Complex Wound Nurse

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

1. Provide comprehensive wound care assessment and treatment plans for patients with acute and chronic wounds.

2. Lead in the management of complex wounds, including pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, surgical wounds and leg ulcers.

3. Monitor wound progress and adjust care plans as necessary, using advanced wound care techniques and products.

4. Ensure adherence to the approved formulary for dressing to facilitate access to cost-effective wound care products and optimise resource utilisation within the practice

5. Educated clinical staff on the appropriate use of formulary items to maintain consistency in wound care management and reduce unnecessary expenditure.

6. Educate patients and their families/carers on wound prevention, treatment, and self-care management.

7. Provide advice and guidance on nutrition, lifestyle modifications, and other factors influencing wound healing.

8. Collaborate closely with GPs, practice nurses, pharmacists, and other members of the primary care team to provide coordinated care.

9. Work alongside district nurses, podiatrists, and secondary care when necessary to ensure seamless care for complex cases.

10. Serve as the clinical expert in wound care within the practice and the ARRS team, providing training and support to other healthcare professionals.

11. Lead on wound care policy development within the practice, ensuring adherence to best practice and evidence-based guidelines.

12. Participate in multidisciplinary meeting and case discussions as required.

13. Develop and maintain individualised care plans for patients, ensuring accurate documentation of wound assessment, treatment, and progress.

14. Ensure that wound care plans are aligned with broader patient care goals and coordinate with other treatment pathways.

15. Take part in clinical audits, quality improvement projects, and research related to wound care to improve service delivery.

16. Ensure that wound care services are delivered efficiently, adhering to both local and national guidelines and protocols.

17. Identify opportunities for improvement in wound care processes, contributing to continuous service development.

18. Provide training, mentorship, and ongoing support to other clinical staff on wound care techniques and best practices.

19. Stay up to date with developments in wound care, participating in relevant training and continuous professional development.

20. Conduct home visits for housebound patients requiring wound care when necessary

21. Utilising digital technology to monitor and support patients remotely, including virtual consultations for ongoing wound assessment.

22. Lead on initiatives for wound prevention, focusing on education around skin integrity, pressure care, and early intervention strategies.

23. Work with the team to develop programs to reduce the incidence of chronic wounds, especially in vulnerable populations.

24. Implement and maintain safety protocols to minimise the risk of infection and other complications in wound management.

25. Contribute to the development and review of practice policies, protocols, and pathways specific to wound care to ensure high-quality service delivery.

26. Participate in clinical governance activities ensuring that the service meets regulatory requirements, clinical standards and patient safety goals.

The list of duties in the job description should not be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. There will be other duties and requirements associated with the job and the right to update the job description from time to time to reflect changes in or to the job.

Essential Skills/Knowledge/Experience

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Nurse with valid NMC registration
• Advanced training and experience in managing complex wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and other chronic wounds.
• Excellent understanding of wound healing processes, wound care products, and advanced dressings.
• Proven ability to manage a caseload, including complex wound care cases.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to educate and collaborate with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience of working in primary care or community settings.

Desirable

• Postgraduate certification or diploma at Level 7 or higher in Tissue Viability, Wound Care
• An understanding of general practice clinical systems
• Participation in wound care research or quality improvement initiatives

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Eastwick Park Medical Practice

Address

Eastwick Park Avenue

Bookham

Leatherhead

Surrey

KT23 3ND

Employer's website

https://www.eastwickpark.co.uk (Opens in a new tab)