Wound Care/IP Nurse

Summary/objective

The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) Wound Care/Infection Prevention Control Nurse will provide comprehensive wound care and infection control services to patients at Coalinga Regional Medical Hospital. The licensed nurse will assess, plan, implement, and evaluate wound care treatment, collaborate with the Director of Nursing on infection prevention protocols, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure the highest standards of quality care. This role also involves educating patients and staff on wound care techniques and infection prevention strategies.

Essential Functions

• Assess, treat, and document wounds for patients in accordance with wound care protocols.
• Perform debridement, dressing changes, and other wound care procedures within scope of practice.
• Educate staff, patients and families about wound care management and prevention strategies.
• Collaborate with providers, nurses, and other healthcare specialists to develop and update individualized wound care treatment plans.

Infection Prevention and Control

• Implement infection control measures, including isolation precautions and sterilization techniques.
• Conduct surveillance of infection rates and report findings to the infection control

committee.

• Educate staff on infection prevention protocols, including hand hygiene, personal

protective equipment (PPE) use, and safe handling of biohazard materials.

• Develop and implement infection prevention policies and procedures in collaboration with the DON.

Collaboration and Education

• Serve as a resource for wound care and infection prevention best practices to nursing and clinical staff.
• Participate in interdisciplinary rounds and provide input on wound care and infection control.
• In collaboration with DON, offer ongoing training sessions to staff on wound care products, techniques, and infection prevention measures

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate documentation of wound care treatments, infection prevention activities, and patient progress in electronic medical records (EMR).
• Prepare infection surveillance reports and data analysis for infection control meetings per facility protocol and accrediting body standards.
• Prepare infection surveillance reports and data analysis for monthly reporting to National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN)
• Prepare infection surveillance reports and data analysis of ‘reportable’ cases for County Public Health.
• Maintain culture and sensitivity logs for Hospital Acquire Infection tracking for Emergency Department, Acute Care, and Medical Specialty Centers.
• Prepare infection surveillance reports and data analysis for Internal auditing and Quality improvement projects.

Supervisory Responsibilities

              None

Work Environment

• The role requires the ability to stand, walk, and move for extended periods.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with physicians, patients, and other staff members.
• Awareness and sensitivity to cultural differences in healthcare practices.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to perform physical tasks such as lifting, pushing, and pulling heavy equipment or patients.
• Fine motor skills required to handle wound care instruments and infection control equipment

Travel Requirements

              None

Required Education and Experience

• Valid LVN license in California.
• Strong organizational, time management, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with wound care products and infection prevention protocols.

Preferred Education and Experience

• 2+ years of clinical experience in wound care or infection prevention preferred.
• Previous experience in an acute care, long-term care, or similar healthcare setting desirable

Additional Eligibility and Requirements

• Must obtain certification in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Wound Care within 6 months of hire and maintain active certification throughout employment to meet industry standards.
• Must complete continuing education in wound care and infection prevention annually.

Work Authorization Requirements

Employee must also be able to satisfy the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, which requires documents to prove Employee’s identity and demonstrate that Employee is authorized to work in the U.S., and to complete an Employment Eligibility Verification form (Form I-9)

Affirmative Action/EEO statement

Coalinga Regional Medical Center enthusiastically accepts its obligation to provide equal employment opportunities and to make employment decisions without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, cancer history or diagnosis, genetic characteristics or information, religion, race (including traits historically associated with race, such as protected hairstyles - braids, locks, twits), color, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, disability, military status, veteran status or any other protected status under federal, state, or local laws. Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.

Selection of employees is conducted based on the applicant’s previous appropriate experience, skills, knowledge, former employer references and possession of certificates and/or license, where applicable. Applicants must meet the requirements of the position for which they are applying and be of good personal character. Written and/or manual examination may be required for positions requiring special skills.

Personal actions regarding such matters as compensation, benefits, transfer, staff reduction, promotions, sponsored training, education, and social/recreational programs will be administered in keeping with CRMC commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.