Can a new grad be a wound care nurse?

[esrun13]

I'm thinking of applying to a wound care position at a local hospital. I am graduating with my BSN in December and am wondering if this position would be a good fit for a new grad, or if more experience is definitely necessary. Thanks!

[dishes, BSN, RN]

Experience and certification is necessary.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

It is very unlikely that a new grad would be considered for that position.

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

I loved my wound care preceptor, and she made this look very exciting. But as a new grad you want to get a broad base of experiences from which to draw. Starting in a position that's so specific might hurt your ability market yourself in the future. Good luck.

[KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN]

Typically, one needs wound care certificate for this type of jobs. Certificate means, among other things, at least 2 years of work in a setting where wound care is done routinely.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Definitely not the place for a new grad.

[RNNPICU, BSN, RN]

No, not a position for a new grad. There is an intense certification process, plus most certifications require 2 years of experience performing wound care. Units that would be good for getting experience in wound care: Surgical Unit, ICU (Any ICU, PICU, NICU, Cardiac ICU, MICU, SICU), Long Term Care facilities, Subacute facilities, to name a few.

Wound Care Nurses have a good understanding of the diagnosis and how it is related to wound development, wound healing, stages of wound healing, products that are appropriate for age, wound, and stage of healing. Many are also NPs.