RN Enterostomal Therapist, Full Time, Days

Overview Job Summary

Demonstrates through behavior Decatur Morgan Hospital’s mission, vision and values. The Wound and Ostomy Registered Nurse is a clinical expert responsible for the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care for patients with wounds, ostomies, fistulas, and related skin conditions. This nurse provides direct patient care, consultation, and education to patients, families, and healthcare staff, ensuring evidence-based management and prevention of pressure injuries and other integumentary issues. The Wound and Ostomy RN serves as a key resource for clinical best practices in skin and wound management and supports the organization’s quality, safety, and performance improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities / Essential Functions 1. Clinical Care & Consultation Conducts comprehensive assessments of patients with actual or potential skin integrity issues, wounds, ostomies, or incontinence. Develops individualized care plans and provides expert recommendations for wound and ostomy management. Performs wound and ostomy care procedures, including debridement (as credentialed), dressing selection, pouch fitting, and pressure injury prevention. Collaborates with physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Provides consultation on complex wound and ostomy cases across inpatient and outpatient settings. 2. Education & Training Educates patients and caregivers on wound and ostomy care, appliance management, and skin protection. Develops and delivers education programs for nursing and ancillary staff regarding pressure injury prevention, wound care techniques, and ostomy management. Acts as a clinical resource and mentor to bedside nurses, supporting skill development and confidence in wound and ostomy care practices. 3. Quality Improvement & Data Management Leads or participates in wound care performance improvement initiatives and prevalence studies. Monitors wound and ostomy outcomes, tracking incidence, healing rates, and pressure injury data for reporting. Collaborates with infection prevention and quality departments to ensure compliance with national standards (e.g., NPIAP, AHRQ). Reviews and updates wound and ostomy care policies, procedures, and product formulary based on evidence-based practice. 4. Product Evaluation & Resource Management Evaluates and recommends wound and ostomy care products, supplies, and equipment. Works with supply chain and vendors to ensure product consistency and cost-effective management. Assists in standardizing products and protocols across care units. 5. Collaboration & Leadership Serves as a liaison between nursing, physicians, and support services to coordinate patient care. Participates in interdisciplinary rounds and provides input on discharge planning related to wound and ostomy needs. Supports hospital readiness for accreditation and regulatory reviews related to wound and skin care standards.