What can WOCNs do?

[nrsklly]

I work at a tiny hospital that just re-opened. We've never had an ET nurse before, so we aren't sure what his scope of practice is. We plan on writing out a standardized procedure. But until then, these specific questions keep popping up:

Can she give orders over the phone to an RN? If so, does the same physician rule apply that she needs to sign that order within 24hrs?

Can she override the physician orders before speaking with that physician?

Can she order surgery consults?

Also, can someone refer me to the appropriate website that backs up this information? I tried wocn.org, and I found it difficult to navigate. And my own question: according to your hospital policy, are follow up visits required? If so, how often? Daily? Q3days?

Any information will help. Thanks so much!

[Codypatody, BSN, RN]

thought i would try to give you some insight into what a wocn does and try to answer your questions.

can she give orders over the phone to an rn? if so, does the same physician rule apply that she needs to sign that order within 24hrs? as far as i know, a wocn can recommend a wound treatment but a physician order would still be needed.

can she override the physician orders before speaking with that physician? i don't think a wocn can override any physician orders...a wocn is still a nurse but just certified. obviously, if the physician writes for a wocn consult, the physician is looking for more recommendations.

can she order surgery consults? not sure...maybe for a debridement. i would confirm that though.

also, can someone refer me to the appropriate website that backs up this information? i tried wocn.org, and i found it difficult to navigate. and my own question: according to your hospital policy, are follow up visits required? if so, how often? daily? q3days? i don't work in a hospital currently so i can't answer this one.

hope this helps! hopefully more will respond.