Becoming a wound care nurse takes time and dedication. It is a specialization within the nursing field. Read on for a wound care nurse job description.
Have you ever thought of having a career as a wound care nurse? If you are considering a nursing career in wound care, you should first know and understand the wound care nurse job description.
Becoming a wound care nurse takes more than just the formal training; it takes a special kind of devotion.
What is a wound care nurse?
A wound care nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in caring for, as well as helping prevent, wounds. Wound care nurses can be found in many different settings and working environments. They are needed in hospitals, doctor's offices and wound care centers.
The demand for wound care nurses is currently growing and is expected to continue to grow.
What are the specific duties of a wound care nurse?
There are many duties a wound care nurse takes on. Caring for wounds is a very vague job description. The job duties of a wound care nurse include, but are not limited to:
- Skin evaluation (for pressure sore prevention).
- Medication application (to existing wounds).
- Educating patients (to care for their own wounds).
A wound care nurse will be the one who cares for patient's surgical incisions, any pressure sores, or any wounds caused from disease or injury. They treat and care for skin infections and skin conditions too.
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How much education does it take to become a wound care nurse?
To become a wound care nurse, you must first obtain your bachelor's degree by completing a four-year nursing program at an accredited learning institution. Some wound care nurses complete a six-year nursing program in order to earn a master's degree.
You can opt to earn your education through your local college or university, or you can choose an online education.
In addition to a degree, wound care nurses are required to take specialized courses in all aspects of wound care and prevention. These specialized courses are what differentiate them from registered nurses and gives them the knowledge necessary to be successful in the specialized area of wound care.
Finally, a wound care nurse is required to pass a state certification test every five years. This means that education is ongoing. A wound care nurse is required to keep up with all the new things being taught.
Becoming a wound care nurse can take a high degree of dedication and determination. Education is not the only thing necessary in order to achieve this goal. You should fully understand the wound care nurse job description before you make a final decision about choosing it as a career.
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