursing Service. The WCPC collects, monitors, analyzes and communicates nursing sensitive pressure injury prevention.
Basic Requirements: English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); OR Individuals attending a master's level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program. Upon achievement of a State license, the individual may be appointed on temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program. (Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G6); OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program. Credit for foreign nursing education higher that associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD). Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or the District of Columbia. Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements, but do not possess the required licensure, may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case-by-case-basis.) NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification. Grade Determinations: The following Scope, Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade. The Dimension requirements (Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12808056. Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I, Level I Delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies. An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional professional nursing required. Nurse I, Level II Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts, cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex. An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 1 ;OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required. Nurse I, Level III Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning. Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations. An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I, Level 2; OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I, Level 2; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional professional nursing experience; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience. Nurse II Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others. A BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN with no additional professional nursing experience. Nurse III Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting. MSN and 2 years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Master's degree in *related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III. *Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees. Preferred Experience: Wound Care Certification, Knowledge of MS Products, Excel, SharePoint etc., and Previous Program Management Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: A physical examination will be required if selected for this position.
DUTIES MAY INCLUDE HOWEVER ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING: Collects, monitors, analyzes and communicates nursing sensitive pressure injury prevention and management indicators at the unit and service level, along with the Nursing PI Coordinators. Role is characterized by autonomy of practice, in-depth nursing knowledge, and specialization in wound, ostomy, and continence nursing care. Leading and organizing delivery of care to assure continuity of care and peer accountability for practice, including access to care and discharge planning; Provides comprehensive holistic care using the nursing process in the coordination and management of patients with but not limited to acute and chronic wounds, pressure injuries, ostomies, and fistulas. Serves as a role model and participates with the interdisciplinary team to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Responsible for providing leadership for Patient Care Services (PCS) in the aspects of assessment, measurement, and process improvement with regards to patient care and organizational functions. Will develop and coordinate Patient Care Service Performance Improvement Plan Key aspect of the role will be tracking, analyzing, and trending process activities in patient care and organizational functions. Collaborate with the Unit Level Nurse Managers and the Finger Lakes Interprofessional Pressure Injury Committee (IPIC). Provides ongoing, comprehensive evaluation and improvement of clinical practice and health care delivery systems to meet the needs and anticipated trends in health care. Serves as expert in preparation for the Joint Commission and Office of the Inspector General continued readiness and other appropriate regulatory standards. Serves as the PCS Service Recovery Contact. Serves as a representative on medical center and service committees. Coordinator analyzes, monitors, and reports on wound care issues and events. Oversees the management of specialty bed, mattress rentals and negative pressure wound therapy equipment. Recognizes subtle changes in patient's condition and responds timely, choosing the correct interventions. Develops standards of care and assists in the formulation and evaluation of procedures, protocols and policies related to wound/ostomy patient care for VA Finger Lakes Health Care System. Provides guidance to staff to identify, control or eliminate etiologic factors for skin breakdown, including selection of appropriate support surface. Provides follow-up for patients with ostomies and wound care. Instructs and demonstrates to patient and/or significant other, correct procedures in Wound/ostomy management and care. Initiates assessments, plans, and provides care to patient with ostomies, draining wounds, fistulas, pressure ulcers, acute and/or chronic wounds with orders/referrals from Medical Provider, Negative Pressure Wound Therapy. Provides comprehensive care and teaching to patients and their families regarding the evaluation, selection, and recommendation of supplies and equipment in order to provide optimal wound and ostomy care. Analyzes stock items and recommends appropriate additions and deletions to assure quality and cost-effectiveness of products used for ostomy and wound care. Manages Wound Program development with maintenance of records, statistics and submits reports. Assists staff to maintain current knowledge and competence in the areas of skin, wound, and ostomy management. Provides specialized consultation and collaboration with physicians, licensed independent practitioners, peers, and others in the health care organization to develop, implement, and assure continuity of individualized treatment plans. Prescribes appropriate treatment consults such as wound dressings, ointments, advanced therapies, and specialty mattresses. Monitors and evaluates the prevalence and incidence of pressure ulcers in the Medical Center and coordinates prevalence and incidence studies. Assesses and identifies the educational needs of all levels of nursing staff regarding wounds, ostomy and continence. Participates in the administration of current, evidence-based education of staff, monitoring outcomes of education. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position.