Wound care work opportunities

[Leonardo Del Toro, RN]

I have an RN degree and have been for some time considering getting a WOC certification but I'm still unsure of the opportunities or the value of such title. After all it does require some kind of money and time investment.

Most nurses working in clinics and wound centers don't even have any certification as I was able to notice as a volunteered in one of these centers in the Bay Area. My question is:

After having a WOC or higher, what is possibility of working on free lance basis such as working in home care or simply being hired one case by case basis? Or what are the types of work available other than SNF or home care?

I know hospital jobs are quite rare since a hospital only needs one wound nurse.

I work as a treatment nurse presently and don't know if I should take this thing to the next level. Any comments appreciated

Thanks

[meggiepie24, BSN]

I would really have to disagree with the comment that hospitals only need one wound care nurse-not true at all! I know of may hospitals that have 2-9 team members, depending on the size of the hospital. You may want to look into the WOCN role a bit more-take a look at emory specifically. Although it does require time and money it is well worth it. As for home care, in my area the WOCNs only go out to see patients if the RNs are not able to achieve a VAC seal or area having major pouching issues. You may also want to explore the career section of the WOCN site where many jobs are posted. good luck!

[TammyG]

It is pretty rare to see a CWOCN employed anywhere except for a hospital, because people just won't pay for it. As you noted, the RNs working at wound clinic's are uncertified. Around here, I have never even seen an RN (certified or not) working at a skilled facility – – they are all LPNs. I did work for a large hospice for a while part time as a palliative wound nurse, however, that was only because I loved the work.

[Leonardo Del Toro, RN]

I would really have to disagree with the comment that hospitals only need one wound care nurse-not true at all! I know of may hospitals that have 2-9 team members, depending on the size of the hospital. You may want to look into the WOCN role a bit more-take a look at emory specifically. Although it does require time and money it is well worth it. As for home care, in my area the WOCNs only go out to see patients if the RNs are not able to achieve a VAC seal or area having major pouching issues. You may also want to explore the career section of the WOCN site where many jobs are posted. good luck!

Thanks for your input. I'm happy that hospitals need more then one wound RN. I'm pretty much have decided I will continue to learn about wounds and will get some kind of certification. In the end of the day I enjoy wound care and think I can make a difference in this area, so that should be good enough. I can always get work in SNF and other places and who knows, if I'm good at this I might get other types of jobs.

[NeekNurse]

Marcos9999, I am on a similar career path, also in the Bay Area. Ive checked around for volunteer work at 2 wound clinics in the area, one didn't respond and one said they don't take volunteers due to hipaa violations. Would you mind private messaging me the clinic you volunteered in, or state the city? Thanks!