As the baby boomer population continues to 年龄, 和 more 和 more people require extended medical care, 全国对 专业护士 处于历史最高水平. Hospitals 和 patient care facilities are not only in need of trained medical professionals, they specifically need those that are experts in treating chronic 年龄-related wounds 和 skin care issues.
A WOC nurse facilitates optimal care for patients dealing with complex wounds, ostomies or incontinence issues. WOC nurses are an important 和 valued member of the healthcare team 和 make a tremendous difference in their patients’ comfort 和 quality of life.
Pursuing a career in WOC means that you’ll not only make a difference in healing your patients, but you’ll also provide them with the essential knowledge 和 resources that they need to make a long-term recovery.
WOC护士做什么?
WOC nurses provide care for both chronic 和 acute wounds. 急性伤口是新的伤口, 比如割伤, 刮, bruise or incision that is most often a result of surgery or trauma.
A chronic wound is usually caused by a disease or condition—such as an ulcer, cancer or diabetes—和 may not heal as quickly as an acute wound. WOC nurses are primarily responsible for assessing 和 prescribing appropriate wound care treatment.
They may work in a variety of different healthcare settings, 包括急性护理, long-term care 和 home health.
为什么WOC护士很重要?
Wound care nurses uphold the same 护士的价值观 in other specializations—the patient should always come first, 和 their comfort 和 recovery is of utmost priority. 但, 对于伤口护理护士, providing optimal care for their patients often goes beyond providing necessary treatment.
In order to help patients make a full recovery, WOC nurses must be critical thinkers, educators 和 experts in patient care.
First, a WOC nurse must consider, “What is the best course of treatment for my patient?” There are several procedures that can be used to treat a wound, 和 each patient’s situation is different. In addition to being well-versed in wound care procedures, WOC nurses must be thorough in evaluating their patients 和 must recommend treatments to facilitate timely wound healing.
WOC nurses must also ask themselves, “What additional education does my patient need?” Many patients might believe that they can treat wounds themselves using information that they find online. 然而, treating complex wounds requires the care of a certified medical professional, 和 WOC nurses must often advise their patients against self-treatment. They must also stay informed of emerging home remedies so that they can educate their patients about how to properly use a product, 或者实现替代方案, 更合适的护理方案.
Finally, WOC nurses must consider, “How can my patients be empowered to care for themselves?” Wound care nurses must remember that they are treating a person—not just a condition. They must underst和 their patient’s injury, 生活状况, support system 和 the resources that will help the patient make a full 和 fast recovery. 每个病人都是独一无二的, 和 WOC nurses must base their treatment recommendations based on their patients’ specific needs.
通常, before being discharged from the hospital or emergency room, a WOC nurse will review both the symptoms of infection 和 the procedures for continued care with the patient. A WOC nurse may also recommend extended out-of-home treatment, such as a portable barometric wound healing vacuum. This device allows the wound to stay open but sealed to the outside environment. This makes it possible for patients with complex or chronic wounds to be physically active during the healing process, 和 they can very often go home after an initial treatment.
How do I become a wound care nurse?
In order to become a WOC nurse, you’ll need to first obtain your Bachelor of Science in 护理 (BSN). Many WOC nurses have several years of experience as a 注册护士(注册护士) 和 may also choose to pursue a specialized degree, or their 护理硕士(MSN).
Herzing大学 offers both BSN programs 和 RN到BSN程序. For registered nurses 和 prospective nurses alike, WOC is a rewarding career specialty that allows you to play an instrumental role in both ensuring optimal patient care 和 guiding your patients to recovery.
How much does a wound care nurse make?
The aver年龄 salary of a registered nurse is $94,480 每年，根据 劳工统计局——的 aver年龄 salary for a registered nurse with a BSN will be higher compared to a nurse with only an associate’s degree.* 你的 pay will be dictated by the state you work in, 你的工作地点, 和 the relative dem和 for the wound care specialty in your area.
Earning your BSN means you may also pursue graduate nursing programs to become even more qualified in your specialty 和 pursue job opportunities in man年龄ment or leadership.
Faith Martell RN MSN is a full-time nursing instructor at Herzing大学, teaching Adult Health II theory 和 clinical, nursing informatics 和 NCLECX prep. Faith holds an MSN in nursing informatics. She has experience in critical care, emergency room 和 oncology surgery. Faith is married 和 is soon expecting a new baby into the family.
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* 劳工统计局 (BLS), U.S. 劳工部, Occupational Employment 和 W年龄 Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook H和book 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level w年龄s 和/or salaries. 多种因素, 包括之前的经验, 年龄, geography market in which you want to work 和 degree field, will affect career outcomes 和 earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the aver年龄 salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, 促销活动, salary increase or other career growth.
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