I graduate in August :smokin:and I have sent out one resume. On this resume I stated that I wanted to focus on wound care, ulcers, gtube care, etc. Basically a wound care nurse. I don't want to be doing meds. I want to focus on the things that the other nurses dont have time for OR make time for. Please DO NOT think it is b/c I am being lazy or that I dont want to clean up poo. Its not that, I see a need that should be addressed and I want to "fix" it.
The DON for that center called me and she is thrilled:D. They do not have anyone with that type of position and I guess I could say it shows. (I did clinicals there).
So, I am wondering if anyone can give me some pointers for interviewing:confused:. Is there something I should look for, say, do, not do, question.... you know the drill. I think I can nail this position and I really do think I would be perfect for it. I have a strong stomach and love facing a challenge head on. I just tend to jump in to things feet first and dont really look at or think about other things. I dont want to mess up and I really DO want to make a difference for these people I would be caring for.
Specializes in Professional Development Specialist.
We have admitted 3 or 4 residents with wound vacs-the company sends out nurses to educate the staff in their use. In your interview you'll want to clarify exactly what your duties will be-get it IN WRITING . Places will promise you the sun,moon and stars in an interview and then when you show up you could find your self floating as a regular staff nurse. If she seriously wants a "wound nurse" you'll want to ask her what is her precentage of pressure ulcers at this time? What will your position entail as far as documentation-Will you make recommendations to the floor nurse to call the doc or will you be calling the docs yourself? You'll want to do some self study now about skin care in that population. Most LTC's only fully bathe residents one or a few times a week because the dependent folks get hands,face,peri care so often and full immersion baths are just not usually needed so often. We do use lots of emollients,lots of skin sleeves for really fragile folks who are prone to skin tears. Will you take part in educating the staff ? Do they have an OT dept. you can consult for assistive devices for proper postioning? Do they have any skin and wound care policies in place now? What types of products are they using now for routine skin care? Will you be doing this full time or be expected to work shifts as a staff nurse on the floor in addition to this position? Will they re-imburse you for wound certification training if you desire it? If this is going to be a newly created position that she is not going to open up to in-house staff first don't expect lots of warm fuzzy feelings from the floor staff initially. .Being a new nurse I really think working on the floor for awhile would be good for you-first to get an idead of the hcallenges faced and to learn about the population.Thats all I can think of right now-hope I helped...
I agree. There are no dedicated wound nurses on our staff. My DON would be THRILLED with someone interested in wound care, but that nurse would be just like the rest of us. You would be expected to carry a full pt load AND assist with wound care. It would probably sound like a dream job when it was offered, but the reality would be different. Go in with your eyes and ears wide open.
have to agree with the other posters. Not too many places have wound care nurses unless they are a larger facility or more sick residents with a higher number of residents with decubs.
Most places do want someone with experience or specific wound care training and an understanding of LTC regs and insurance issues along with that experience or training.
However...understanding and saying things about being a quick learner, having a passion for wound care and education (staff, resident and family teaching). Also understand that many places pull this nurse to work the floor when short staffed. Along these lines and not to burst your buble...you will have to do incontinance care alot of times when you are doing wound care anywhere near those areas. We do our own treatments/ wound care and for a good bit of time I was in sync with the cnas and would either go in with them when they were doing rounds or go in after them. Now that is team work and makes it sooooooo much easier.
I would also recoment getting your feet wet working the floor.
buzkil
80 Posts
Well, it doesn't hurt to put it out there. At least they know she's enthusiastic.