How to Become a Wound Care Nurse: 4 Steps
Who is a Certified Wound Care Nurse?
A certified wound care nurse specializes in wound care management and provides an effective wound care plan for the patients. They are trained to treat different types of chronic and complex wounds such as:
-
Various types of skin ulcers
-
Skin injuries such as tears, lacerations, and pressure injuries
-
Animal Bites
-
Different types of burns
Certified wound care nurses work with interdisciplinary medical team to execute proper wound care plans. They educate the primary caregivers and give them instructions about the do’s and don’ts essential for the proper healing of the wound and to prevent a recurrence. Wound care nurses’ services aim to offer the best outcome of wound care management.
Why Should You Become a Certified Nurse in Wound Care?
Certification in wound care offers multiple job opportunities across the globe and it adds value to your job profile. Certified wound care nurses can assist the physician and treat wounds directly. Certified wound care nurses can assist the physician and treat wounds directly. The certification helps you to gain advanced knowledge in wound care and helps you to make evidence-based decisions in wound care. Certified wound care nurses can offer the very best treatment outcomes. With your expertise, you can ensure speedy recovery of wounds and improve patients’ conditions.
How to Become a Wound Care Nurse?
Wound Care Certification and its practical training are required to become a wound care nurse. Your academic qualification and experience qualify you to choose different certification courses in wound care. You need to be eligible in the exams conducted by the certification body to get a wound care certification.
What are the Education Requirements for Wound Care Nurses?
The wound care specialty is open to Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), Registered Nurses (RNs), Certified Nursing Assistants, and Physician Assistants.
Step 1: Earn Hands-on Experience
Nurses aspiring for certification and a career in wound care management should preferably have a minimum of one year of clinical experience and practical exposure in areas such as critical care, diabetic centers, and oncology departments. Hands-on experience in working with wound care specialists is required to enhance your candidature. Most health care centers prefer candidates with some clinical experience. The next step is to get wound care certification either by attending a board-approved certification program; if experienced, you can get a certificate based on your experience.
Step 2: OPTION A: Attend a board-approved Certification Program
Wound Care Certification is also approved by dedicated boards. Some of the most common certification programs include:
-
Certified Wound Specialist Certification, issued by the American Board of Wound Management
-
Wound Care Certification, issued by the National Alliance of wound care and ostomy
-
Wound Care Certified (WCC) certification, administered by the National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy (NAWCC)
-
Certified Wound Specialist (CWS) certification, offered by the American Board of Wound Management
-
Certified Foot Care Nurse (CFCN) certification administered by WOCNCB 83
Step 2: Option B: Obtain Certification via Experience
You can also obtain a certification with your experience. If you have 50 related CEs (credits) and 1500 hours (in this, 375 hours must have occurred within three years prior to your application) of clinical exposure for each branch of certification in the past five years, you are eligible for certification. Recertification for all specialties happens every five years.
Step 3: Seek Certification and Pass Exam
Most of the wound care certification courses take approximately 2-3 months to be completed. Subsequently, you need to appear for an exam in whatever specialty you have chosen and should pass the exam to get the certification.
Step 4: Earn Continuing Education Credits
Wound care nurses require continuing education (CE) credits to remain updated on the best medical practices in the field. The CE credits upgrade your knowledge and acquaint you with the recent advancements in wound care management. As with any other medical profession, CE credits serve as a stepping stone to pursuing a higher degree in nursing.
Where Do Wound Care Nurses Work?
A wound care nurse generally works for
ICU (Intensive care units) and Critical Care Units
In units where patients are bedridden
Home health care agencies
Nursing facilities
Public health agencies
There is also an increasing demand for wound care nurses in long-term care settings. They can also specialize in a particular type of wound care such as caring for ostomies, diabetic foot care, etc.
What are the Roles and Duties of a Wound Care Nurse?
Assessing the wound and identifying the appropriate treatment plan
Cleaning the wound to remove debris and bacteria to prevent the risk of infection
Dressing the wound to ensure protection from the bacterial infection
Continuous monitoring of wounds
Coordinating and working in close association with the physicians to execute the proper wound care management
Creating awareness for the patients about how to prevent the bedsores and other wounds from developing
Educating and instructing the patients and caretakers on wound care, infection, and injury prevention
Monitoring the outcome of wound treatment plan
Proper documentation of patient records and insurance reimbursement
There is also an increasing demand for wound care nurses in long-term care settings. They can also specialize in a particular type of wound care such as caring for ostomies, diabetic foot care, etc.
Final Takeaway
Wound care nurses have an influential role in the treatment of the wounds. Increasingly, there is a demand for wound care nurses as the elderly population has a greater need for wound care services. Hence, if you are interested in becoming an elite wound care nurse, you can consider joining Vohra Wound Care Certification for a rewarding career.
