-
by
Carly Elliott, BSN, RN (Editorial Team / Admin)
Wound care nurses bring unique skills and knowledge to the healthcare industry. Their specialized training, comprehensive care plans, early detection of complications, patient education, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams significantly contribute to better wound healing, improved patient outcomes, and enhanced overall healthcare delivery.
For those interested in pursuing a career in wound care nursing, we've provided information about the job description, responsibilities, salary expectations, and steps to becoming one.
Wound Care Nurse Job Description
A wound care nurse, also called a certified wound and ostomy care nurse (CWOCN) or a wound and ostomy care nurse (WOCN), plays an essential role in the healthcare industry by assessing, treating, and preventing various types of wounds. Wound care nurses also specialize in the management of ostomies and continence care. Common types of complex patient wounds include ulcers, burns, pressure injuries, pressure ulcers, diabetic foot wounds, and skin tears.
These advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are skilled professionals who care for patients with chronic or acute wounds and develop effective strategies to promote faster healing and minimize potential complications. They are proficient in recognizing early signs of infection, choosing appropriate treatment methods, and educating patients and their families on proper wound management techniques.
Related: 10 Fastest Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Programs in 2023
Wound care nurses work closely with other healthcare professionals and patient care teams, such as licensed practical nurses (LPNs), nurse practitioners (NPs), physicians, dieticians, occupational therapists, and physical therapists.
A wound care nurse can be found in various inpatient and outpatient settings, such as hospitals (acute care and critical care units), clinics, long-term care facilities, hospices, and home health. There is a growing need for wound care services in long-term care and home care settings, specifically to help with complications from chronic conditions, such as diabetes.
Some benefits of becoming a wound care nurse include having a great deal of professional independence in creating treatment plans and regular daytime working hours without the expectation to work nights, weekends, or holidays. This nursing specialty also offers an intellectual challenge; since the body's systems are integrated holistically, treating a wound will tax your knowledge of proper cardiovascular circulation, pathophysiology, metabolic balance, pressure offloading, chronic disease management, and nutrition.
Wound Care Nurse Responsibilities
Typical responsibilities of the wound care nurses include:
- Educating staff nurses on wound care protocols
- Creating, updating, and managing care plans
- Performing specialized procedures (e.g., removing dead tissue/debridement, cleaning wounds, and bandaging)
- Working with a multidisciplinary team to plan skin care interventions
- Performing diabetic foot care
- Educating patients and their caregivers on wound care procedures and preventative measures
- Charting information for insurance reimbursement
- Writing nursing orders that promote wound healing and or prevent skin breakdown
- Staying up to date with current wound treatments
Wound Care Nurse Salary
According to PayScale, the average yearly rate of pay for wound care nurses is around $67,663. The amount that a wound care nurse can earn will be determined by various factors, like city and state of employment, organization, educational credentials, and years of experience in the field. Becoming a travel nurse who works in areas with a significant shortage of certified wound care nurses can increase the salary potential even more.
Wound care nurses also enjoy employment benefits packages that generally include medical, vision, dental, and prescription insurance coverage. Some may even have the chance to opt for life insurance policies. Some annual time off is also standard for most full-time wound care nurses, generally around two to four weeks.
How to Become a Wound Care Nurse
Becoming a wound care nurse involves fulfilling specific educational and professional requirements while developing the necessary skills to provide specialized care for patients with wounds, ostomies, skin injuries, and continence concerns.
The first step to becoming a wound care nurse is to obtain a nursing degree. This typically involves completing an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program. The BSN is often preferred as it provides broader career opportunities and a stronger foundation for future specializations.
After completing your nursing degree, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain your registered nurse (RN) license. This test validates your nursing knowledge and ensures you can provide safe and effective patient care.
After obtaining your RN license, gain at least one to two years of clinical experience as a nurse in a medical setting, preferably in wound care or a related specialty. Hands-on experience is essential to develop the skills and confidence to excel as a wound care nurse, and you can then take a wound care program.
Related: 10 Fastest Registered Nurse (RN) Programs in 2023
Once a program is complete, the next step is obtaining certification, which requires 50 related continued education hours and 1500 hours of clinical exposure over the last five years. Certificates are offered through various accredited programs, such as:
- The Wound Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB)
- The National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy (NAWCO)
- The America Board of Wound Management (ABWM)
Finally, after completing the program and obtaining certification via direct care experience, nurses must pass an in-depth exam to measure academic and technical competence. Upon passing the wound care certification exam, nurses may use the initials "WCC" to inform current or future employers of their new specialty.
As a certified wound care nurse, you must continually stay updated on the latest advancements in the field through continuing education courses, attending conferences and workshops, and staying engaged in professional nursing organizations focused on wound care education and research.
The demand for competent wound care nurses will increase across the U.S. as the population ages. If you have a passion for wound care and healing and are interested in a new challenge and an in-demand nursing career, consider pursuing this advanced nursing certification.
