Question:
Wound care is a type of medical nursing that focuses on the treatment and management of all types of wounds.
Wound care nurses provide quality, cost-effective healthcare for patients with wound infection.
Patients with wounds are often treated poorly and have a lack of information.
As nurses in wound care, you have the opportunity to work in a variety of healthcare settings including hospital wards, in-home care and diabetic foot clinics.
They are responsible for the care of traumatic and draining wounds.
Wounds may be the result of medical procedures, pressure sores or ulcers. It has been estimated that 35% of 1000 patients have suffered from wounds.
There are many types of wound nurses. Understanding them is essential to ensure a faster healing process for patients.
For a person to qualify as a professional wound-care nurse, they must hold a degree with a valid RN licensure and also have completed a Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (WOCN ) program. This program is an accredited nursing education program. The body currently approves 8 WOCN programs in nursing.
After completing these programs, professionals can sit for the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society’s national certification examination.
Answer to Question: NCS3201 Professional Capacity Building
Introduction
The group of professionals responsible for wound care includes a number of medical professions. They are also committed to providing quality and affordable health care.
Angela, A., E., & Inger (2016) explains that a nursing professional who specializes in wound care is dedicated to providing affordable and appropriate care to individuals with ostomies, infections, and incontinence.
In other words, a nurse who cares for wounds is responsible for ensuring that medical treatments and diseases are properly addressed to heal wounds quickly.
They can also treat patients who have ostomies or other surgical openings that allow fluids outflow.
These nurses are often part of the assessing team, as well as the health care professionals to manage the wounds.
This paper presents and analyzes the nature of wound nursing, with a particular focus on my interest to become a certified wound care nurse.
The paper reviews the literature and discusses certification requirements and standards for nurses, as well as the responsibilities of nurses working in different areas of wound cares, with an emphasis on management of ulcers.
It also provides a personal SWOT analysis along with a development plan. Then, the paper concludes with relevant recommendations for me to become an effective wound-care nurse.
Literature Review
Scope of Practice
Vicki (2010) explains that wound care nurses have a variety of responsibilities beyond the simple task of bandaging wounds.
These professionals are indispensable in carrying out other duties like;
The treatment of allergic reactions and prevention from skin disease and infection.
Management or treatment for various types of ulcers like diabetic, pressure, as well as vascular.
The organization of wound care management plans through control of odour amongst other agents to ensure that wounds are not caused by susceptible patients (Doherty 2010, Doherty).
Assessing nutritional needs of patients, providing topical therapies, and educating the support personnel like the families on various care techniques (Wilson und al. 2012).
Assessing and treating fistulae as well as draining wounds.
Implementing appropriate preventative actions to reduce the incidences of pressure ulcers and vascular disease (Gosnel, 2014).
Instructing patients and their family members in proper wound care.
Qualifications required for nurses in wound care
In general practice, nursing refers to wounds as they can result from medical procedures, pressure ulcers, as well a wound injury. According to Smith (2012), 3.5 of 1000 patients suffer from wound injuries.
Smith (2012) notes that wound care has been recognized as an important specialty in healthcare and is now necessary to develop practice competencies across all related fields.
Dutton, Chiarella & Curtis (2014) suggest that all the various wound nursing professionals in different settings within the health care sector should be evaluated for their unique contribution to the overall process of wound care providers.
The wound care nursing hierarchy demands a highly-qualified professional with the necessary clinical and educational qualifications.
These include
A person must hold a degree with RN licensure in wound care.
Completing a Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society WOCN (accredited nursing education program) is required. At present, 8 WOCN nurse education programs are accredited.
After completing the programs, nurses become eligible for the Wound, Ostomy and Continence National Nurses Society certification examination.
A minimum of 50 hours or an equivalent work experience in a college through a post bachelor’s degree is required for each speciality.
Minimum 1,500 hours of clinical experience must have been completed in the five years preceding application.
The Wound care certification 2017 states that 375 of the 1500 hours must have taken place within the last year.
Expertise in Wound, Ostomy, & Colostomy nursing
WOC nurses who are qualified and certified are needed to provide effective prevention, treatment, and maintenance as well as rehabilitation and convention care for patients with gastrointestinal, inter- or genital system issues.
WOC nurses are also essential in preventing and managing common skin injuries such as pressure ulcers.
As such, nurses who specialize in wound care can make a difference in the health of patients suffering from problems with their wounds.
For patients with non-healing or recurrent wounds, nurses will provide extensive information to encourage self-care. However, they won’t affect the healing process.
Management of Clients With Ulcer Related Wounds
The nurses collect information about patients with ulcer disease. They also ensure they have the appropriate patient information.
As some medications can cause gastric inflammation van Wijngaarden Scholten, van Wijk (2012).
As well as information on smoking and stress, coping methods, and alcohol intake, it is essential to provide information on the lifestyle, leisure activities and occupation of the patient (Sharon 2011).
Madley (2014) explains that nurses need to perform a physical examination to identify the symptoms of infection.
It is essential to have a complete patient history that includes details such as the date, time, severity, duration, and any intervention.
Analysis
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
* I am a certified nurse with a bachelor of nursing degree
* My passion and interest in becoming an effective wound-care nurse
* I am dedicated and hardworking.
* I am eager to learn all the management options in woundcare
* I have positive learning attitudes and share information with other students in order to learn from them.
Weaknesses
* In Australia, only a limited amount of people have access to the healthcare system
* Very limited anatomy knowledge
* I’m anxious, impatient, and have poor communication and time management skills.Opportunities
Lim et.al. emphasized that there is a great demand for nurses who are qualified to care for wounds. (2013).
* There are many opportunities for medical advancements in this profession.
* Every profession has a decent salary package
* This profession has a very good reputation
Bedrohungs* Visa taxation
* Too many students are graduating from the same university, which can lead to a flooding in the career field
* Passing an English proficiency test can be difficult as I am not native English speaker.
* Some certifications and programs may not be possible due to financial limitations.
* The Australian economy may not be consistent, and may lead to an increase in the living standards for nurses in the region.
* Low government support as indicated by Woundcare (2013)
* Unexpected circumstances, such changes in immigration status or other unexpected events, can occur
Personal Development Program
Student name: Student numberUnit NCS3201 Date: ………………………………………………… Goal Number: …………
Goal/ Please limit the number of goals per form to 1.
Strategy/performance criteria for reaching your goal under the specified competency standard Domain
Get a Bachelor’s in Nursing Wound Care and register1.
Critical thinking and analysis2.
Engages and maintains professional and therapeutic relationships3.
Practices with the same level of competence4.
Assessments are conducted in depth
Through experience and practice, develop the skills necessary to care for wounds.
I have the ability to work with other nurses to establish professional relationships.
Ability to maintain a high standard practice in compliance with competency standards in wound-care nursing.
Support in the evaluation and assessment research projects in wound care nursing.
The areas of strength
I have received training in wound management, assessment and treatment.
I get along well and can build healthy relationships with people from all walks of life.
I have been licensed as a wound-nurse and will be able to continue my qualification through successful practice.
I am skilled in assessing different aspects of wound care.Opportunities for future development
I will continue to research wound care in order expand my skillset and knowledge base.
To improve my professional skills and knowledge, I have benefited from the friendships of my friends.
Teaching my juniors, and their colleagues, how to be a good practitioner in wound care.
More research, projects and publications will require qualified professionals to evaluate.
Goal Attained /year
Goal/ Please limit the number of goals per form to 1.
Strategy/performance criteria for achieving your goal in the specified competency standard Domain
Get a Bachelor’s in Nursing Wound Care and register5.
Prepare a plan for your nursing practice6.
Nursing practice that is safe, appropriate, and responsive to patients7.
Nursing practice can be informed by evaluating the results
I will try to make sure that I accurately describe the impact of legislation on wound care and how standard adjustments are needed.
It ensures that the law governing the care of wounds can be clearly described
My future research will examine professional research and identify areas of improvement.
The areas of strength
I have an understanding of the whole profession and the many types of wounds I will be dealing with.
I have the required knowledge and skills.
During my time studying for my degree, I was able to use both analytical and research skills.Opportunities for future development
I provide training to juniors on relevant nursing practices.
There are many patients who have wound care issues.
After my studies, you will be able to use my services.
There is more research to be done in wound care.
Goal Attained /year
Goal: Please use one goal per application
Strategy/performance criteria for reaching your goal under the specified competency standard Domain
Get more experience in wound care1.
Critical thinking and analysis2.
Engages and maintains professional and therapeutic relationships3.
Practices with the same level of competence4.
Assessments are conducted in depth
Adopting acceptable, relevant wound care practices based upon quality standards
Establish therapeutic and professional relations with senior citizens or professionals who are experienced in wound care to share your knowledge.
More experience can help you be more effective in service delivery and better at attending to patients.
Acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge in practice to be able to apply analytical nursing knowledge, attitudes, as well as clinical skills.
The areas of strength
I can follow evidence-based guidelines within health care systems in order to practice safely.
I will make connections with people who have more experience to learn more.
My skills and experience have allowed me to be more efficient in my work and I’m able provide top-notch wound care.
Because I have more knowledge in the field, my assessment skills are better and more thorough.Opportunities for future development
My knowledge in safe practice has guided me to do effective and efficient work.
I will be able to pass the skills I have gained with my future juniors.
I have the skills to ensure that my future profession is rewarding. I will also continue to learn and gain more experience in order for me deliver better service.
Continuous learning in the medical profession will enable me to assess any future developments regarding wound care nursing.
Goal Attained /year
Goal – Please only use one goal per application
Your strategy/performance criteria for reaching your goal under a specific competency standard Domain
Get more experience in wound care5.
Prepare a plan for your nursing practice6.
Nursing practice that is safe, appropriate, and responsive to patients
Nursing practice can be informed by evaluating the results
To develop a plan for effective nursing practice, you need to have experience.
For the provision of safe, high quality, and responsive nursing practices, you need to have experience.
For effective evaluation of professional outcomes in wound treatment, it is necessary to have more knowledge
The areas of strength
I have developed different plans and strategies based on the current state of patients.
I have more nursing experience than is necessary to provide appropriate wound care for patients.
I have the ability to evaluate wounds and have knowledge about wound care.Opportunities for future development
The experience I have will enable me to be competent in future nursing care plans.
With my experience, I am able gain more access opportunities professional developments like projects that I can work on with safety.
The evaluation will help in future analyses and in wound care.
Goal Attained /year
Goal – Please limit the number of goals per form to 1.
Strategy/performance criteria to reach your goal in the specified competency standard Domain
Master’s Degree in Wound Management1.
Critical thinking and analysis2.
Engages and maintains professional and therapeutic relationships3.
Practices with the same level of competence4.
Assessments are conducted in depth
Continue professional development to keep my practice current and in good standing.
Promote professional development towards healthy professional relationships
You can improve your skills in wound care by gaining more professional qualification
Professional skills development in the conduct of comprehensive assessments.
The areas of strength
I will acquire critical thinking skills in wound managing
I will establish positive professional relationships with people who have high academic credentials.
I have the ability to interpret and understand patient information in order to provide care.
I will improve my skills in conduction nursing assessments.Opportunities for future development
I am confident and can do well with minimal supervision
I’m a skilled person who can make positive relationships.
I am good at remembering and performing well.
I should be able and able to meet the needs of different patients in order to achieve better results
Goal Attained /year
Goal/ Please use only one goal per application
Strategy/performance criteria to help you achieve your goal in the specified competency standard Domain
Master’s Degree in Wound Management5.
Prepare a plan for your nursing practice6.
Nursing practice that is safe, appropriate, and responsive to patients7.
Nursing practice can be informed by evaluating the results
A master’s will enable me to improve my professional skills in planning and managing nursing practices.
I will achieve a higher level of proficiency, safety, quality and responsiveness in wound care to patients.
Demonstrate the ability of creating an individualised care strategy, timely delegation duties, and directing members
The areas of strength
I have a master’s degree that has improved my planning and ability in nursing.
I will continue to pursue high academic degrees in wound care and caregiving for the future.
I will be able to more accurately evaluate the outcomes of research on wound care.Opportunities for future development
I will have the opportunity to learn more about different aspects of nursing care.
I will find better jobs and receive better benefits.
I will be able to access additional opportunities for professional evaluation in the future nursing care developments.
Goal Attained /year
Goal/ Please only enter one goal per application
Strategy/performance criteria to help you achieve your goal in the specified competency standard Domain
You can obtain postgraduate certification and appropriate professional licensure.1.
Analyzing and critical thinking2.
Engages and maintains professional and therapeutic relationships3.
Practices with the same level of competence4.
Assessments are conducted in depth
Recognizing and utilizing the value of research for wound management
Demonstrate the ability of creating an individualized care strategy, timely delegation duties, and directing members
The acquisition of analytical nursing knowledge, attitudes, as well as skills in the field.
The team-work required to perform nursing audits, reviews and other tasks that improve standard care.
The areas of strength
I will acquire knowledge in any area of wound management research.
I am a team player. I have a positive attitude and a willingness to help others.
I am capable of showing effective knowledge in managing various types of wounds
I have the ability to evaluate wounds and have knowledge about wound care.Opportunities for future development
Confidently sharing knowledge and experience with other team members.
I will maintain healthy professional and therapeutic relationships between patients and physicians.
I will learn how to maintain and practice different types wound care.
I will acquire a thorough understanding of wound care and be able to provide a detailed assessment.
Goal Attained /year
Goal: Please only use one goal per application
Strategy/performance criteria for reaching your goal within the specified competency standard Domain
You can obtain postgraduate certification and appropriate professional licensure.5.
Prepare a plan for your nursing practice6.
Nursing practice that is safe, appropriate, and responsive to patients7.
Nursing practice can be informed by evaluating the results
I will be qualified in comprehensive plan design for nursing practice.
I will diversify my skills to make me more employable.
An advanced nursing license and certification in the appropriate areas will improve my nursing evaluation results in wound treatment.
The areas of strength
I can instruct the junior nurse in different wound management strategies
I can encourage other professionals to adopt a positive approach to patient care.
I am a licensed professional in several competency standards and in evaluation in woundcare.Opportunities for future development
I will acquire knowledge in reporting and planning wound nursing care.
I have more chances to work in other areas with greater satisfaction and enthusiasm.
I will learn effective skills and evaluations in wound care.
Goal Attained /year
Conclusion
Menage (2016) notes that it is necessary to evaluate if a client may have gastric obstruction by reviewing the client’s medical history, particularly in relation with ulcers.
To prevent gastric problems or complications, it is important to know the appropriate prescription, diagnosis, treatment, and medication.
It is necessary as complicated cases may result in pyloric obstructive of the gastric tube, which could cause intravenous fluids to leak if the patient is not assessed properly. This condition will ultimately require surgery.
As a potential career path, a nurse who is interested in wound care will be expected to have a significant role in managing and treating various types of wounds.
In addition to the many benefits of the profession (good pay, flexibility, etc.), it is also important to understand that there is a lack of information and inefficient individualized wound assessment. This leads to serious concerns in the construction and management patients with wounds.
To fill this gap, wound care nurses need to have the patient in their hearts. They can work in many healthcare settings such as hospitals, home care, diabetic foot clinics and emergency departments.
Sometimes, patients are in very poor health and may need to be treated by a wound nurse.
All wound care nurses should use their expertise to provide high-quality wound care and educate patients about how to accelerate wound healing.
Rferences
Angela E., Inger K. H. (2016). First-time parents’ prenatal needs for early parenting preparation. A systematic review.
Midwifery, 39(1):1-11. Retrieved 2 August 2016, from, www.elsevier.com/midw.Doherty, M. E. (2010).
Midwifery Care: Reflections by Midwifery Clients.
The Journal of Perinatal Education, 19(4). 41-51. https://doi.org/10.1624/105812410X530929Ebrahimi, H., Hosseinzadeh, R., Tefreshi, M. Z., & Hosseinzadeh, S. (2014).
Time management behavior of head nurses and staff nurses in Tehran Social Security Hospitals (Iran) in 2011.
Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research. 19 (2), 193–198.Gosnell, K. C. K. (2014).
Foundations of Nursing. : Elsevier Health Sciences. Retrieved from https://www.ebrary.com.
Homer CSE. Passant L. Brodie. PM. Kildea S. Leap. N. Pincombe J. Thorogood. (2009).
Australia’s midwife: Women’s views and midwives’ perspectives.
Midwifery 25(6), 673-681.Jenny, I., & Debbie J., (2014).
The development and relationship between breastfeeding self-efficacy and a new breastfeeding assessment instrument.
Midwifery 29, 407 – 415. Retrieved 16 August 2016, from www.elsevier.com/midw.Lim, S. S., Vos, T., Flaxman, A. D., Danaei, G., Shibuya, K., Adair-Rohani, H., . . . Andrews, K. G. (2013).
Andrews, K. G. (2013). A comparative risk assessment of the burden of disease and injury due to 67 risks factors and risk factor clusters within 21 regions, 90-2010: a systematic study for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010,
The lancet 380(9859), 2240-2260.Menage, D. (2016).
Part 1; A model of evidence-based decision-making for midwifery care. British Journal of Midwifery, 24(1), 44-49. doi:10.12968/bjom.2016.24.1.44Smith, B. (2012).
Strategies to Address Nurse Faculty Vacancies in Developed and Developing Countries. Examples from Australia (Australia), Thailand (USA).
Paper presented at Sigma Theta Tau International’s 23rd International Nursing Research Congress
Unn, D., & Ingvild A. (2012).
The effects of interpersonal relationships, continuity of care and the effect on the birth experience of a woman.
Midwifery 29 (407-415). Retrieved 12 August 2016, from www.elsevier.com/midwvan Wijngaarden, J. D., Scholten, G. R., & van Wijk, K. P. (2012).
Strategic analysis of health care organizations: The suitability and value of the SWOT?analysis.
International journal on health planning management, 27(1).Vicki, P. (2010).
A Hidden Tragedy: Birth as an Issue of Human Rights in Developing Country.
Midwifery Today, Issue 94. Retrieved 19 August 2016, from: https://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/hiddentragedy.asp.Wilson, S., Hauck, Y., Bremner, A., & Finn, J. (2012).
Delphi approach to identifying indicators that indicate quality in Australian paediatric nursing hospitals. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 21(11-12), 1594-1605. doi:10.1111/j.13652702.2011.04004.x