wound care cert, is it worth it?

[JONlvn-np2b]

hi, im a new lvn and i was thinking about getting wound care certified. is it worth becoming wound care certified and is there any increase in pay associated with it? so i was wondering if there are any wound care nurses in here that can tell me their point of view and there experiences. thanks.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I am not a wound care nurse; however, I am employed at a large LTCF that has one 'wound clinician'. She's an LVN with a certification in wound care.

Since pressure sores are quite common among elderly residents of nursing homes, a wound care certification would almost guarantee you a position as a treatment nurse at long-term care facilities if that's something you'd be interested in.

[suebird3]

I am looking toward becoming certified myself. One is not limited to just LTC's, but skin care is very impotant in that area (not only w/ the elderly).

Suebird

[Fiona59]

Does it cover use of wound vacs? We're seeing them more and more in acute care.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I am also a new LPN and wondered the same thing. And, of course, I want to know if there is additional pay for it. Can anyone clarify? Thanks! :0)

[RainbowzLPN, LPN]

I'd love to get certified in wound care. All the places I've looked all say you have to be an RN to do it. How do you do it as a LPN?

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I'd love to get certified in wound care. All the places I've looked all say you have to be an RN to do it. How do you do it as a LPN?

I heard that in my union, they have wound care training. We have a different union from the RNs, so, it may be possible. I'll inquire and share what I learn.

[Butterflybee]

Is there a pay increase?

[Boston-RN, RN]

Anyone find any answer regarding LPN's getting wound care certified....it's an area I am highly interested in.....I also thought it was just for RN's

Actually found the info:

http://www.wcei.net/course_info.php

Requirements for Course Participation

Anyone interested in skin and wound care is eligible to enroll in our course. For participants interested in wound care certification or continuing education credits, additional requirements must be met.

Requirements for Certification:

1. Candidate must have an active unrestricted license in the United States in any of these disciplines:

Registered Nurse [/url]Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Nurse Practitioner Occupational Therapist Physical Therapy Assistant Physical Therapist Physician Assistant Physician

2. Candidate must be actively involved in the care of wound patients or in the management, education, or research directly related to wound care, for at least two years’ full-time work, which is equivalent to 4160 hours, within the five years prior to certification (verification required).

3. Candidate must successfully complete an approved NAWC “Wound Management Certification Training Course.” WCEI is proud to be an accredited education provider.

4. Candidate must receive a passing score of 85% or better on the NAWC Wound Care Certification Examination.

[suebird3]

I had looked into this company, and they are pretty expensive. Our Consultant really was leary, also.

I will add this info. in a sticky in the Wound Care/Ostomy Forum, though. Try that Forum, asllso, at: https://allnurses.com/forums/f66/ .

Suebird