Wound/Ostomy Registered Nurse

Newton-Wellesley Hospital
United States, Massachusetts, Newton
2014 Washington Street (Show on map)
Apr 13, 2026
The Wound/Ostomy Nurse is a Registered Nurse with advanced education, training and clinical expertise in the care of patients with wounds, ostomies and incontinence. The Wound/Ostomy Nurse serves as a clinical resource and consultant for all members of the healthcare team. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating the care, education, and rehabilitation of all patients with specific disorders of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and integumentary systems. The Wound Ostomy RN also facilitates the Pressure Ulcer Prevention and other quality related programs. Essential Functions -Assesses patient's needs related to wound/ostomy and continence issues incorporating functional, emotional, age-related and cultural information as indicated. -Derives the diagnosis and identifies healthcare issues based on the assessment. -Involves the patient and family in designing the plan of care. -Provides education for the patient and the family on issues pertaining to wound/ostomy /continence and other health related issues. -Works closely with Nursing, Medical and other staff to ensure maximal outcomes for patients with wound/ostomy or continence problems. -Develops and implements policies, procedures, and standards of care that guide and support the provision of evidenced based nursing practice and patient care. -Conducts assessments, develop s educational programs for all levels of personnel to meet the unique needs of patients with wound, ostomy or continence problems. -Coaches and mentors nursing staff to manage the care for patients with wound, ostomy & continence problems. -Leads the Pressure Ulcer Prevention Program. -Implements regular pressure ulcer prevalence surveys. -Coordinates the out-patient wound/ostomy service and utilizes the longitudinal medical record (LMR) to communicate and document the patient's care. -Participates in quality and performance improvement initiatives to identify Wound/Ostomy Continence related issues. -Collects data, analyzes findings and formulates recommendations to improve patient care or Nursing practice. -Participates in relevant NWH and PHS committees and task forces. -Collaborates with Materials Management to provide clinical perspective on wound/ostomy products, specialty beds, and other equipment. Education Bachelor's Degree Nursing required and Bachelor's Degree Nursing preferred and Master's Degree Nursing preferred Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree? No Licenses and Credentials Registered Nurse [RN - Massachusetts] - required Experience Minimum of two years nursing experience required. Prior wound/ostomy experience 0-1 year preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Certified wound care nurse certifications(s) may include: WCC, CWOC, CWOCN. - Computer skills required. - Knowledge of the special needs and behaviors of infant, child, adolescent, adult, older adult patients preferred. - Evidence of continued education and professional development. - The WOCN works in a variety of patient care environments where there may be exposure to communicable diseases and hazardous materials such as chemotherapeutic agents, radioisotopes and radiation. - Caring for patients also involves exposure to human waste and other unpleasant elements. - Other duties may include general cleaning with exposure to dirt, odors, cramped quarters, etc. Physical Requirements Standing Frequently (34-66%) Walking Frequently (34-66%) Sitting Occasionally (3-33%) Lifting Frequently (34-66%) 35lbs+ (w/assisted device) Carrying Frequently (34-66%) 20lbs - 35lbs Pushing Occasionally (3-33%) Pulling Occasionally (3-33%) Climbing Rarely (Less than 2%) Balancing Frequently (34-66%) Stooping Occasionally (3-33%) Kneeling Occasionally (3-33%) Crouching Occasionally (3-33%) Crawling Rarely (Less than 2%) Reaching Frequently (34-66%) Gross Manipulation (Handling) Frequently (34-66%) Fine Manipulation (Fingering) Frequently (34-66%) Feeling Constantly (67-100%) Foot Use Rarely (Less than 2%) Vision - Far Constantly (67-100%) Vision - Near Constantly (67-100%) Talking Constantly (67-100%) Hearing Constantly (67-100%) Newton-Wellesley Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.