Typical day at a wound care center

[NeekNurse]

I am hired at a wound care clinic that is hospital based, there are 2 hyperbaric oxygen chambers, and 4 other RN's. I haven't started yet, and while I asked a lot of questions about the work environment during the interview, I still am not sure what a typical day for a RN would be like in one of these clinics. They described the daily routine as "structured" but hectic. A RN is assigned as either an intake or an outtake nurse for that day.

If anyone has worked at a wound care center, did you like it, and if so, what about it did you like? Alternatively, if you didn't enjoy the work environment, why not? What is a typical day like? Any insight is greatly appreciated!

[Eagle2110, ASN, BSN, APRN]

Hi!!

I'm a case manager at a fairly busy wound care clinic so hopefully I give you the answer you need. Monday-Friday we see an average of 20 patients per day. When the patient comes in, a nurse takes their vital signs and assess their wounds. Then the case manager and the doctor goes in; at this point, most wounds are debrided. The doctor lets the case manager what dressing to apply. The case manager relays this message to the other nurses who then discharge the patient ( apply the dressing). The case manager is responsible for coordinating all the care that patient may needs ( supplies, home health, tests, cultures, equipment, EVERYTHING). Let me know if you have anything clarified. Hope this helps some!

And oh, yes I love it. It's amazing witnessing a wound heal. I have watched patients' entire lives transform after finally finding a wound care center dedicated to helping them heal. Many fear the worst and lose sleep and happiness from the thought of losing a limb or life. We have a bell that we hit whenever we heal a patient, we absolutely love it!! I also like the steady work and the fact that the patients comes and go instead of being in a room all day with a call light :-).