Is certification needed to work as a wound care nurse?

[ThinkerBelleRN, BSN, RN]

I currently work in the Middle East as a staff nurse, and posted in a Hyperbaric and Advanced wound care unit. I have no certification on both specialization but have been working in this unit for the past 2 years. I am looking at getting certified in the near future but I have other priorities for now. I have no idea which steps to take and what certifications are available, and which school to go to. I plan on doing it online since I work full time. I have a BSN and a RN. Any suggestions?

I was also wondering if wound care clinics in the US hire nurses without certifications?

My nurse manager is a CNS wound care. I am considering that path someday.

Any advice/info would be great. Thanks everyone.

[RachRN11]

I think it depends on the clinic and what they want from their employees. For example, the clinic I work at is currently looking for an RN to hire with experience preferred but not required. We'll probably ask them to eventually get certified but they can begin working without one. We're a smaller wound clinic trying to build ourselves up. So, I think it's mixed and (not to be cliche) the best way to know is to ask the clinic you want to apply to. Sorry, I'm not much help!

As for certification, there are options. You can become a CWOCN (certified wound, ostomy, continence nurse) which is typically seen as the "gold standard". Visit www.wocncb.org to get more info.

There is also WCC (wound care certified) and DWC (diabetic wound certified) which I believe are just a one week classes then you probably have to take a test. Check out www.wcei.net

Also CWS (certified wound specialist) which I don't know too much about but my co-worker did it online and then had to take a test.

Hopefully some of that can get you started. Good luck!