Do you like you job as a WOCN better than bedside nursing?

sharlynn · Nov 25, 2007

I became a WCC after being a wound nurse in LTC for several years. I originally took the job for convenience of hours and found out I really liked wound care. It is less stressful than floor nursing, but it can be very frustrating at times also.

One case I will never forget was a man in his nineties who was admitted with what is now classified as Suspected Deep Tissue Injury. We were on top of it immediately, but because of poor circulation, diabetes, and other age related problems, nothing worked and the man faced an amputation. He died in his sleep the night after the doctor told him.

It can also be extremely rewarding if you enjoy hands on nursing.

WV_heart_RN · Nov 26, 2007

i do cardiac nursing full-time and woc opt. hands down i love woc much better. the stickier the situation the better. i love solving a mystery. and the patients are the best.

the frustrating part is when you get the occasional non-compliant patient. if a position were open i would definitely take it over cardiac!!!

lsyorke, RN · Nov 30, 2007

I was bedside med surg for 24 years. I switched to Wound Care, outpatient, 8 months ago and absolutely LOVE IT!! You get to actually see the end result of your care.

oldiebutgoodie, RN · Nov 30, 2007

Oh my gosh, it is like HEAVEN!

You see one patient at a time, have autonomy, more respect, have time to actually talk to patients about their health issues (diabetes, smoking, weight problems, etc.)

At my facility, the floor nurses are constantly being given new required tasks to do (thanks to Joint Commission) besides the general juggling of 5-6 patients. I left the floor a few months ago, and thank my lucky stars every day.

I am in a WOCN program, hope to be certified by March. Best decision I ever made in nursing.

Can you tell I love it??

Yes, it can be frustrating, when you see an inpatient who is a non-compliant diabetic who is going to lose their foot, but there are a lot of positives, too.

Oldiebutgoodie